Legal Assistant

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

8 bank holidays

Flexi time

Training and development opportunities

Mentoring

Wellbeing package

Local government pension scheme

Incremental annual pay increases

Cycle to work scheme

Discounts at county leisure centres

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council’s Legal Services is looking for a permanent Child Protection Legal Assistant to support our team of Child Protection Lawyers and other Legal Assistants in a busy, friendly environment. You will assist lawyers advising and representing Children’s Services on child protection matters including adoption, with responsibilities in pre-proceedings and court work.

The role requires liaising with social workers, lawyers and court staff, and delivering an efficient service

Qualifications

• Proficient in using IT software.
• Good organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Motivational and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support Lawyers advising Children’s Services on child protection matters including adoption.
• Assist with pre-proceedings matters and court work.
• Liaise with wider team, social workers, lawyers and court staff.
• Help maintain an efficient and effective service within the legal department.

Skills

IT software proficiency

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Closing date: 22 November 2026

Working in local government is a highly satisfying and rewarding experience in so many ways, and you will enjoy an excellent range of benefits at Derbyshire County Council.

We recognise that our workforce is our greatest asset, and we are currently looking for an inspired and proactive person to join our Family, Safeguarding and Education Team.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Legal department for an enthusiastic and committed individual to work as a permanent Child Protection Legal assistant to support our team of Child Protection Lawyers and other Legal Assistants who work within a busy yet friendly team environment.

On a day-to-day basis you will be supporting Lawyers who are advising and representing Childrens Services on matters of Child Protection including adoption. Your workload will be varied but will include offering support in pre-proceedings matters and assisting Lawyers conducting Court work.

You will regularly need to liaise with the wider team, social workers, Lawyers and Court staff.

You will need to be proficient in using IT software, and have good organisational, motivational, and interpersonal skills in order to ensure the continued delivery of an efficient and effective service by the legal department.

The Job and Person Specification contains full details of the skills and experience you need to have for the role.

In return for your commitment, we offer you:

• Grade 9 Salary £33,414 -£35,449 depending on experience.
• 25 days of annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Good work/life balance including Flexi time, allowing up to an additional 2 days of leave per month
• Training and development opportunities
• Mentoring
• A supportive team environment.
• Generous local government pension scheme
• Guaranteed incremental annual pay increases
• Access to a comprehensive wellbeing package
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounts at selected county leisure centres
• and much more!

Legal Services are contractually based in Matlock, Derbyshire, but as part of our Modern Ways of Working programme we are currently working on a hybrid basis. As flexible workers, you will be able to work from home. It is a requirement that you will be able to work in the office once per week and meetings, where necessary.

We're always pleased to hear from talented people so if you're looking to join a dynamic team and have the skills and experience we are looking for, then we'd like to hear from you.

After reading the documentation supplied you would like to have an informal chat about this role, get in touch with:

Linzi Olney ([e-mail]), Jeanette Bloor ([e-mail]) or Angela Baldwin ([e-mail])

Provisional Interview Date: 1st December 2026