Senior Lawyer - Childcare

Essential Employment; Exeter; On-site; GBP 84,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Employment is seeking a Senior Lawyer specializing in childcare in Exeter. The role involves managing a caseload across care proceedings, child protection and related public law litigation, with conduct of proceedings and drafting of legal documents.

You will provide strategic advice to social workers and managers to ensure robust legal compliance and effective decision-making. The position is full-time and based in Exeter.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of childcare and safeguarding matters, including care proceedings, adoption, child protection, and related public law litigation.
• Provide clear, timely and robust legal advice to social workers, managers, senior officers on all aspects of children's social care law.
• Conduct and oversee litigation, including advocacy where appropriate, and instruct counsel in complex cases.
• Draft and review legal documents, court applications, statements, policies and reports.
• Support strategic decision-making within Children's Services, ensuring compliance with statutory duties and legal obligations.
• Develop effective working relationships with social care professionals, external agencies, the judiciary and partner organisations.
• Contribute to service improvement, policy development and the continuous enhancement of legal services.

Job description

Senior Lawyer - Childcare needed in Exeter, £42.67ph PAYE - Reference: 5305144

• Manage a caseload of childcare and safeguarding matters, including care proceedings, adoption, child protection, and related public law litigation.
• Provide clear, timely and robust legal advice to social workers, managers, senior officers on all aspects of children's social care law.
• Conduct and oversee litigation, including advocacy where appropriate, and instruct counsel in complex cases.
• Draft and review legal documents, court applications, statements, policies and reports.
• Support strategic decision-making within Children's Services, ensuring compliance with statutory duties and legal obligations.
• Develop effective working relationships with social care professionals, external agencies, the judiciary and partner organisations.
• Contribute to service improvement, policy development and the continuous enhancement of legal services.

This is a full time role on apermanentbasis

Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.