Child Protection Lawyer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Reigate; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible / remote working

Attendance at court hearings

Bi-Weekly Pay

Potential contract extension

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a qualified Child Protection Lawyer to join a Local Authority Legal Services team on a 3-month basis in Surrey. The role involves expert advice and representation to Children's Services, with flexible / remote working options and a focus on safeguarding and public childcare law.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record in child protection, current England and Wales practice, and be capable of managing a complex caseload within a

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Child Protection and Public Law proceedings.
• Current practicing certificate in England and Wales.
• Strong advocacy and drafting, negotiation, and legal research skills.
• Experience advising senior officers and key stakeholders.
• Ability to manage complex cases independently.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a complex caseload of child protection and public law matters with minimal oversight.
• Deliver specialized legal advice to Children's Services, officers, members, and partner organizations.
• Handle care proceedings and related public law childcare matters.
• Provide guidance on safeguarding, child protection, and statutory duties.
• Draft legal documents such as court applications, statements, pleadings, and orders.
• Represent the Local Authority in court proceedings and perform advocacy as needed.
• Instruct and manage Counsel when appropriate.
• Offer legal advice at meetings, panels, and multi-agency forums.
• Assist the Monitoring Officer with governance and legal compliance issues.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training for officers and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records using electronic case management systems.
• Mentor and support junior team members as needed.

Skills

Child Protection Law

Public Law

Advocacy

Legal Drafting

Stakeholder Engagement

Case Management

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX

Job description

Reigate, United Kingdom | Posted on 13/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Child Protection Lawyer - 3 Month Contract

Local Authority | 3 Month Contract

Location: Surrey

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Flexible / Remote Working Available

Summary

We are seeking a skilled Child Protection Lawyer to join a Local Authority Legal Services team on a temporary basis. This role is ideal for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with expertise in childcare and public law proceedings. You will be responsible for managing a diverse and complex caseload, offering expert legal counsel and representation to Children's Services, senior officials, elected members, and partner organizations. As part of a Lexcel-accredited legal team, you will address intricate child protection issues, perform advocacy when necessary, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal services that protect children and foster positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a complex caseload of child protection and public law matters with minimal oversight.
• Deliver specialized legal advice to Children's Services, officers, members, and partner organizations.
• Handle care proceedings and related public law childcare matters.
• Provide guidance on safeguarding, child protection, and statutory duties.
• Draft legal documents such as court applications, statements, pleadings, and orders.
• Represent the Local Authority in court proceedings and perform advocacy as needed.
• Instruct and manage Counsel when appropriate.
• Offer legal advice at meetings, panels, and multi-agency forums.
• Assist the Monitoring Officer with governance and legal compliance issues.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training for officers and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records using electronic case management systems.
• Mentor and support junior team members as needed.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver an efficient and effective legal service.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practice in England and Wales.
• Current practicing certificate.
• Extensive experience in Child Protection and Public Law proceedings.
• Strong understanding of Children Act legislation and related childcare law.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal cases independently.
• Advocacy experience or a strong aptitude for advocacy.
• Proficient in drafting, negotiation, and legal research.
• Experience advising senior officers and key stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work flexibly and meet court and statutory deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Previous experience in a Local Authority legal setting.
• Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited environment.
• Supervisory or mentoring experience.
• Experience advising committees, members, or senior leadership teams.

Additional

• Flexible and remote working options available.
• Attendance at court hearings and meetings required as necessary.
• Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile childcare cases.
• Lexcel-accredited legal service.

What's on Offer?

• 3 Month Contract
• Full-Time Hours
• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Diverse and complex child protection caseload.
• Supportive Local Authority legal team.
• Opportunity to engage in advocacy and develop specialized expertise.
• Potential for contract extension.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Child Protection Lawyer, Childcare Lawyer, Care Proceedings Lawyer, Children's Solicitor, Public Law Solicitor, Family Solicitor, Local Government Lawyer, Senior Childcare Lawyer, or Children's Services Legal Advisor.