Senior Children & Families Lawyer

Your new company A highly regarded local authority legal team is seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to join its Children & Families practice on an initial 6-month contract. This is an opportunity to work within a well-established public law team supporting critical safeguarding and children's services functions. You'll benefit from a strong support structure, including dedicated Legal Officers and specialist business support teams, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality legal advice, advocacy and case management. The organisation offers flexibility around working arrangements, with fully remote working considered for the right candidate. Some office attendance is preferred, but remote working can be considered. Your new role As a Senior Lawyer, you will manage a complex caseload of children and family matters, with a particular focus on: • Public law children's proceedings, including Section 31 matters • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and related Court of Protection work • Providing strategic legal advice to Children's Services • Advocacy and representation in contested proceedings where appropriate • Drafting legal documentation, applications and pleadings • Advising on safeguarding responsibilities, legislation and statutory guidance This is a full-time position working 35 hours per week on an initial 6-month contract, with a likelihood of extension. What you'll need to succeed To be successful in this role, you will be: • A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FCILEX with Advocacy Certificate • Experienced in handling complex children and families matters within a local government or public sector setting • Knowledgeable in public law children's proceedings, safeguarding and related legislation • Comfortable managing a busy caseload with minimal supervision • A confident advocate with strong negotiation and communication skills • An accomplished legal drafter with excellent analytical abilities • Able to provide practical, solution-focused advice to a range of stakeholders What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now on . If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk