Lawyer / Senior Lawyer – Children’s Social Care

Harrow Council; Harrow; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a qualified lawyer to provide legal support for children's services. This role requires expertise in local government law and experience in children's social care. The successful candidate will work primarily for Hounslow and attend relevant meetings in both Hounslow and Harrow. The position offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified solicitor, barrister, or appropriately qualified overseas lawyer.
• Experience in public law proceedings related to children.
• Ability to provide robust advice both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on children's social care functions.
• Attend face-to-face and virtual meetings with clients.
• Represent clients in court proceedings when required.

Skills

Specialist knowledge of English law

Experience in children’s social care

Knowledge of education matters

Thorough understanding of local government law

Ability to provide written and oral advice

Continuing professional development

Education

Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives or equivalent

Job description

Overview

HB Public Law is one of the country’s leading local authority shared legal practices. It is Lexcel accredited and committed to delivering a high-quality service. HB Public Law is an innovative and ambitious legal service for the public sector, seeking lawyers who embody this approach.

You will join a team dedicated to providing direct legal support to the London Borough of Hounslow’s Children’s Services, rated Good with Outstanding leadership by OFSTED. There is an established positive working relationship between the legal team and Client, and HB Public Law is respected within the local judiciary and wider legal community.

We support our lawyers to develop and flourish in their careers. This area of law can be challenging and, at times, highly pressurised; therefore we provide a work-life balance with flexible working, a commitment to training and development, and a highly supportive environment to allow you to work autonomously in the workplace and at home.

Whilst Harrow Council will be the employer, the place of work will mostly be Hounslow. You would primarily work for Hounslow, developing in-depth knowledge of our client department and strong client relationships. Cross-working with other HBPL authorities may be required, and there may be a need to work at other HBPL client premises. We frequently hold remote meetings with clients, and you would be required to attend meetings at Hounslow House in central Hounslow, as well as Harrow Council as the host Authority for the shared service. Court proceedings are heard in the West London Family Court, located a short distance from the client offices.

Our lawyers provide advice on all matters relating to children’s social care functions, including child protection, public law care proceedings, pre-proceedings, fostering and adoption. You will attend face-to-face and virtual meetings, providing robust advice verbally and in writing. There is an opportunity to represent social care clients in court proceedings where required.

Responsibilities

About you The successful candidate will have:

• Specialist knowledge of English law, and practice and procedure, including local government law, equalities law, and data protection.
• Experience in children’s social care, particularly in public law proceedings and duties to children in need and looked after children.
• Knowledge of education matters including special educational needs.
• A thorough practical understanding of local government law and public law principles as they apply to local government.
• Good experience of relevant legal work.
• Ability to provide written and oral advice and guidance to senior managers and members (or equivalent) with support if needed.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• The post holder must be a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, or qualified solicitor, barrister, or appropriately qualified overseas lawyer.

The closing date for all applications is Monday 13 October 2025. Interviews will take place in our Hounslow offices.

If you would like a confidential conversation about the opportunity prior to applying, please call Suzanne Groocock, Principal Lawyer, on 07927 548174 or email [e-mail]

Related documents: for more information, please refer to Role Profile/ Selection Criteria.

Applications: Apply for this job online or email this job to a friend. Share on your newsfeed. Connect With Us. About Harrow Council, its location, and transport links are provided for context.

Other information: Support for candidates visit Harrow.gov.uk. Our operational and recruitment information outlines equal opportunity statements and accessibility commitments. Harrow is committed to making recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. If you would like adjustments during the recruitment process, or information in an alternative format, please contact [e-mail].

HARROW REDEPLOYEES WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

We particularly welcome female applicants, individuals under 25, those from the BAME community, LGBTQ+ applicants and disabled applicants, as these groups are under-represented at this level. Appointment will always be, however, made on merit.