Childcare Solicitor (Career Progression)

This is an IT support group; Luton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 52,000

Job description

About The Job

Salary: £45,718 to £51,802 per year plus £3,203 car benefit

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Permanent

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Solicitor to join our Legal Services team and assist in the provision of comprehensive legal support to the Council, its Executive, Committees, Sub-Committees, and various Departments. This progression role offers an exciting opportunity to work on a personal legal caseload, with a particular focus on childcare and related matters. The successful candidate will provide expert legal advice, manage complex cases, and contribute to the smooth running of our legal services.

The post holder will be expected to assist the Principal Solicitor (Social Services) in the development of the Social Services Team and to carry out special projects and to assist in corporate inter-service or inter-departmental projects from time to time.

Please note this is a progressive opportunity graded M3-M4 so you will have the opportunity to get 'hands on' experience to develop and broaden your skills.

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

About You

We're looking for someone with experience in Local Government and a solid understanding of how to carry out legal work under supervision. You should be comfortable using computers and have a persuasive, analytical mindset. You'll also need to be able to plan and prioritise your own caseload within broad guidelines, and while working under supervision, you'll still need to make decisive judgments when necessary.

Strong communication skills are key – both written and verbal. You'll need to gather relevant information in moderately complex situations and translate it into clear, effective legal documents. Teamwork is also important to us, so you should be someone who enjoys collaborating with colleagues.

In terms of legal expertise, we're looking for a solid understanding of English law, particularly Childcare Law. Whether you're a Solicitor or a Barrister qualified in England, you must hold (or be able to obtain) a current practising certificate. If you're a Barrister, you'll need to have (or be able to obtain) rights of audience under the relevant paragraphs of the Code of Conduct for Barristers in England and Wales.

Additionally, a working knowledge of the Law of Evidence is essential.

About Us

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

Application Process

Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However, in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.

Benefits

• From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
• Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
• Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
• Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
• Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
• Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
• Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
• Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel

How To Apply

We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!

Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application: How to apply