Family lawyer

Provide oral and written legal advice to instructing departments of the authority, primarily children’s services in relation to procedural issues, policy matters individual case studies and statutory duties/powers relating to child protection encompassing.

• Considering of relevant law
• Considering available evidence and obtaining expert opinion where appropriate
• Considering of the range of possible action
• Where appropriate brief counsel, including in child protection meetings and statutory revies and I’m relation to care plans for children of care.

2. advise instructing departments in creating and reviews and revising policy and procedure documents/guidelines in respect of practice and statutory duties

Ensure accurate and adequate legal advice is given in relation to enquiries/queries from elected members

Advise instructing departments of changes in legislation government guidelines and case law decisions which may affect service provision

Notify the council solicitor of any action which may place the authority at risk of litigation or charge of maladministration

Advise children’s services on specific matters/case studies, identifying the legal issues involved, evaluating the evidence available and advising on the most appropriate for of proceedings in relation to child protection

Attend as legal advisor to the adoption and fostering pnaels or their equivalents.

Attend on behalf of the authority and advise at:

1. Family justice committee
2. County court users group
3. Law society special interest group

Liaise with external organisations/agencies regarding the execution of child protection functions and with appropriate departments of the authority in respect of practices and procedures in relation to child protection, children in care and in the child protection register.

To find out more information please contact Mason at

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency.