Senior Lawyer (Court of Protection)

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent

Closing Date: 23.59pm, 26 April 2026

Interview method: in person

Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This role is subject to:

• Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
• References: Where possible, we require 3 years' history.
• Qualification and registration: Qualified solicitor, barrister with litigation conduct authorisation, Chartered Lawyer or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives with advocacy and litigation conduct practising rights.
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance: This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.

Put your legal experience to work for Manchester

Are you interested in a job which focusses on the Court of Protection arrangements for our young people? Are you interested in a role that will combine your skills and experience of the Court of Protection with the satisfaction of assisting Children's Services to safe, efficient, and effective services to families.

We are seeking an experienced Court of Protection lawyer to provide high quality legal representation to our Children's Services clients in the Court of Protection arena focusing on 16 and 17 year olds.

Having invested into our structure we are growing our already effective team of lawyers, legal officer and business support team who produce incredible, outstanding results with an enhanced vision for the future.

We are looking to enhance the service provided to our clients with the introduction of a Court of Protection Senior Lawyer to our team.

Core Values

• The safety and needs of children
• High-quality representation of Children's Services

About the Candidate

• Are you a Court of Protection Lawyer who seeks to focus your skills on children transitioning to adulthood?
• Do you work together as part of a supportive team?
• Do you have the ability to conduct your own advocacy?
• Are you able to manage a busy caseload and work with minimal supervision?
• Do you possess excellent written and verbal communication skills?
• Do you have experience representing a local authority at court on a regular basis?
• As a senior lawyer you will mentor less experienced members of the team and lead by example.

As part of your application, please submit your Curriculum Vitae (with your name removed) and a detailed Expression of Interest setting out how your skills and experience meet the requirements on the attached role profile.

To arrange an informal discussion on this role please contact Jennifer Heason, Head of Children & Families Legal Services by email at .

About Us

We're the local council for one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives.

Our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city guides everything we do at the Council.

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance: Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension: You'll be enrolled in the UK's largest local government pension scheme with options to top up your benefits and life cover of three times your salary.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave: Benefit from extensive family leave options.
• Brilliant perks: Access a range of discounts including shopping, holidays, phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs, eye tests and more.
• Learn and grow: Dedicated to nurturing talent and providing learning opportunities such as workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications.
• A Good Employment Charter member: Commitment to secure, flexible work, fair pay reviews, three trade unions and comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave: Three days pro rate of paid volunteering leave in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

We're dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button on our careers page. This offers features such as text to speech, translation into multiple languages, adjustable text size and colour.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirement for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces or veterans.
• Current or former care leavers.
• Individuals with a disability or long term condition.

What we will need from you if you're successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy.

Pre Employment Checks

Successful candidates will undergo pre employment checks as required for the role. These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other Relevant Information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we'll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Other Information

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

Contact

Email: