In House Advocate (Social Care)

Public Law Jobs; Bradford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in social care law is seeking experienced advocates to join their dynamic legal team. This role offers the chance to represent clients in family courts, providing essential advocacy in care and adoption proceedings, and contributing to significant public issues. The position is based in Bradford's iconic City Hall, surrounded by cultural and recreational facilities. With a focus on professional development and a supportive work environment, this opportunity allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working arrangements and generous benefits. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

15% Market Supplement for 12 Months

Generous leave entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Access to West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Excellent learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of court experience in family law advocacy.
• Ability to produce high-quality legal documentation and provide legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in family courts and provide legal advice on vulnerable children matters.
• Deliver training and guidance to social care clients and legal team.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal Research

Written Communication

Professional Judgment

Training Delivery

Education

Solicitor or Barrister qualification

Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives

Job description

We serve Children and Adult Services and we represent the Bradford Children and Families Trust. We are seeking to appoint two in-house advocates to join our busy and highly professional social care legal team. This new role will allow the right applicant the opportunity to establish a presence before our local courts representing our clients in respect of a diverse range of matters. We are confident that this role will provide the opportunity to make a positive difference working alongside a friendly and supportive team.

This is a great opportunity to work in a thriving city with award winning parks, nature reserves, historic architecture, museums, galleries and first class leisure facilities. Bradford Metropolitan District has it all. You will be based in the Bradford City Centre in the Grade One Listed City Hall and have all the benefits of the cultural, retail and leisure facilities that Bradford has to offer as the 4th largest Metropolitan District and City of Culture in 2025.

The establishment of the Children and Families Trust has provided a fantastic opportunity to consider a revised approach towards ways of working in order to improve the delivery of our legal service. There are also opportunities to provide advice to council members, senior officers, scrutiny committees and managers in our client departments on policy and high-profile public issues.

The right candidate will:

• Be an experienced advocate with more than five years court experience undertaking advocacy on behalf of Bradford Children and Families Trust in respect of all aspects of care and adoption proceedings, private law children proceedings, deprivation of liberty applications, human rights and on occasions matters concerning transition to adulthood and the overlapping intervention of the Court of Protection.
• Provide representation before the full range of family courts including the Family Division of the High Court and Court of Appeal (Civil Division), where appropriate, and when required will liaise with the courts to address wider issues relating to changes in the law and practice, both locally and on a national level.
• Produce good quality written documentation including case summaries, draft orders, position statements, skeleton arguments and threshold documents, and provide advice in respect of the written evidence being provided by the client.
• Provide advice on law and practice in respect of aspects of the law relating to vulnerable children and their families.
• Exercise professional judgment and make operational decisions on allocated matters in the context of legal advice and assistance.
• Provide supervision, guidance and support to colleagues across the team.
• Deliver training in house to social care clients and the legal team and provide briefings to senior officers of the council and managers, where required on complex points of law and developments in law and practice.
• Be a solicitor, barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and have or be willing to work towards Higher Rights of Audience.

Benefits include:

• 15% Market Supplement for 12 Months
• Generous leave entitlement
• Opportunities for flexible working, hybrid working and flexi time
• Access to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund
• Excellent learning and development opportunities

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants.

The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.

Closing date: 6 April 2025

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.

Employer Info

City of Bradford
West Yorkshire, Yorkshire, United Kingdom