Lawyer (Children and Families Legal Service)

Manchester City Council; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Manchester seeks a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive for legal advocacy in children's proceedings. The ideal candidate will manage a diverse legal caseload, demonstrate strong communication skills, and work effectively both independently and as part of a team. The role involves representing the Council in complex cases and requires commitment to professional development.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of local government law.
• Manage a wide range of legal case work with minimum supervision.
• Evidence personal commitment to continuous self development and service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop advocacy skills to represent the Council in contested proceedings.
• Work in a flexible manner including outside normal office hours.
• Plan and complete caseload with minimal supervision.

Skills

Knowledge of local government law

Advocacy skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

Overview

The successful candidate whilst demonstrating a working knowledge of local government law will have the ability to manage an existing wide range of legal case work with minimum supervision.

Responsibilities

• Have knowledge of the law relating to children and families and be able to develop existing advocacy skills to represent the Council in complex contested proceedings.


• Be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with Advocacy Certificate, able and committed to working in a flexible manner including outside normal office hours, when the role necessitates the same.


• Be a key member of the group, confident and able to work independently and act upon your own initiative.


• Be able to evidence personal commitment to continuous self development and service improvement.

Legal Services of Manchester and Salford merged in 2012 and with Rochdale’s Children’s and Adult’s legal teams in 2017. There are 3x Lawyer roles within the Children & Families Legal Group.

About the Candidate

• Are your skills and legal mind being rewarded?


• Do you work together as part of a supportive team?


• Is your work wide-ranging and varied?


• Are you achieving your goals?


• Are you able to conduct your own advocacy?

You will be someone who works well as part of a team but equally can plan and complete your own work with minimal supervision. You will have your own caseload so the ability to manage your time effectively is essential. You will be someone who has excellent communications skills, both written and verbal, as you will need to draft legal documentation and provide advice to our clients. You will also represent the local authority at court on a regular basis. The role will suit someone who enjoys advocacy which is a substantial part of the role as a childcare lawyer.