Children Social Care Solicitor

Children Social Care Solicitor – £53,460 – £58,959

Join Southend-on-Sea City Council and build your career in public law.

This is an opportunity to join a well-established and supportive legal team where you will take ownership of your own caseload while continuing to develop your advocacy and technical expertise. You will be part of a collaborative team of solicitors and legal assistants, working on meaningful cases that directly impact the lives of children and families.

What you will be doing

• Manage a varied caseload of children social care matters
• Deal with care proceedings, PLO matters and Section 37 matters
• Advise on and managing all aspects of care proceedings
• Drafting applications under the Children Act 1989
• Conduct advocacy at Case Management Hearings and IRHs
• Regular court attendance, with advocacy typically once a week
• Managing Deprivation of Liberty proceedings
• Supporting more complex matters including High Court work
• Supervising and developing up to three legal assistants

What you will bring

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive
• Around 1 to 3 years PQE in children social care or public law
• Advocacy experience or a strong desire to develop it
• Sound knowledge of the Children Act and related legislation
• Ability to manage a busy and emotionally demanding caseload
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
• Local government experience is helpful but not essential.

Why join Southend-on-Sea City Council

• Early and consistent advocacy opportunities
• Manageable caseload with structured support
• Hybrid working, with around 40 percent office or court attendance
• Clear progression within a stable and experienced team
• Exposure to a broad mix of routine and complex childcare matters

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