Senior Assistant Lawyer - Childcare

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a Senior Assistant Lawyer to join its Legal Services team. This role focuses on childcare law, ensuring the welfare of children while representing complex cases. Candidates must be qualified solicitors or barristers with experience in childcare law and strong communication skills. The position offers opportunities for professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment to make a real difference in the community.

Benefits

26 days of annual leave

Pension contribution

Flexible working arrangements

Relocation packages if applicable

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with rights to conduct litigation.
• Experience in childcare law.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage own caseload and work to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and settling applications for care proceedings.
• Advising on childcare law and statutory requirements.
• Conducting litigation and preparing pleadings.
• Supporting senior lawyers on complex cases.

Skills

Childcare law experience

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to manage own caseload

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEX professional qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Job description

Salary range : £39,862 - £44,075

Employer Pension contribution £8,692 - £9,608

Total (Salary + Pension) £48,554 - £53,683

Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.

As a full-time permanent employee, you’ll also enjoy 26 days of annual leave plus public and bank holidays, with your entitlement increasing to 31 days after five years’ continuous service. Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.

Are you a qualified legal professional ready to take the next step in your career and deepen your expertise in childcare law? Devon County Council is seeking a Senior Assistant Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, working on complex and rewarding cases that safeguard and promote the welfare of children and families within a supportive and forward‑thinking local authority.

About the Role

As a Senior Assistant Lawyer in Childcare, you will play a vital role in safeguarding children and supporting families through complex legal processes. Working within the framework of the Children Act 1989 and related legislation, you will provide legal advice and representation to ensure the welfare of children is prioritised in all decisions.

You will work under the supervision and guidance of senior lawyers and collaborate closely with social workers and other professionals. Your responsibilities will include:

• Drafting, negotiating, and settling applications, orders, and other documentation for care proceedings, adoption, and child protection cases.
• Advising officers and departments on childcare law, safeguarding, and statutory requirements.
• Conducting litigation, including preparing pleadings, taking witness statements, attending hearings, and instructing counsel when required.
• Supporting senior team members on complex cases and Public Law Outline (PLO) processes.
• Liaising with counsel, third‑party solicitors, and other representatives as necessary.
• Building strong working relationships across the Council and partner agencies.

About You

• Qualified solicitor, barrister with rights to conduct litigation, or a CILEX professional qualification with litigation rights and are registered with the relevant professional body.
• Experienced in childcare law.
• Excellent communicators, both written and verbal, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Competent in using Microsoft Office and case management systems, including effective time recording.
• Able to manage their own caseload, work to deadlines, and develop creative solutions quickly.
• Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.

Why Devon?

• Structured Development Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet professional qualifications and progress with confidence.
• Opportunities to Grow Build expertise in childcare law and advocacy, with clear pathways for professional development.
• A Council with Purpose Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon, guided by our Strategic Plan priorities.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters.
• Impact That Counts Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work that shapes lives and services.