Lawyer/Solicitor (Childcare)

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Job summary

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is seeking a Lawyer/Solicitor (Childcare) at Senior Lawyer/Solicitor level. The role offers a Career Grade pathway from K through N with a salary of £39,481 to £51,928 and a flexible, hybrid working pattern for up to 37 hours per week.

You will join a supportive Childcare Legal Team, deliver legal advice and advocacy on Children's Social Care matters, and contribute to positive outcomes for families across the Borough while benefiting from professional

Qualifications

• Experience in Children's Social Care law welcomed.
• Ability to provide high-quality legal advice and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and advocacy on Children's Social Care matters to safeguard vulnerable children and support families.

Skills

Advocacy

Childcare law

Job description

Lawyer/Solicitor (Childcare) | Senior Lawyer/Solicitor (Childcare)

Career Grade K-N | £39,481 - £51,928

Up to 37 hours per week | Flexible Working Pattern | Hybrid Working

Tired of choosing between career progression and work-life balance?

Build your career. Change lives. Grow with us.

At Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, we believe talented lawyers shouldn't have to leave an organisation to progress their career.

That's why we've created a Career Grade pathway that allows you to join at the level that's right for you and develop through the grades as your experience, skills and responsibilities grow.

Whether you're:

• Looking for your next promotion
• Working in private practice and seeking a better work-life balance
• Seeking a move into local government
• An experienced childcare lawyer looking for a supportive team and fresh challenge

We would love to hear from you.

Why choose Stockton?

Genuine Career Progression

This isn't a role where you'll wait years for an opportunity to arise.

Our Career Grade structure supports progression from Grade K through to Grade N, allowing you to develop your expertise, broaden your responsibilities and increase your earning potential as your career grows.

Flexibility That Works for You

We know that everyone works differently.

Whether you need school-hour flexibility, hybrid working, compressed hours, part-time arrangements or an alternative working pattern, we're happy to have a conversation about what works best for you and the service.

Because great lawyers come from all walks of life.

A Team That Has Your Back

You'll join an experienced, welcoming Childcare Legal Team that works collaboratively and supports one another through complex and rewarding cases.

We don't believe in a sink-or-swim culture.

Instead, you'll benefit from:

• Supportive management
• Ongoing mentoring
• Access to experienced colleagues
• Professional development opportunities
• A culture of learning and collaboration

Meaningful Work Every Day

Every case you work on has the potential to change the course of a child's life.

You will provide legal advice and advocacy on Children's Social Care matters, helping to safeguard vulnerable children and support positive outcomes for families across the Borough.

Stability and Security

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll benefit from:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible working arrangements
• Continuous professional development
• Job security within a well-established local authority
• Opportunities to progress without needing to move employer

We Are Particularly Interested in Hearing From

Lawyers Looking to Escape Billing Targets

Love childcare law but tired of timesheets, billing pressures and unrealistic targets?

Join a team where the focus is on outcomes for children and families rather than chargeable hours.

Ambitious Professionals Seeking Progression

If you've reached a point where your current role no longer offers growth opportunities, this could be the next step you've been waiting for.

Local Government Lawyers Seeking a Fresh Challenge

Bring your experience to a forward-thinking authority that values innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Advocacy Matters Here

Advocacy is a key part of this role and an area we are committed to supporting and developing.

We know that for many childcare lawyers, the opportunity to undertake their own advocacy is one of the most rewarding aspects of practice. We are therefore keen to hear from candidates who are passionate about advocacy and value the opportunity to represent Children's Services in court proceedings.

Whether you are an experienced advocate or looking to build and develop your advocacy skills, you will have opportunities to undertake advocacy work as part of a supportive and experienced team that values professional growth and continuous learning.

Unlike many legal roles where advocacy opportunities are limited or outsourced, we actively support our lawyers to undertake advocacy, develop their court skills and build rewarding careers within local government.

What We're Looking for

Experience in Children's Social Care law is welcomed, but we are equally interested in speaking with candidates who can demonstrate the potential, commitment and motivation to develop within this specialist area.

Accuracy and Use of AI Tools:

You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

Application Updates and Communication:

All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from ‘[e-mail]’ to the email linked to your North East Jobs account, and will also appear in the ‘My Messages’ section of your account.

Right to Work:

All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.

Council Principles:

The Council’s recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent

Limitations:

Where an individual cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee’s visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.

Please note that we’re unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so candidates will need to have an existing right to work in the UK.