Senior Lawyer (Children and Families Legal)

Company: CRA Legal
Apply for the Senior Lawyer (Children and Families Legal)
Location: Manchester
Job Description:

Role: Locum Solicitor / Legal Executive

Location: Manchester (Hybrid Working Available)

Rate: £50 – £55 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 6-Month Locum Assignment

Start Date: ASAP

Benefits

  • Flexible Working
  • Long-Term Assignment
  • High Quality Public Law Work
  • Supportive Legal Team

The Opportunity

CRA Consulting is delighted to be working in partnership with a leading Local Authority in Manchester to recruit an experienced Childcare Locum Solicitor or Legal Executive for an initial 6-month assignment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded Children and Families Legal Team, supporting social care professionals and senior stakeholders on a varied caseload of public childcare matters. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing complex and sensitive proceedings whilst providing high-quality legal advice to client departments. The role would suit an experienced local government lawyer who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and is looking for a challenging and rewarding locum opportunity.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Managing a caseload of complex public childcare matters from instruction through to conclusion.
  • Advising Children’s Services on all aspects of child protection, safeguarding and care planning.
  • Conducting legal proceedings under the Children Act and associated legislation.
  • Preparing and drafting applications, witness statements, care plans and court documentation.
  • Providing strategic and tactical legal advice to social workers, managers and senior officers.
  • Representing the Local Authority in contested court proceedings where appropriate.
  • Attending case conferences, legal planning meetings and stakeholder meetings.
  • Working closely with social care teams to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
  • Supporting junior lawyers and legal officers where required.

What They’re Looking For

  • Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FCILEX).
  • Extensive experience handling public childcare matters within a Local Authority environment.
  • Strong working knowledge of the Children Act, safeguarding legislation and associated regulations.
  • Experience managing complex and sensitive cases independently.
  • Excellent drafting, advocacy and client management skills.
  • Ability to work autonomously whilst contributing positively to a wider legal team.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
  • Previous local government experience is essential.

What’s on Offer

  • £50 – £55 per hour via Umbrella Payroll.
  • Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension.
  • Immediate start available.
  • Hybrid working arrangement.
  • Opportunity to work within a highly respected Local Authority legal team.
  • Interesting and meaningful work supporting vulnerable children and families.
  • Supportive and collaborative working environment.

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Posted: June 13th, 2026