Locum Senior Childcare Solicitor 
Local Authority – South West
3 months initially
Up to £55 per hour umbrella

Panoramic Associates is recruiting an experienced Locum Senior Childcare Solicitor for our South West-based Local Authority client. This is an initial 3-month contract, with potential extension pending permanent recruitment. You’ll join a well-established childcare legal team, and they’re seeking someone with a strong background in public childcare law. Ideally, candidates should be open to in-person hearings, though fully remote working could be considered for the right person.

Role Duties:

• Provide concise legal advice and support to social workers and service managers within the Child Protection team.
• Offer legal guidance, manage casework, and conduct advocacy for pre-proceedings and court cases, including Care Proceedings, Adoption, Revocations, Discharge Proceedings, and contested private law matters.
• Attend PLO meetings and prepare legal documents such as draft orders, thresholds, case summaries, and applications.
• Instruct experts and draft letters of instruction.

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified Solicitor, Legal Executive, or Barrister (non-qualified lawyers with significant relevant experience also considered).
• Ideally 5+ years’ experience in a local authority setting, supporting childcare proceedings.
• Strong practical knowledge of Children’s Social Care and Public Law proceedings.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
   

To discuss the role and day to day duties in more detail, please click apply and/or please contact Georgia Macmenemey on 0117 284 0003 or email g.macmenemey@panoramicassociates.co.uk