Child Care Lawyer – Locum

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Child Care Lawyer on a locum basis to join our established Child Law Team. You will manage a full caseload of complex public law children matters, providing strategic advice and representation to social care clients.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct all aspects of public law children proceedings.
• Prepare and issue care proceedings applications.
• Draft legal documentation, witness statements and court pleadings.
• Prepare court bundles and supporting documentation.
• Provide timely, pragmatic legal advice to social care teams.
• Represent the authority in the Family Court where appropriate.
• Attend legal planning meetings and case conferences.
• Liaise with counsel, experts, external agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure work is delivered to a high standard and within court timetables.

Required profile

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FCILEx Lawyer.
• Significant experience handling public law children matters.
• Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989, Public Law Outline and care proceedings.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload with minimal supervision.
• Excellent drafting and advisory capabilities.

Required skills

• Children Act 1989
• Public Law Outline (PLO)
• Care proceedings
• Child protection law and practice
• Court advocacy

What we offer

• Supportive and experienced Child Law Team.
• High‑quality, varied public law children work.
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact safeguarding vulnerable children.
• Collaborative environment with legal and social care professionals.
• Immediate start for suitable candidates.