Principal Childcare Lawyer

Law Absolute Recruitment Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Berkshire is seeking a locum Principal Childcare Lawyer to lead service transformation and support the Strategic Lead for Children’s Law. This hybrid role requires previous management experience and involves responsibilities such as monitoring care proceedings, mentoring junior lawyers, and coordinating advocacy efforts. The successful candidate must be able to travel to Berkshire for occasional in-person staff days, ensuring compliance within childcare legal services.

Qualifications

• Previous management experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead Service Transformation in childcare legal services.
• Support the Interim Strategic Lead on relevant matters.
• Monitor adherence to the 26-week care proceedings.
• Coordinate advocacy to improve case referrals.
• Mentor junior lawyers and deliver training on childcare law.

Job description

A local authority based in Berkshire is seeking a locum Principal Childcare Lawyer to start immediately.

The Principal will support the Strategic Lead for Children’s Law and managing a Child Care Court Team. The successful candidate will be required to undertake the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Lead Service Transformation – Drive strategic improvements across childcare legal services.
• Support the Interim Strategic Lead – provide support to the Lead on all matters falling under their remit.
• Court Compliance and Case Progression – Monitor and enforce adherence to the 26-week care proceedings, identifying delays and implementing corrective actions to meet judicial expectations.
• Advocacy Coordination and Support – Work closely with Strategic Lead to improve the number of cases referred to the in-house team.
• Training and Development – Mentor junior lawyers and deliver targeted training on childcare law, PLO procedures, advocacy skills, and court protocols.

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid working role. All staff are expected to collect their equipment and return it in person. You must be able to travel to and from Berkshire. There will be occasional in person staff days.

Qualifications

Previous management experience is essential.