Social Care Lawyer (Asylum Seekers)

About the role

We are looking for a Social Care Lawyer with specialist experience in asylum‑seeker cases and age assessments to join the Safeguarding Team of our Legal Department. The role supports Children’s Services and the Council by providing expert legal advice and representation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on Children’s Services matters, focusing on duties towards asylum seekers and local authority decisions.
• Represent the Council in Single Family Court and other tribunals, preparing bundles, skeleton arguments, care plans and statements.
• Respond promptly to requests for legal guidance and interpret relevant legislation.
• Attend internal, external and multi‑agency meetings, liaising with legal representatives and counsel.
• Deputise for the Senior Solicitor (Children’s Safeguarding) and occasionally for the Legal Services Manager.
• Supervise junior staff, including Senior Legal Assistants, Legal Assistants, Trainee Solicitors and Legal Apprentices.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Social Care Lawyer handling asylum‑seeker cases and age assessments.
• Strong advocacy skills with experience before family courts and tribunals.
• Excellent organisational ability and capacity to manage multiple tasks.
• Effective communication and collaborative working with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding policies.

Required skills

• Legal advocacy in family court and tribunal settings.
• Preparation of legal bundles, skeleton arguments and care plans.
• Knowledge of legislation affecting Children’s Services and asylum seekers.

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £60.
• Hybrid working arrangement with the possibility to move to fully remote.
• Supportive team environment focused on community‑focused legal services.