Lawyer Children, Adult and Health

Durham County Council; North East; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the North East of England is seeking a qualified Lawyer to join its Children, Adults, and Health Team. The successful candidate will initiate care proceedings and represent the Council in legal matters. Ideal candidates will be qualified solicitors or barristers, with experience in childcare law and advocacy. The role offers competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

27 days holiday rising to 32 days after five years

Hybrid working model

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience of running matters within Public Law Outline.
• Must have a current practising certificate.
• Experience with adults legislation is welcome but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and conduct care proceedings under the Children’s Act 1989.
• Represent the Council before courts and tribunals.

Skills

Experience in Public Law Outline

High quality advocacy

Knowledge of childcare law

Advising Children’s Services

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEx Litigator

Job description

Overview

Are you looking to progress your career in Law? If so, we are looking for a Lawyer working within our Children, Adults and Health Team within Legal Services.

What is involved?

You will be responsible for initiating and conducting care proceedings under the Children’s Act 1989. You will have experience of running matters within Public Law Outline and advising Children’s Services, generally, on all issues of childcare law. Experience of adults legislation, including mental health, mental capacity and the Care Act would be welcome but not essential as the role will not be undertaking adult work. You will also undertake high quality advocacy, representing the Council before courts and tribunals.

What will I need?

You must be a Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEx Litigator and Chartered Legal Executive Advocate (Family Open Court) with current practising certificate (will consider those about to qualify having completed all academic stages).

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

Rewards and benefits

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
• Hybrid working (home and office working).
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

Interviews

Interviews will be held week commencing 20th October 2025. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

How to apply

In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email [e-mail].

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