Legal Officer (Children and Families Legal Group)

Making Manchester Sa; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Legal Officer, where you'll play a vital role in supporting children's services across Manchester, Rochdale, and Salford. This position offers the chance to develop your legal skills within one of the largest childcare teams in the UK, working on public service legal matters. You'll engage in meaningful work that prioritizes the safety and needs of children while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. With flexible working options and opportunities for growth, this role is perfect for those passionate about making a difference in the community.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme with life cover

Enhanced parental and carers leave

Discounts, training, and development opportunities

Volunteer leave

Qualifications

• CILEX Professional Diploma in Law (Level 3) or equivalent required.
• Experience in children and family law is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and draft legal documents for Children's Services.
• Liaise with clients and undertake advocacy in family courts.

Skills

CILEX Professional Diploma in Law (Level 3)

Experience in children and family law

Excellent communication skills

Creative thinking and problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

CILEX Professional Diploma in Law (Level 3)

Job description

Legal Officer (Children and Families Legal Group)

Join to apply for the Legal Officer (Children and Families Legal Group) role at Manchester City Council.

Working Hours: 35 per week, full time
Contract Type: Time limited for 12 months
Closing date: 22 May 2025
Interview method: in person

Role

• Qualification: CILEX Professional Diploma in Law (Level 3) or equivalent legal qualification AND experience in children and family law is required.
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard DBS check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with confidentially and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders available upon request.

At the heart of everything we do is the safety and needs of children and the legal representation of Children's Services. Join our effective team and contribute to producing outstanding results. We support Manchester, Rochdale, and Salford’s Children’s Services, providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, liaising with clients and other parties, and undertaking advocacy.

This role offers opportunities to develop legal skills within one of the largest childcare teams in the country, working on public service legal matters in Manchester, Salford, and Rochdale.

We offer flexible start and finish times with hybrid working, and opportunities for growth through our Lexcel-accredited legal practice.

Our team works emotionally demanding cases through teamwork, trust, shared knowledge, and mutual support, fostering a dynamic and enthusiastic environment.

For an informal discussion, contact the hiring manager, Simon Davies, at [e-mail].

Essential Requirements

• CILEX Professional Diploma in Law (Level 3) or equivalent legal qualification AND experience in children and family law.
• Excellent communication skills, adaptable to different audiences.
• Well-organized with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to undertake advocacy in family courts.
• Valuing diversity and treating people fairly.

Desirable Requirements

• Previous experience in family law, local authority legal teams, or law firms.
• Advocacy experience.
• Career progression motivation.

Previous experience is desirable but not mandatory; training will be provided.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance, up to 26 days plus bank holidays, increasing after five years.
• Pension scheme with life cover.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave.
• Discounts, training, and development opportunities.
• Volunteer leave and inclusive support for diverse needs.

Our Commitment

Manchester City Council values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, especially from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people, and youth.

We support candidates with adjustments during the application process and ensure accessibility in our communication and workplaces.

Pre-Employment Checks

Successful candidates will need to verify their right to work, undergo references, qualifications verification, DBS checks, and other relevant security clearances as applicable.

Additional Information

We aim to support all employees to be themselves at work, providing aids, adaptations, or redesigning tasks if necessary. Please review the attached role profile for more details.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal

Industries

• Government Administration