Lawyer / Senior Lawyer – Children’s Social Care

London Borough of Harrow; Harrow; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK seeks an experienced legal professional to provide direct legal support for children's services. The role involves giving robust advice and possibly representing social care clients in court. The ideal candidate has specialized knowledge of English law and children’s social care. This position supports flexible working arrangements and offers opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Specialist knowledge of English law, practice and procedure including local government law.
• Understanding of children's social care and public law proceedings.
• Experience providing written and oral advice to senior managers.
• Qualifications as a solicitor, barrister, or legal executive.

Responsibilities

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

Job description

Overview

HB Public Law is one of the country’s leading local authority shared legal practices, it is Lexcel accredited, and we pride ourselves on delivering a high-quality service. HB Public Law is an innovative and ambitious legal service committed to the public sector, and we seek 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 we are respected within the local judiciary and wider legal community.

We support our lawyers to develop and flourish in their careers. We understand that this area of law can be challenging and, at times, highly pressurised and therefore understand the importance of providing our lawyers with a work life balance. HB Public Law offers flexible working, a commitment to training & development and a highly supportive working 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. In the main you would work solely for Hounslow, allowing you to develop an in-depth knowledge of our client department, as well a strong client relationship. Cross working is sometimes offered or required within the other authorities in our shared service and there may be a requirement to work at another HBPL client premises. We frequently hold remote meetings with our clients, but you would also be required to attend meetings at Hounslow House in the centre of Hounslow, as well as Harrow Council which is the host Authority for the shared service. Our court proceedings are heard in the West London Family Court which is situated only 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.

About you

The successful candidate will have:-

• Specialist knowledge of English law, and practice and procedure including knowledge of local government law, equalities law, data protection.
• Children’s social care, in particular in relation to public law proceedings and public law duties to children in need and looked after children.
• Knowledge of education matters including special educational needs.
• A thorough practical understanding of the concepts underpinning local government law and public law principles as they apply to local government.
• Good experience of relevant legal work.
• Providing 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, qualified solicitor, barrister or appropriately qualified overseas lawyer.

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

If you would like a confidential conversation about the opportunity prior to applying, please feel free to call Suzanne Groocock, Principal Lawyer on 07927 548174

Related Documents

For more information, please refer toRole Profile/ Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk

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Important Note

Our staff are our greatest asset and therefore no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies.

Harrow is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people or people with long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the recruitment process, or provide any information in an alternative format please contact our resourcing team.

HARROW REDEPLOYEES WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

We particularly welcome female applicants, individuals under 25 years of age, those from the BAME community, LGBTQ+ applicants and disabled applicants, as they are under-represented within Harrow Council at this level. Appointment will always, however be made on merit.