Position: Senior Childcare Lawyer
Organisation: Local Authority Based in Essex
Duration: Permanent Role
Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours over 5 days)
Working Arrangement: Hybrid (40% office attendance)
Salary: £51,802 per annum

About the Role:
Venn Group’s specialist public sector legal team is recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority in Essex for an experienced Senior Childcare Lawyer to join their legal team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative environment, managing a diverse caseload of childcare legal matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Child Protection Advice: Advise on all aspects of child protection, including PLO, care proceedings, and adoption
• Case Management: Issue and manage care proceedings and other children-related cases, including DOLs and applications under the inherent jurisdiction or Court of Protection.
• Legal Drafting: Prepare applications, threshold statements, case management documents, and necessary advice.
• Workload Organisation: Effectively review and organise caseloads to ensure efficient use of hearings and adherence to court timetables.
• Meeting Attendance: Attend and contribute to legal planning meetings, as well as cover the duty rota as required.

Role Requirements:

• The Senior Lawyer position requires candidates who can work autonomously without supervision.
• Court Attendance: Preference for candidates able to attend court within Essex; however, this is not a strict requirement.
• Strong background in childcare law with several years of PQE is essential.

Team Environment:
This Local Authority’s legal team is well-established, highly collaborative, and committed to creating a supportive working environment. The team values candidates who are dedicated to professional growth and team-oriented work.
Preferred Background:
Private practice experience is welcomed, with the team encouraging lawyers to transition into public sector roles.
How to Apply:
Please apply online or contact Aidan Sallis for more information:

• Phone: 07441 916 456
• Email: Southeastlegal@venngroup.com

At Venn Group, we are committed to equal opportunities and encourage applications from all qualified candidates