People Team Legal Manager - Safeguarding & Education

Cheshire West and Chester; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 94,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Cheshire West and Chester Council is seeking an experienced solicitor and legal team leader to join its growing Legal Services team within the People Team. The role will oversee safeguarding, coronial law, education and SEND, while expanding the team’s remit and supervising staff.

It involves advising on policy and strategy, managing workloads, coordinating external counsel and deputising for senior leaders to ensure timely, high‑quality legal services for the Council.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience in safeguarding and public sector law.
• Proven ability to lead a legal team and deliver strategic advice.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, family law and court processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and procedural work and advice appropriate to this level in the Service.
• Allocate work effectively and ensure workloads are managed efficiently to deliver value for money.
• Directly supervise or undertake complex areas of work, including policy and strategy advice.
• Ensure cost-effective use of external legal support.
• Participate in project teams to deliver high‑quality legal advice and services.
• Deputise for the Senior Legal Manager and Head of Legal when required.
• Identify, research and share implications of legal developments for timely service delivery.
• Supervise staff to ensure timely and efficient legal services.
• Prepare and contribute to reports for Cabinet, Committees, Boards and Panels.
• Ensure casework meets relevant legislation, court requirements and professional standards.
• Undertake advocacy, with a focus on Family Court proceedings.
• Support the delivery of client service objectives and Council policies.

Skills

Legal leadership

Team management

Family Court advocacy

Policy advice

Project collaboration

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Cheshire West and Chester Council is seeking an experienced solicitor and legal team leader to join its growing Legal Services team within the People Team. The role will oversee safeguarding, coronial law, education and SEND, while expanding the team’s remit and supervising staff.

It involves advising on policy and strategy, managing workloads, coordinating external counsel and deputising for senior leaders to ensure timely, high‑quality legal services for the Council.