Lawyer – Advocacy

Coventry City Council; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a qualified Solicitor or Barrister to join their in-house legal team. The role involves representing the Council in children's legal matters and providing high-quality legal services while working collaboratively with various departments. The position offers hybrid working options and a supportive environment for professional development.

Benefits

Excellent holiday package

Flexible working to support work-life balance

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in public law children's legal work is required.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners.
• Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship currently available).

Responsibilities

• Represent the Council as an in-house advocate across all tiers of court.
• Provide a high-quality, client-focused legal service.
• Deliver training sessions and conduct legal research.

Skills

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Strong drafting skills

Advocacy skills

Customer-focused

Good organisational skills

IT skills

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Our Values

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and strive to create an inclusive workplace culture that is accepting of all and free from discrimination and bias. In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

Job Role

Join us at Coventry City Council and be part of a friendly, supportive and dedicated in‑house legal team making a real difference for children and families across our city. Coventry has achieved recognition for significant improvements in statutory timescales and outcomes for children, making this an exciting time to join a team that is delivering real impact for families across the city. The team offers a professional, comprehensive, tailor‑made service to address legal issues of every description and is highly motivated, eager to develop and face challenges head‑on.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Council as an in‑house advocate across all tiers of court for Local Authority Children and Adoption cases.
• Carry out hearings in the Court of Protection, Education Tribunals, inquests, and Adult Matters with relevant support and training.
• Provide a high‑quality, client‑focused legal service, drafting and advising on legal correspondence and documentation.
• Deliver training sessions, conduct legal research, and give sound, practical advice under pressure.
• Work effectively as part of a team and establish good relations with client departments and outside agencies.
• Maintain good organisational, communication, and IT skills to meet tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with experience in public law children’s legal work.
• Strong drafting and advocacy skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, client departments, Members, and external partners.
• Customer‑focused, committed to service improvement and professional development.
• Appreciation of, or willingness to learn, adult work, SEN Tribunal work, and Court of Protection cases.
• Good organisational, communication, and IT skills; able to work to tight deadlines and give sound, practical advice under pressure.
• Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship currently available).

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Individuals currently in care or who have previously been in care
• Disabled persons or those with a long‑term health condition

For full details on the application process, please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you. If there is evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a reasonable justification.

Benefits

In return, you will join a welcoming and encouraging team, enjoy hybrid working (home and office), an excellent holiday package, and the opportunity to accrue additional leave through flexible working, supporting a work‑life balance. We are committed to supporting your professional development, helping you build skills and experience and progress within Legal Services.