Lawyer (Children & Families)
Manchester City Council

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Grade 8 | £43,149 - £47,665 (bar at £46,529)
This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified lawyer or an individual with post-qualification experience looking to build a rewarding career in public sector law. You'll join one of the largest shared legal services in the country, providing legal support to both Manchester and Salford City Councils and working on matters that have a direct impact on the lives of children, families and local communities.

About the Team
Manchester City Council's Legal Services team is recognised nationally for delivering innovative, high-quality public sector legal services. The service provides legal support across Manchester and Salford City Councils, as well as a range of external public sector clients, and plays a key role in supporting strategic decision-making and policy development.
The Children & Families Legal Group provides legal advice and representation on all matters relating to the safeguarding and protection of children. The team combines its role advising on multi-agency safeguarding arrangements with strategic support to Children's Services and also provides specialist advice on the disclosure of children's and adults' social care records and education records.
At the heart of everything the team does is:

• The safety and needs of children.
• The legal representation of Children's Services.

There is significant opportunity to contribute to the continuing development of legal services supporting Children's and Education Services, helping to deliver key objectives around permanence for children and locality-based service delivery.

Your New Role
You'll manage a varied caseload of children and families work, advising Children's Services on a range of public and private law matters before, during and after proceedings.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting a broad range of Children Act casework with increasing autonomy.
• Advising on safeguarding responsibilities and local authority duties towards children and families.
• Managing matters relating to information sharing and disclosure.
• Undertaking advocacy before the Family Courts on behalf of the Council.
• Working closely with social workers, senior officers and partner agencies.
• Delivering training and legal guidance to clients and stakeholders.
• Contributing to the continued development of an award-winning legal service.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Fellow (with relevant advocacy rights where applicable)
• NQ level and above considered
• Knowledge of children and families law
• An understanding of local government law or a desire to develop expertise in this area
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to public service and improving outcomes for children and families

Lawyers with experience gained in private practice, local government, legal aid, or children's panel work are encouraged to apply.

What You'll Get in Return

• Salary of £43,149
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• High-quality supervision and career development opportunities
• Access to varied and complex advocacy work
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Excellent annual leave entitlement
• A supportive and collaborative culture committed to innovation and excellence in public sector legal services

About Manchester City Council Legal Services
Manchester City Council's Legal Services team is the largest shared legal service in the country and has held the Lexcel quality standard since 2007. The team supports a wide range of high-profile, complex and innovative projects across the city, delivering legal services that directly contribute to the Council's mission and the wellbeing of its communities.
If you're looking to build your career in children and families law within a supportive, forward-thinking and highly respected legal team, we'd love to hear from you.

To find out more about this opportunity, please contact Libby Smith at Hays Legal on or .

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