ChildCare Solicitor

About Early Years Ltd.; Warrington; On-site; GBP 68,880 - 82,656; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Locum assignment

Meaningful childcare cases

Job summary

CRA Consulting is supporting a local authority in Warrington to recruit a Children’s Safeguarding Locum Lawyer. This ongoing assignment offers a competitive hourly rate (£50-£60) and hybrid/remote working options. Start ASAP, working with a dedicated safeguarding team to advise and advocate on complex childcare matters.

The role involves care proceedings, child protection, and advocacy in the Family Court, with opportunities to collaborate with social workers, guardians and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive status.
• Strong experience within Children's Social Care / Childcare Law.
• Experience handling care proceedings and public law matters.
• Advocacy experience within the Family Court.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice and representation in children’s safeguarding and childcare matters.
• Handle care proceedings and child protection cases.
• Advocate before the Family Court and relevant tribunals.
• Draft and review statements, care plans, bundles and skeleton arguments.
• Attend strategy meetings and multi‑agency discussions.

Job description

Children's Safeguarding Locum Lawyer

Location: Warrington (Hybrid/ remote working available)
Salary: £50 - 60 per hour
Contract: Ongoing Locum Assignment
Start Date: ASAP
CRA Consulting is delighted to be working with a local Authority in Warrington who are seeking an experienced Children's Safeguarding Locum Lawyer to join their Legal Services team on an ongoing basis.
This is an excellent opportunity for a childcare lawyer looking for a rewarding local authority assignment, providing high-quality legal advice and advocacy within a supportive and experienced Safeguarding Team.
The successful candidate will join a dedicated legal department supporting Children's Services and Social Care, handling a varied and challenging caseload while working closely with social workers, senior officers, guardians, counsel and external agencies.

The Role

You will provide specialist legal advice and representation in relation to a broad range of children's safeguarding and childcare matters, including:

• Care proceedings and child protection matters
• Providing legal advice and guidance to Children's Services
• Conducting advocacy before the Family Court and relevant tribunals
• Preparing cases in line with the Public Law Outline (PLO)
• Drafting and reviewing statements, care plans, bundles and skeleton arguments
• Attending advocates' meetings, strategy meetings and multi-agency discussions
• Advising on complex childcare issues and emerging areas of legislation
• Working closely with Counsel, Children's Guardians and partner agencies

About You

To be considered for this opportunity, you will have:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive status
• Strong experience within Children's Social Care / Childcare Law
• Experience handling care proceedings and public law matters
• Advocacy experience within the Family Court
• The ability to manage a caseload independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Previous local authority experience is desirable but not essential

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected local authority legal team and support vital safeguarding work within Children's Services.
Benefits include:

• Ongoing locum assignment
• Competitive hourly rate based on experience
• Hybrid working options available
• Supportive and collaborative legal environment
• Opportunity to work on meaningful and complex childcare matters