Lawyer/Senior Lawyer - Social Care/Children

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council; Bradford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Bradford is looking for four lawyers to join their social care legal team specializing in children's law. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to develop legal expertise in various matters and contribute positively to the community. This role involves managing diverse caseloads, attending court, and offering legal advice in partnership with other agencies.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister entitled to practice in England and Wales.
• Existing knowledge of social care law is essential.
• Experience managing a diverse caseload in a legal context.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for and attend court hearings.
• Advocate on behalf of clients in legal matters.
• Manage competing demands in emergency situations.

Skills

Knowledge of social care law

Ability to manage active caseload

Advocacy skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

We are the social care legal team (children) representing the Bradford Children and Families Trust. We are seeking to appoint four lawyers/senior lawyers to join our busy and highly professional social care legal team practicing in the area of children’s law and safeguarding. This role will allow the right applicant the opportunity to develop legal expertise representing our clients in respect of a diverse range of matters. We are confident that this role will provide the opportunity to make a positive difference working alongside a friendly and supportive team.

We are looking to recruit four lawyers to join our dedicated team in the social care legal team (children). This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city.

Responsibilities

• Be a qualified solicitor or barrister entitled to practice in England and Wales or fellow of the chartered institute of legal executives.
• Be able to build upon their existing knowledge and experience of social care law from a children law perspective which will include but not be limited to care proceedings, adoption, private law children proceedings, deprivation of liberty applications and /or the impact of the human rights act. Knowledge of court of protection, mental health law, coronial proceedings and public and regulatory law advice would also be welcomed.
• Be expected to manage an active and diverse caseload, prepare for and attend court hearings, advocate on behalf of the client and attend, advise at or participate in case/legal planning meetings, advocate meeting, public law outline meetings and other related forums.
• Be able to act under pressure in the face of competing demands arising from emergency and urgent situations. This will include taking part of the duty rota and advising the client at legal gateway and other panel meetings.
• Have the benefit of working as part of an established team, be offered support and supervision whilst contributing to the delivery of legal services to the client and when cross working with other relevant agencies.
• Be offered opportunities to work alongside the Chief Executive, Human Resources, Environment & Sport, Finance, Public Health, Regeneration & Culture and the West Yorkshire Pension Fund as may be required from time to time and develop an understanding of local government practices.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact Ruth Shedlow, Team Leader for the social care legal team, on 07483984634 or email [e-mail].

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf.

Equal Opportunities

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of sex, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants.

The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.