Child Protection Lawyer

Child Protection Lawyer - 3 Month Contract Local Authority | 3 Month Contract Location: Surrey Rate: £50.00 per hour (Umbrella) Contract: 3 Month Contract Hours: Full Time Working Pattern: Flexible / Remote Working Available Pay: Bi-Weekly Summary We are seeking a skilled Child Protection Lawyer to join a Local Authority Legal Services team on a temporary basis.

This role is ideal for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with expertise in childcare and public law proceedings. You will be responsible for managing a diverse and complex caseload, offering expert legal counsel and representation to Children's Services, senior officials, elected members, and partner organizations.

As part of a Lexcel-accredited legal team, you will address intricate child protection issues, perform advocacy when necessary, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality legal services that protect children and foster positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee a complex caseload of child protection and public law matters with minimal oversight. Deliver specialized legal advice to Children's Services, officers, members, and partner organizations. Handle care proceedings and related public law childcare matters. Provide guidance on safeguarding, child protection, and statutory duties.

Draft legal documents such as court applications, statements, pleadings, and orders. Represent the Local Authority in court proceedings and perform advocacy as needed. Instruct and manage Counsel when appropriate. Offer legal advice at meetings, panels, and multi-agency forums. Assist the Monitoring Officer with governance and legal compliance issues.

Contribute to the development and delivery of training for officers and stakeholders. Maintain accurate records using electronic case management systems. Mentor and support junior team members as needed. Collaborate with colleagues to deliver an efficient and effective legal service. Essential Requirements Requirements: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practice in England and Wales.

Current practicing certificate. Extensive experience in Child Protection and Public Law proceedings. Strong understanding of Children Act legislation and related childcare law. Proven ability to manage complex legal cases independently. Advocacy experience or a strong aptitude for advocacy. Proficient in drafting, negotiation, and legal research.

Experience advising senior officers and key stakeholders. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities. Ability to work flexibly and meet court and statutory deadlines. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Desirable Previous experience in a Local Authority legal setting. Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited environment.

Supervisory or mentoring experience. Experience advising committees, members, or senior leadership teams. Additional Flexible and remote working options available. Attendance at court hearings and meetings required as necessary. Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile childcare cases. Lexcel-accredited legal service.

What's on Offer? £50.00 per hour (Umbrella) 3 Month Contract Full-Time Hours Flexible Working Arrangements Bi-Weekly Pay Diverse and complex child protection caseload. Supportive Local Authority legal team. Opportunity to engage in advocacy and develop specialized expertise. Potential for contract extension. Ideal for candidates with experience as a Child Protection Lawyer, Childcare Lawyer, Care Proceedings Lawyer, Children's Solicitor, Public Law Solicitor, Family Solicitor, Local Government Lawyer, Senior Childcare Lawyer, or Children's Services Legal Advisor.