Senior Child Protection Lawyer

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Uxbridge seeks a Senior Child Protection Lawyer. This role involves advising on child care matters, representing the Council in legal settings, and ensuring compliance across services. The ideal candidate will supervise Paralegals, provide training, and collaborate with key stakeholders. A strong background in child protection law and advocacy is essential. This position offers comprehensive benefits aimed at enhancing work-life balance and professional development.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Discounts at leisure centres

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Cycle to Work scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Travel Support

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with expertise in child protection law.
• Experience in handling legal cases and representing clients at tribunals.
• Proactive in providing legal support to teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Advise on child care matters and represent in courts.
• Supervise and support Paralegals and provide training.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for effective legal support.

Skills

Legal expertise in education

Child protection law experience

Strong advocacy skills

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Supervisory skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Continuous professional development

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive

Job description

About the role

As a Senior Child Protection Lawyer, you’ll be responsible for advising on all aspects of child care matters, representing the Council in courts and tribunals, and ensuring legal compliance across a range of services. You’ll work closely with key stakeholders, including Members of the Council, social care teams, and education services, playing a crucial role in shaping policies and ensuring the best outcomes for vulnerable individuals.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to supervise and support Paralegals, deliver training on legislative developments, and contribute to key Council meetings and working groups. This is an exciting role for someone who is passionate about public sector law and eager to drive positive change in the community.

Essential Criteria – What We’re Looking For

• A qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with expertise in education, child protection, and/or adult social care law.
• Experience in handling legal cases, advising on complex legal matters, and representing clients in courts or tribunals.
• Strong advocacy skills with the ability to appear in legal proceedings on behalf of the Council.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to legal challenges.
• The ability to provide supervision and professional support to Paralegals and junior team members.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in providing training and legal briefings to officers and teams.
• A commitment to continuous professional development, staying up to date with legislative changes and best practices.
• The ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective legal support across the organisation.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
  

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note:

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

This role is open

We encourage you to apply today!