£39,186 - £47,420 per annum

Do you want to make a difference to local people?
As one of the largest legal practices in the area, our dedicated teams strive to get the best outcomes for people in Kirklees.

This role forms part of our ongoing commitment to building a modern service to meet the needs of our safeguarding children and adult services.

We are open to applications from newly and recently qualified, as well as more experienced lawyers.

The team
The Safeguarding Children and Adults Team is one of the specialist teams within Kirklees Legal Services.

We act for the council on a range of matters including Public Law Proceedings relating to children and applications in respect of vulnerable adults in the Court of Protection. We  work closely with the council’s social work teams who provide services to vulnerable children and adults.

The role
The primary focus of this role is safeguarding children litigation. You will be expected to prepare cases for court using our excellent case management and court bundling systems. You will also appear as advocate, and instruct counsel where required.

You will also provide advice and representation in relation to safeguarding adults and be prepared to develop your skills in this area.

What you will bring
We are looking for someone who is a qualified, or soon to be qualified Solicitor holding a current practising certificate, a Barrister, or a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and holds a Civil Proceedings Certificate (or who is a Legal Executive Advocate).

Do you have any experience in the following areas?
We are looking for someone with some experience in at least one of the following areas, but experience in more than one area would be beneficial.

• Children Act 1989 – Public & Private Law Applications
• Adoption and Children Act 2002 – Public & Private Law Applications
• Care Act 2014
• Mental Health Act 1983,
• Community Care, Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Advocacy in public & private children proceedings
• Advocacy in public or private law adoption or special guardianship applications
• Judicial Review/Administrative Law

We are looking for someone who can produce or has experience of drafting application forms and other court documentation to support Local Authority Applications in respect of children or vulnerable adults.  For newly qualified lawyers/solicitors we would look for time spent working on cases of this type under the supervision of other lawyers and assisting on those types of cases and can demonstrate an aptitude for the work in the future.

Development
If you are ambitious to develop your skills and knowledge in legal services, and want to know more about the legal issues that affect a large local authority – this is the role for you.

We put a strong emphasis on training and personal development, and want to support you to be the best you can be.

As well as opportunities for you to learn and develop your skills, you’ll also have the chance to share your knowledge and experience to help others in the team develop.

You will be supported by an experienced team of Principal and Senior Lawyers, Assistant Legal officers and our business support colleagues.

Your benefits
Kirklees Council offers these benefits to all its employees:

• 27.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 after 5 years’ service (plus bank holidays).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Travel and parking discounts
• Exceptional Maternity and Paternity leave policies
• Local Government Pension
• Access to Employee Healthcare that offers a range of services from counselling to physiotherapy and health assessments.
• Hybrid working

Got questions?
If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please telephone Margaret Miller who is Head of the Safeguarding Children and Adults Legal Team on 01484 221 000.

Margaret Miller is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.

We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email: jobs@kirklees.gov.uk or phone: 01484 221000 and ask for ‘Recruitment’.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Closing date: 22 December 2024

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.