Childcare Locum Solicitor / Legal Executive

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension.
• 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.

If you're an experienced Childcare Solicitor or Legal Executive looking for your next locum assignment, we'd be delighted to speak with you in confidence.
Contact:
Umar Tawil
Recruitment Consultant - Legal Recruitment
CRA Consulting