Solicitor - Childcare

Purpose of Job:

• Deliver high-quality Legal Services to Children’s Services, focusing on Childcare and related Education portfolios within (WCF).
• Support the development, management, and delivery of efficient legal services within the Childcare Team, emphasizing commercially focused strategies to meet business objectives and deliver value for money outcomes.
• Provide legal expertise and conduct proceedings in Family Court, High Court, County Court, and tribunals concerning Child protection and related educational matters.
• Ensure compliance with statutory 26-week timescales for completing care proceedings and securing desired outcomes.

Main Activities & Responsibilities:

• Support Principal Solicitors (childcare) and deputize in their absence for managing and overseeing the Childcare Team's responsibilities.
• Utilize effective negotiation skills to represent and promote the values and vision of the instructing Directorate in various cases.
• Seek opportunities to deliver improved outcomes to Legal Services on projects requiring legal input in a cost-effective manner.
• Manage complex legal matters concerning child protection, related education, and local government law, including contentious and non-contentious issues.
• Participate in managing the Out of Hours service and ensure the delivery of Service Level Agreements with schools and academies regarding child protection aspects.
• Act as advocate in various forums, prosecuting, defending, and managing child protection matters in courts.
• Conduct legal research on issues arising from the Council's work and keep abreast of relevant legal developments.
• Supervise solicitors, legal assistants, and legal clerks within the team.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards.
• Represent the Assistant Director of Legal and Governance at meetings as required.
• Ensure confidentiality and report relevant matters to appropriate authorities.
• Manage court bundling, case management systems, and office procedures towards a paperless office.
• Maintain accurate records using the case management system and promote the Council's corporate objectives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EXPERIENCE:

• Substantial experience in running complex childcare caseloads, including DOL/LPS and adoption matters.
• Demonstrable experience in robust case management of child protection casework.
• Significant experience in advocacy, including contested hearings and multiday hearings.
• Experience with case management systems for a paperless office solution.
• Considerable experience in advising on reports, responding to complaints, and staff management within legal services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Expert knowledge of child protection legislation, adoption law, DOL/LPS law, and public/local government law.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to produce clear and concise documentation for various audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, team building, communication, motivation, and leadership.
• Resilient, adaptable to change, and committed to excellence.
• Ability to work efficiently, reduce costs, and recognize political context.
• Ownership of work area and development of others.
• Commitment to building effective relationships with stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT:

• Solicitor or Barrister entitled to practice within England.
• Desirable: Level 1 qualification in Essential Digital Skills or excellent IT skills in Microsoft Office.