Child Care Lawyer

Venn Group; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A large local authority in the West Midlands is seeking a Child Care Lawyer to manage public law children matters, primarily care proceedings. You will handle a low caseload, supported by dedicated legal officers and an in-house advocacy team, ensuring a strong work-life balance. The ideal candidate will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister, with a background in children's law and strong communication skills. The role offers excellent training, supervision, and a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Experience and understanding of public law children work from local government or private practice.
• Clear communication with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Support for less experienced lawyers through training and development.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of public law children matters, primarily care proceedings.
• Prepare and review legal documentation.
• Provide advice to Children's Services and social workers.
• Represent the authority in court where appropriate.

Skills

Experience in public law children work

Ability to manage a demanding caseload

Strong communication skills

Practical legal advice under pressure

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Child Care Lawyer

Public law children work | In-house local authority team | Hybrid working | £51,356–£57,403

About the role

This is a child protection case management role within the in‑house legal team of a large local authority in the West Midlands. You'll manage a caseload of public law children matters, primarily care proceedings, with some involvement in pre‑proceedings work where needed.

The team's approach to pre‑proceedings work means care proceedings typically start with clear care plans already in place. Cases resolve efficiently, with durations among the best nationally.

What the work involves

You'll carry personal responsibility for progressing cases through care proceedings in line with statutory and court timescales. Day‑to‑day, that means:

• Preparing and reviewing legal documentation
• Providing advice to Children's Services and social workers
• Liaising with counsel, CAFCASS and partner agencies
• Representing the authority in court where appropriate

Current caseloads are low, allowing you to give each case the attention it deserves, and each lawyer is supported one‑to‑one by a dedicated legal officer who handles evidence requests, bundle preparation, diary management, filing and service. An in‑house advocacy team covers most hearings, including complex matters.

Who this suits

You'll be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (Fellow). You'll have experience and understanding of public law children work whether from local government, private practice, or another relevant background.

You'll be able to manage a demanding caseload, communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders, and provide sound, practical advice under pressure. Less experienced lawyers with a strong interest in children's law and a willingness to learn will be supported through training and development.

The team is friendly, supportive and collaborative, with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement. Lawyers who've recently joined from private practice have spoken positively about the level of supervision and development available.

The role offers low caseloads, strong administrative and advocacy support, excellent training and supervision, and a positive approach to work‑life balance.

How to apply

For an informal discussion, contact Nik Stoate at Venn Group [e-mail]