Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £53,051–£58,358 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of Kirklees Council for an experienced Principal Lawyer specialising in Children and/or Adults Safeguarding Law to join their Legal Services team on a permanent basis.
This is an opportunity for a senior legal professional to undertake meaningful legal work supporting the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The successful candidate will provide specialist legal advice and advocacy in safeguarding matters, working closely with social care professionals, senior officers and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
The position may focus on Children’s Law, Adults’ Safeguarding Law or a combination of both, depending on the successful candidate’s expertise and service requirements.
Hybrid working is available, with office attendance in Huddersfield and attendance at relevant courts and professional meetings as required.
Provide specialist legal advice and representation on children and/or adults safeguarding matters.
Conduct care proceedings and other relevant cases before the Family Courts and/or Court of Protection.
Advise on legislation including the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983, as relevant to the specialism.
Represent the Council in court proceedings, statutory tribunals and other hearings where required.
Advise social workers, safeguarding teams and senior officers on complex legal matters, risk and appropriate courses of action.
Attend Public Law Outline meetings, safeguarding meetings and other relevant professional meetings.
Manage a substantial caseload of complex and sensitive matters.
Instruct Counsel and oversee external legal representation where appropriate.
Supervise, mentor and support junior legal professionals.
Provide specialist legal training and guidance to colleagues and Council officers.
Qualified Solicitor holding a current practising certificate, or an appropriately qualified CILEx Fellow, Litigator or Advocate with the relevant practising rights specified in the job description.
Substantial senior-level practical experience in one or more relevant areas of Children or Adults Law, including:
Children Act 1989 – Public or Private Law proceedings
Adoption and Children Act 2002
Care Act 2014
Mental Capacity Act and Court of Protection matters
Mental Health Act 1983
Community Care Law
Judicial Review or Administrative Law
Experience managing complex safeguarding cases and providing specialist legal advice.
Strong advocacy, drafting and case management skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and a significant caseload.
Experience supervising or supporting junior colleagues.
Excellent communication, professional judgement and stakeholder management skills.
Willingness to develop expertise in other relevant safeguarding disciplines where required.
Applicants with substantial experience in either Children’s Law or Adults’ Safeguarding Law are encouraged to apply. Experience across both areas is not essential.
Local Government Pension Scheme (defined-benefit pension).
28.5 days’ annual leave, rising to 33.5 days after five years, plus bank holidays.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, subject to service and court attendance requirements.
Support with professional practising certificate fees, subject to Council policy.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and family leave arrangements.
Professional development, coaching and training opportunities.
Employee healthcare, wellbeing support and staff discount schemes.
If you are an experienced Children’s or Adults’ Safeguarding Lawyer looking for a permanent opportunity within local government, please submit your up-to-date CV to Red Snapper Recruitment for consideration.
As part of your application, you may be presented with the opportunity to complete a short pre-interview screening at a time that's convenient for you. It's available 24/7, allowing you to fast-track your application without having to wait for office hours.
Once you've completed your screening, one of our specialist recruitment consultants will personally review your application and, if you're shortlisted, will contact you to arrange the next stage of the interview process.
Flexible. Convenient. Reviewed by specialist recruiters.