Lawyer/Senior Lawyer – Hounslow, Children’s Social Care

Harrow Council; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrow Council seeks a qualified lawyer to join HB Public Law, delivering legal support to the London Borough of Hounslow’s Children’s Services. The role requires expertise in English law, local government procedures, and children's social care, offering a balance of autonomy and support in a flexible work environment.

Benefits

Flexible working

Commitment to training & development

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Specialist knowledge of English law and practice.
• Experience in children’s social care and public law.
• Good experience of relevant legal work.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to children's services within Hounslow.
• Deliver written and oral legal advice to senior management.
• Engage in cross-working with other authorities as needed.

Skills

Specialist knowledge of English law

Children's social care

Local government law

Data protection

Education law

Providing written and oral advice

Continuing professional development

Education

Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives

Qualified solicitor, barrister or overseas lawyer

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. 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.

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 14th of July 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 or email [e-mail]

Related Documents

For further information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria