Senior Lawyer (Child Care)

West Northamptonshire Council; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Northampton is seeking a dedicated legal professional to join their newly established in-house Legal Team. The ideal candidate will have experience in Child Care Law and a passion for delivering excellent legal services in a fast-paced environment. This position offers generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Cycle to Work scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee discounts

Car Lease scheme

Ongoing training and development

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Ability to provide legal advice and support.

Responsibilities

• Advise on proceedings related to the care of children.
• Provide legal advice to clients, including elected members.
• Lead and support team members.

Skills

Experience in Child Care Law

Passion for legal service

Job description

West Northants Council is a place where career development, wellbeing, flexibility and support are at the forefront of our culture. We are launching a brand‑new in‑house Legal Team to support the Northamptonshire Children’s Trust and are looking for a dedicated legal professional to join us.

Responsibilities

• Advising upon and conducting proceedings relating to the care and protection of children and young people.
• Providing legal advice and support to clients, including elected members and senior officers.
• Being a lead within the team and providing guidance and support to other members of the team.

Qualifications

• Experience in Child Care Law.
• A passion for delivering an excellent legal service in a fast‑paced environment.

What We Offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 28 days per year (29 days for senior managers pro rata) plus an additional 5 days linked to continuous service and the option to purchase up to 6 weeks extra leave.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3× annual salary from day one) and ill‑health protection.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, travel and leisure benefits.
• Car Lease scheme via Tusker.
• Professional subscription or membership fees covered if required.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support including telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
• Free membership to Commsave Credit Union.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Flexible working options – full or part time, term time, 9‑day fortnight, and hybrid hybrid model supported by the West Ways of Working.

We want you to join a supportive environment where your expertise will help shape our legal service. If you are looking to develop your local government experience, change sector or return to work after a career break, West Northants Council is the ideal place for you.