Lawyer - Child Protection

The salary range for these roles is £41,127 - £52,625 per annum depending on experience (with a Lawyers Career Scheme providing the opportunity to progress to £52,625). This is based on a 36-hour working week.

Are you looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Childcare Law?

Are you as passionate as we are about working as part of a supportive, successful and Lexcel accredited in-house legal team that delivers timely, clear and effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council?

Are you keen to develop or use your advocacy skills?

Are you looking to work in an agile organisation that focusses on outcomes rather than the location from which you work? 

If so, we have exciting opportunities for enthusiastic Solicitors or Barristers looking to develop their career in Local Government and join our team.

About you

You could be newly qualified or someone with extensive experience in either the private or public sector. We recognise transferable skills and have a track record of supporting Lawyers to further develop their skills in this rewarding area.

You will be trained and supported to undertake advocacy commensurate with your experience and alongside this will hold a quality caseload of child protection cases.

About the role

You will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities, which will include:

• Managing a varied and interesting childcare caseload consisting of both pre-proceedings and applications before the Court
• Undertaking advocacy on behalf of the County Council
• Providing expert legal advice to the Council in respect of its duties and responsibilities in respect of children and young people, including those in respect of adoption.

You will have the opportunity to join our Lawyers Career Scheme which will allow for accelerated career and salary progression based on performance. You will be supported through training, regular supervision and development plans to continue learning and developing your expertise and so achieve successful progression through the career scheme. 

The Legal Services Childcare Team are based at Quadrant Court in Woking, however, the Council adopts an agile working policy with flexible working arrangements which includes access to our offices in Reigate and Weybridge combined with remote or home working. We intend to continue working in a flexible manner in the future. The team are very approachable (even when working remotely!) so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters with.

At Surrey, our values and behaviours are just as important as our skills and abilities. They shape who we are as an organisation. Find out more about the values we follow. ​

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 21st August 2022.

Interview dates to be confirmed. Interviews will take place at our Weybridge Office (Dakota, De Havilland Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0YP).

Contact Details

If you have any questions about the role, please email Zeilie.White@Surreycc.gov.uk.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Benefits

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.