Children's Solicitor - Public Sector Counsel (Swindon)

Essential Employment; Swindon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Employment seeks a Children's Solicitor for a full-time temporary contract in Swindon. You will deliver timely legal advice and representation to Officers and Members on routine and complex matters, balancing risk and policy considerations.

You will manage a caseload, conduct legal research, draft documentation, act as advocate in proceedings, and ensure confidentiality and data protection compliance across all activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, succinct and timely legal advice, representation and support to Officers and Members of the Client in relation to routine transactional and complex matters, including assessing information sources and delivering balanced legal advice and decisions to assist and identify risks for the council.
• Hold day to day personal accountability for a case load of files
• Research legal questions and find solutions through analytical ability and thorough research arising from the Client’s work and converting into legal advice
• Analytically consider documents and evidence provided by the client department and other parties where appropriate
• To act as advocate and represent the Client in legal proceedings under all relevant legislation
• To negotiate, draft and complete all types of legal documentation including with external organisations
• Use the case management system, templates and processes within the department
• To engage in supervision and performance framework of legal services
• Maintain understanding of client functions, delegations, and decision-making processes
• Keep up to date with legislation, regulation, case law, codes of practice and policy and share knowledge within the legal team
• Undertake annual professional development required by the role holder’s professional body
• Ensure compliance with Client policies and procedures and practices
• Take steps to ensure confidentiality including encryption and redaction of documentation and use of electronic resources
• Participate in team meetings, briefings and staff events
• Complete mandatory training such as Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act and equality and diversity training as prescribed
• Promote equality and diversity best practice in all areas of work
• Protect the reputation of the Client
• Provide advice at internal and external meetings and at Committee
• Ensure continuous improvement of legal advice, processes and policies
• Attend and advise Cabinet or other Committees and establish good working relationships with other departments and outside agencies
• Promote high professional standards and contribute to team development
• Provide advice, support and mentor trainees and legal staff
• Carry out other duties as required by management and the Chief Legal Officer
• Undertake the functions and knowledge set out in the personal specification

Job description

Essential Employment seeks a Children's Solicitor for a full-time temporary contract in Swindon. You will deliver timely legal advice and representation to Officers and Members on routine and complex matters, balancing risk and policy considerations.

You will manage a caseload, conduct legal research, draft documentation, act as advocate in proceedings, and ensure confidentiality and data protection compliance across all activities.