Lawyer (Child Care - advocacy)

Senior Lawyer – Childcare (Locum) Location: Wembley, London Rate: £60.00 - £65.00 per hour (Umbrella) Hours: Up to 36 Hours Per Week Contract: Locum (Pending Permanent Recruitment) Start Date: Immediate Start Available DBS Check Required An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Lawyer – Childcare to join a busy and highly regarded Legal Services team within a Wembley-based Local Authority on a locum basis. This role is ideal for a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with extensive experience in public childcare law and advocacy. The successful candidate will primarily focus on conducting hearings and representing the Council in public law childcare proceedings. The Role As a Childcare Advocate, you will play a key role in progressing public law childcare cases through the courts by providing high-quality advocacy services. Unlike traditional childcare legal positions, this role is hearing-focused and does not involve carrying a caseload. Your primary responsibility will be attending and conducting court hearings on behalf of the authority. Where hearings are not scheduled, you will assist the wider legal team with duties including: • Drafting legal advice and documentation • Supporting case preparation • Delivering training and guidance to colleagues • Assisting with legal research and related childcare law matters • Providing specialist legal support across the team as required Key Requirements • Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with relevant advocacy rights • Significant experience in public childcare law • Strong advocacy experience within Family Courts • Ability to conduct hearings confidently and independently • Excellent knowledge of legislation, case law, and court procedures relating to child protection and care proceedings • Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills • Experience working within Local Government is highly desirable • Ability to work effectively within a busy legal team environment What's on Offer? £60.00 - £65.00 per hour Umbrella Immediate start available No caseload responsibility – advocacy-focused role Up to 36 hours per week Opportunity to work within a supportive and experienced Local Authority legal team Flexible locum opportunity pending permanent recruitment If you are an experienced Childcare Advocate seeking an immediate locum opportunity within Local Government, we would be delighted to hear from you. Apply today to be considered.