Childcare Lawyer Solicitor

Civic Recruitment Limited; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 74,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bi-weekly pay

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a seasoned Childcare Lawyer (Solicitor) to join North Yorkshire Council's Legal Services on a 3-6 month contract. The role focuses on care proceedings, child protection and family law matters within a local authority setting.

The successful candidate will manage complex childcare caseloads, provide practical legal advice, and work with social care teams to safeguard children, with hybrid working options in Northallerton and wider Yorkshire.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Children's Law, Care Proceedings and Family Law.
• Experience within Local Authority or public sector settings.
• Strong advocacy, case management and legal drafting skills.
• Excellent legal research and analytical abilities.
• Ability to offer clear, practical advice on complex legal issues.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert legal advice and representation in Care Proceedings, Child Protection Matters, Family Law, and Public Law Children matters.
• Oversee a caseload involving childcare and family law issues.
• Advise Children and Young People's Services on complex legal matters.
• Conduct legal research and prepare applications, statements, and reports.
• Represent the Council in court proceedings and hearings.
• Collaborate with social workers, managers, and partner agencies.
• Ensure compliance with Law Society standards and Lexcel Accreditation.

Skills

Children's Law

Care Proceedings

Family Law

Advocacy

Case Management

Legal Drafting

Legal Research

Communication Skills

Stakeholder Management

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Job description

Northallerton, United Kingdom | Posted on 03/09/2026

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.

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

Childcare Lawyer (Solicitor) – 3 to 6 Month Contract

Location: County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AE

Contract: 3-6 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid – Monday in Northallerton Office / 4 Days Remote

Summary

North Yorkshire Council is in search of a seasoned Childcare Lawyer (Solicitor) to temporarily join its Legal Services team. This position plays a crucial role in supporting the Children and Young People's Service by offering specialized legal counsel and representation in various childcare and family law issues. The successful candidate will handle intricate care proceedings, provide guidance on safeguarding, and collaborate with social care professionals to ensure favorable outcomes for children and families. While the primary focus is on the Harrogate area, applicants from across North Yorkshire and nearby regions are encouraged to apply. There is also the possibility of fully remote work for the ideal candidate.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert legal advice and representation in:
  • Care Proceedings
  • Child Protection Matters
  • Family Law Cases
  • Public Law Children Matters
• Oversee a caseload involving childcare and family law issues.
• Offer guidance to the Children and Young People's Services on complex legal matters.
• Conduct legal research and deliver clear, practical legal advice.
• Represent the Council in court proceedings and hearings.
• Draft legal documents, applications, statements, and reports.=
• Collaborate effectively with social workers, managers, and partner agencies.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Law Society Professional Standards
  • Lexcel Accreditation

Requirements

Requirements:

• Contribute to the efficient delivery of legal services throughout the Council.

Applications are only open to qualified Solicitors with a current Practising Certificate.

Candidates must possess:

• Extensive experience in:
  • Children's Law
  • Care Proceedings
  • Family Law
• Experience providing legal advice within a Local Authority or public sector setting.
• Strong skills in advocacy, case management, and legal drafting.
• Excellent legal research and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to offer clear and practical advice on complex legal issues.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Please refrain from applying if you do not hold a current Practising Certificate, as unqualified candidates will not be considered.

• Experience in Local Government legal work.
• Advocacy experience.
• Familiarity with current childcare legislation and statutory guidance.
• Experience supporting Children's Services Directorates.

What's on Offer?

• 3-6 Month Contract
• Hybrid Working
• Monday Office Attendance in Northallerton
• 4 Days Remote Working
• Fully Remote Considered for the Right Candidate
• Bi-weekly Pay
• Opportunity to join a highly regarded Local Authority legal team.
• Engage with a challenging and rewarding childcare caseload.
• Potential for contract extension.

This role is suitable for candidates with experience as a Childcare Solicitor, Children's Lawyer, Family Solicitor, Senior Childcare Lawyer, Local Authority Solicitor, Care Proceedings Solicitor, or Public Law Children Specialist.