Lawyer / Senior Lawyer - Children's Social Care

Harrow Council; London Borough of Harrow; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a qualified lawyer to provide direct legal support to children’s services, specifically in the area of public law. The ideal candidate will have specialist knowledge in English law, particularly around children’s social care and local government law. This role offers flexible working arrangements with a strong emphasis on collaboration and professional development.

Qualifications

• Specialist knowledge of English law, especially local government law.
• Experience in children’s social care and public law.
• Understanding of education law and special educational needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal support to children’s services.
• Attend meetings and give legal advice.
• Represent clients in court as required.
• Maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Specialist knowledge of English law

Children’s social care knowledge

Knowledge of education matters

Understanding of local government law

Good experience of relevant legal work

Ability to provide written and oral advice

Evidence of continuing professional development

Education

Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives

Qualified solicitor, barrister, or appropriately qualified overseas lawyer

Job description

Overview

HB Public Law is one of the country’s leading local authority shared legal practices, Lexcel accredited, delivering a high-quality service. We seek lawyers who embody an innovative and ambitious approach to public sector legal work. You will join a team dedicated to providing direct legal support to the London Borough of Hounslow’s Children’s Services, which is rated Good with Outstanding leadership by OFSTED. The legal team is respected within the local judiciary and wider legal community. We support our lawyers to develop and flourish in their careers, with flexible working, a commitment to training & development, and a highly supportive environment that allows work autonomy in the workplace and at home.

Although Harrow Council will be the employer, the place of work will mostly be Hounslow. You would primarily work for Hounslow to develop in-depth knowledge of the client department and build strong client relationships. Cross-working is sometimes offered or required within other authorities in our shared service, and there may be a need to work at other HBPL client premises. Meetings are frequently held remotely with clients; you may also be required to attend meetings at Hounslow House in central Hounslow and at Harrow Council, the host authority for the shared service. Court proceedings are heard in the West London Family Court, located a short distance from 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

Provide direct legal support to the London Borough of Hounslow’s Children’s Services. Attend face-to-face and virtual meetings, give robust written and oral advice, and represent social care clients in court proceedings where required. Develop in-depth knowledge of client departments and maintain strong client relationships. Participate in cross-working within the shared service as required. Support flexible working arrangements and contribute to a positive and productive team environment.

About you / Qualifications

• Specialist knowledge of English law, and practice and procedure including knowledge of local government law, equalities law, data protection.
• Children’s social care, particularly in relation to 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 a qualified solicitor, barrister, or appropriately qualified overseas lawyer.

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

If you would like a confidential conversation before applying, please call Suzanne Groocock, Principal Lawyer, on 07927 548174 or email [e-mail].

How to apply

Related documents: Role Profile/Selection Criteria. Apply for this job online or email this job to a friend.

Organization & Benefits

Harrow Council is a large London borough with a diverse community. Details about benefits and other information are available via Harrow Council’s website and the recruitment process is designed to be barrier-free. We welcome applications from diverse candidates.

Important note: We are committed to equal opportunity in recruitment. We do not discriminate on grounds of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity unless it is a Genuine Occupational Qualification. We strive to provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and can provide information in alternative formats if needed.