Principle lawyer- Children and Adults-Safeguarding Team

The Recruiter; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Recruiter is assisting a local government body in West Yorkshire to recruit a Principal Lawyer. The role focuses on providing high-quality legal advice and advocacy in family courts and the Court of Protection, with caseload management and supervision of junior staff.

You will represent the organisation in legal proceedings and tribunals. Based primarily in Huddersfield, Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield for family court appearances, the role supports safeguarding work and collaborative service

Qualifications

• Ability to appear in Family Courts and Court of Protection.
• Experience representing in statutory tribunals.
• Strong ability to prioritize work and manage a significant caseload.

Responsibilities

• Advise and advocate in family courts and Court of Protection.
• Represent the organisation in various courts and tribunals as needed.
• Manage a diverse caseload and supervise junior staff.
• Instruct barristers in complex cases when required.
• Deliver training on relevant areas of law to colleagues and officers.
• Maintain relationships with other council services.

Skills

Family court advocacy

Court of Protection advocacy

Caseload management

Staff supervision

Education

Qualified lawyer (Solicitor/Barrister)

Job description

This role is with a local government entity providing a range of services to its community, including legal advice and advocacy in safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults. The legal team supports various internal departments and focuses on achieving positive outcomes through dispute resolution and litigation.

Role Summary

The Principal Lawyer will provide high-quality legal advice and advocacy in family courts and the court of protection, specifically focusing on children and adult safeguarding. This role involves managing a caseload, supervising junior staff, and representing the organization in legal proceedings and tribunals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and advocacy in family courts and/or the Court of Protection.
• Present cases as advocates in various courts and tribunals, including Coroner's Court.
• Conduct a wide range of cases, attending client meetings and formal safeguarding procedures.
• Act as a legal advisor to internal committees and appeals panels.
• Instruct barristers in complex cases as required.
• Directly supervise and develop more junior members of staff.
• Present training courses on relevant areas of law to colleagues, client officers, and elected members.
• Maintain effective relationships with officers in other Council Services.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to appear in Family Courts and/or Court of Protection.
• Experience representing in statutory tribunals.
• Strong ability to prioritize work and manage a significant caseload.

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Flexible and adaptable to new areas of work.
• Supportive and committed to teamwork.
• Collaborative approach to service delivery.
• Ability to challenge instructions from clients when necessary.

Compensation

Competitive package

Location & Work Arrangement

Primarily based in Huddersfield, Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield for Family Court appearances.