Principal Lawyer - Safeguarding & Children's Services Barry Hybrid Working 51,356 - 54,495 + 8,000 Supplement If you're an experienced childcare lawyer looking to step into a leadership role where your work directly shapes outcomes for vulnerable children and families, this is a standout opportunity. You'll lead a specialist legal team within a well-regarded local authority, handling complex care proceedings, advising senior stakeholders and playing a key role in safeguarding decisions. What you'll be doing: Leading and developing a team of lawyers and support staff Managing complex children's public law cases Advising senior leaders on high-risk safeguarding matters Representing in Family Court proceedings Driving early legal engagement and best practice What we're looking for: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Strong experience in childcare law / care proceedings Confidence handling complex, sensitive cases Leadership experience or readiness to step up Why apply: Hybrid and flexible working 8,000 market supplement Strong pension and annual leave Clear progression and leadership development Apply directly or reach out via email to arrange a confidential chat! Yolk Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our workforce. We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work. Please note, whilst we do our best to contact all candidates, due to the high number of applications we receive we cannot guarantee this for every role. If you have not heard anything from us within 7 days of applying - then unfortunately you have been unsuccessful. Please keep an eye on our website for more opportunities.
Apr 22, 2026
Full time
Principal Lawyer - Safeguarding & Children's Services Barry Hybrid Working 51,356 - 54,495 + 8,000 Supplement If you're an experienced childcare lawyer looking to step into a leadership role where your work directly shapes outcomes for vulnerable children and families, this is a standout opportunity. You'll lead a specialist legal team within a well-regarded local authority, handling complex care proceedings, advising senior stakeholders and playing a key role in safeguarding decisions. What you'll be doing: Leading and developing a team of lawyers and support staff Managing complex children's public law cases Advising senior leaders on high-risk safeguarding matters Representing in Family Court proceedings Driving early legal engagement and best practice What we're looking for: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Strong experience in childcare law / care proceedings Confidence handling complex, sensitive cases Leadership experience or readiness to step up Why apply: Hybrid and flexible working 8,000 market supplement Strong pension and annual leave Clear progression and leadership development Apply directly or reach out via email to arrange a confidential chat! Yolk Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our workforce. We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work. Please note, whilst we do our best to contact all candidates, due to the high number of applications we receive we cannot guarantee this for every role. If you have not heard anything from us within 7 days of applying - then unfortunately you have been unsuccessful. Please keep an eye on our website for more opportunities.
Children Law Solicitor (Care / Public Law) We are seeking an experienced Children Law Solicitor to join a busy and well-established family law team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a large, highly regarded children law department handling a wide range of public and private children matters within a supportive and collaborative environment. The Role You will manage a varied caseload of childcare work, including care proceedings, pre-proceedings work, and related children law matters. The role also involves regular court attendance, client advice, and participation in professional meetings such as PLOs. Experience in advocacy is required, and Children Law Accreditation is desirable but not essential. Key Responsibilities Managing a caseload of complex childcare law matters Advising clients on child protection, care proceedings, SGOs, fostering, and adoption Conducting advocacy and attending court hearings Managing pre-proceedings and care cases Attending PLO and other professional meetings Providing clear, supportive client communication and managing expectations About the Team You will be part of a large, connected family law department with a strong reputation for high-quality children law work. The team operates collaboratively across multiple offices, working closely together to share workloads, support hearings, and ensure continuity of service. The wider family law team is one of the largest in the region and is recognised for its strong client feedback and consistently high-quality representation in complex family matters. Benefits Generous annual leave, including additional discretionary Christmas days and bank holidays Flexible and hybrid working options (role dependent) Flexitime arrangements and additional flex days Bonus potential for fee earners Pension scheme and life assurance (after qualifying period) Strong training and development programmes with clear progression routes Supportive, team-focused culture with high staff retention Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly leave entitlements This is a strong opportunity for a Children Law Solicitor looking to join a busy, supportive team with excellent development opportunities and a strong regional reputation.
Apr 20, 2026
Full time
Children Law Solicitor (Care / Public Law) We are seeking an experienced Children Law Solicitor to join a busy and well-established family law team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a large, highly regarded children law department handling a wide range of public and private children matters within a supportive and collaborative environment. The Role You will manage a varied caseload of childcare work, including care proceedings, pre-proceedings work, and related children law matters. The role also involves regular court attendance, client advice, and participation in professional meetings such as PLOs. Experience in advocacy is required, and Children Law Accreditation is desirable but not essential. Key Responsibilities Managing a caseload of complex childcare law matters Advising clients on child protection, care proceedings, SGOs, fostering, and adoption Conducting advocacy and attending court hearings Managing pre-proceedings and care cases Attending PLO and other professional meetings Providing clear, supportive client communication and managing expectations About the Team You will be part of a large, connected family law department with a strong reputation for high-quality children law work. The team operates collaboratively across multiple offices, working closely together to share workloads, support hearings, and ensure continuity of service. The wider family law team is one of the largest in the region and is recognised for its strong client feedback and consistently high-quality representation in complex family matters. Benefits Generous annual leave, including additional discretionary Christmas days and bank holidays Flexible and hybrid working options (role dependent) Flexitime arrangements and additional flex days Bonus potential for fee earners Pension scheme and life assurance (after qualifying period) Strong training and development programmes with clear progression routes Supportive, team-focused culture with high staff retention Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly leave entitlements This is a strong opportunity for a Children Law Solicitor looking to join a busy, supportive team with excellent development opportunities and a strong regional reputation.
Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom Posted On 02/04/2026 Job Information Work Experience 4-5 years Interim & Executive Management City Northampton Province Northamptonshire Postal Code NN1 Job Description 2-3 month contract role with a Local Authority Job Summary: West Northamptonshire Council is seeking two full time Senior Childcare Lawyers to support additional workload within the Legal Services team. This interim assignment sits within Finance & Corporate Services, operating Inside IR35, and requires experienced legal professionals with a strong background in childcare and public law. The successful candidates will manage complex caseloads, provide high quality legal advice, and represent the Council in court proceedings relating to children's social care. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): Manage a full and complex caseload of childcare matters, including care proceedings, supervision orders, placement orders, and emergency applications. Provide specialist legal advice to social workers, managers, and Council officers on all aspects of children's social care law. Prepare and present cases in the Family Court, liaising with counsel where required. Draft and review legal documents including threshold statements, position statements, case summaries, and court bundles. Represent the Council in pre proceedings meetings (PLO), case discussions, and strategy meetings. Ensure all work complies with statutory responsibilities, local authority procedures, and best practice standards. Support junior legal staff where necessary and contribute to continuous improvement within the legal team. Skills/Experience: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with extensive experience in childcare/public law. Strong background in managing care proceedings and court advocacy. Demonstrable experience advising on the Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002, and related legislation. Excellent drafting skills for legal documents, statements, and court submissions. Ability to work to tight deadlines in a high pressure, fast moving environment. Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to provide clear, concise legal advice. Experience working within a local authority legal team (highly desirable). High level of professionalism, judgement, and ethical standards. Additional Information: This position requires candidates to work full time and on site as required. The role falls Inside IR35 and will be paid via an umbrella company. Two Senior Lawyers are being recruited to support increased service demands and safeguard statutory functions. Candidates must be able to start promptly and manage demanding caseloads with minimal supervision.
Apr 07, 2026
Full time
Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom Posted On 02/04/2026 Job Information Work Experience 4-5 years Interim & Executive Management City Northampton Province Northamptonshire Postal Code NN1 Job Description 2-3 month contract role with a Local Authority Job Summary: West Northamptonshire Council is seeking two full time Senior Childcare Lawyers to support additional workload within the Legal Services team. This interim assignment sits within Finance & Corporate Services, operating Inside IR35, and requires experienced legal professionals with a strong background in childcare and public law. The successful candidates will manage complex caseloads, provide high quality legal advice, and represent the Council in court proceedings relating to children's social care. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): Manage a full and complex caseload of childcare matters, including care proceedings, supervision orders, placement orders, and emergency applications. Provide specialist legal advice to social workers, managers, and Council officers on all aspects of children's social care law. Prepare and present cases in the Family Court, liaising with counsel where required. Draft and review legal documents including threshold statements, position statements, case summaries, and court bundles. Represent the Council in pre proceedings meetings (PLO), case discussions, and strategy meetings. Ensure all work complies with statutory responsibilities, local authority procedures, and best practice standards. Support junior legal staff where necessary and contribute to continuous improvement within the legal team. Skills/Experience: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with extensive experience in childcare/public law. Strong background in managing care proceedings and court advocacy. Demonstrable experience advising on the Children Act 1989, Adoption and Children Act 2002, and related legislation. Excellent drafting skills for legal documents, statements, and court submissions. Ability to work to tight deadlines in a high pressure, fast moving environment. Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to provide clear, concise legal advice. Experience working within a local authority legal team (highly desirable). High level of professionalism, judgement, and ethical standards. Additional Information: This position requires candidates to work full time and on site as required. The role falls Inside IR35 and will be paid via an umbrella company. Two Senior Lawyers are being recruited to support increased service demands and safeguard statutory functions. Candidates must be able to start promptly and manage demanding caseloads with minimal supervision.
A reputable law firm in Greater London is looking for an experienced Family Lawyer (Solicitor or Legal Executive) with 3+ years PQE. The role involves managing a diverse caseload in family law, including divorce and childcare matters, with a focus on both legal aid and private work. This is an excellent opportunity in a supportive and modern environment that emphasizes career development, offering competitive salary and perks, including a bonus and health benefits.
Apr 07, 2026
Full time
A reputable law firm in Greater London is looking for an experienced Family Lawyer (Solicitor or Legal Executive) with 3+ years PQE. The role involves managing a diverse caseload in family law, including divorce and childcare matters, with a focus on both legal aid and private work. This is an excellent opportunity in a supportive and modern environment that emphasizes career development, offering competitive salary and perks, including a bonus and health benefits.
