Childcare Locum Solicitor

About Early Years Ltd.; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 68,880 - 75,768; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive hourly rate

Public sector work

Ongoing contract

Job summary

CRA Consulting is partnering with a South Yorkshire Local Authority to recruit a Childcare Locum Solicitor or Legal Executive. The role is Hybrid, offering a meaningful public-law caseload and immediate start on an ongoing locum contract.

You will manage diverse childcare matters, advise social workers and senior officers, and represent the authority in care proceedings. Ideal candidates will have strong childcare law experience and be able to work autonomously within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or CILEX with childcare law experience.
• Experience handling care proceedings within a local authority setting.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of public law childcare matters.
• Conduct and advise on care proceedings.
• Prepare legal documentation, including applications and statements.
• Attend PLO meetings.
• Provide advice to Children’s Services and internal stakeholders.
• Advocacy (desirable but not essential).

Skills

Childcare law

Public sector

Care proceedings

Legal drafting

Independent caseload management

Education

Qualified Solicitor or CILEX

Job description

Role: Childcare Locum Solicitor / Legal Executive Location: South Yorkshire (Local Authority – Hybrid Working) Rate: £50 – £55 per hour Contract: Locum – Immediate Start – ongoing contract

CRA Consulting is working in partnership with a well-regarded South Yorkshire Local Authority to recruit an experienced Childcare Locum Solicitor or Legal Executive to support their busy Children’s Services team. This is an urgent requirement and offers a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive in‑house legal team handling meaningful and rewarding public law work.

The Opportunity

You will be responsible for managing a varied caseload of childcare matters, providing clear, pragmatic advice to social workers and senior officers, and representing the authority in care proceedings. This is a hands‑on role where you will be trusted to manage your own files and work autonomously, whilst being supported by an experienced and collaborative legal team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing a caseload of public law childcare matters
• Conducting and advising on care proceedings
• Preparing legal documentation, including applications and statements
• Attending PLO meetings
• Providing advice to Children’s Services and internal stakeholders
• Advocacy (desirable but not essential – external counsel available)

What They're Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor or CILEX with strong childcare law experience
• Proven experience handling care proceedings within a local authority setting
• Ability to manage a busy caseload independently
• Strong drafting and advisory skills
• Availability to start at short notice

What's On Offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £50 – £55 per hour
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Supportive and experienced team
• Meaningful public sector work
• Ongoing contract

If you’re an experienced Childcare Lawyer available for your next locum assignment, I’d welcome a confidential conversation.