Senior Childcare Lawyer

Job description

Senior Childcare Lawyer

Public law children's cases sit at the most consequential end of legal practice. The decisions you influence shape the lives of vulnerable children and families. If this is the area where you have built your expertise, and where you want to continue to grow, this is a role worth your attention.

The Role

We are recruiting a Senior Lawyer to join a specialist Children's Social Care and Safeguarding team on a permanent, full-time basis. This is a dual-purpose role: you will carry a complex public law caseload while also taking on formal line management responsibilities for paralegals and junior lawyers.

Day-to-day, you will advise public sector clients on Children Act matters, conduct and supervise care and protection proceedings, undertake advocacy, and deputise for the Principal Solicitor when required. You will also play a central role in the professional development of the wider team — supervising, mentoring, and contributing to training delivery.

Why This Role

This is a rare opportunity to combine substantive public law practice with genuine team leadership in a collaborative, values-led organisation. You will work alongside committed professionals on cases that carry real weight, within a structure that supports your development as both a lawyer and a leader.

The organisation holds Lexcel accreditation and is committed to maintaining high standards of practice management alongside a supportive team culture. Benefits include:

• Salary of £52,415 to £60,030, plus a management allowance of £1,480 per annum
• Flexible hybrid working, two days per week on-site in Cambridgeshire
• Ongoing development opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme – one of the best in the UK
• 26 days annual leave (rising with service) + bank holidays + option to buy more

What We Are Looking For

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister
• Experience in public law children's work
• Knowledge of Children Act proceedings and care and adoption law
• Confidence in advocacy and court representation
• Experience of supervising or mentoring colleagues
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Cambridgeshire

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

21-03-2026

Profession type

Home Care Jobs

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English