Senior Lawyer, Children’s Social Care

5 days ago


SouthendonSea, United Kingdom Southend-on-Sea City Council Full time

Position: Senior Lawyer

Reports to: Principal Lawyer (and deputising when required)

Responsible for: Up to three Legal Assistants

Level: 10


About Southend-on-Sea City Council


Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant and diverse coastal city known for its long beaches and famous pier. As one of the UK’s newest cities (over 200,000 residents and growing) and with its proximity to London, Southend is focused on the future with ambitious strategic plans. The Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer has restructured the Legal Services team to match these broader ambitions.


As part of this, the Director has hired a new Head of Legal focused on standards, performance, continuous improvement and organisational resilience, and is now looking to expand further by hiring 6 enthusiastic Lawyers and Senior Lawyers, with a range of experience. These positions are on a permanent basis and can be full-time or part-time depending on the level and team. The individual roles are set out below.


Why Join Us?


  • Be part of a forward-thinking Council committed to making a difference in one of the UK’s newest cities.
  • Join a friendly, experienced, well-established, dedicated and professional team, which is ambitious, and creative, and where you will be supported to achieve your potential and make a difference.
  • Generous salaries, starting at £51,802 and increasing incrementally with service.
  • Benefits package including Local Government Pension Scheme, 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days with 5 years of service), plus bank holidays, flexible working arrangements, and more.
  • Southend offers hybrid working with a requirement for 2 days (pro-rata) in the office.
  • Work in modern offices conveniently located near the city’s three train stations.
  • Access opportunities for professional growth and development.


The Role


This position is on a permanent, full-time basis. As a Senior Lawyer within the Council’s well-respected Legal Services team, you will handle a technical legal caseload of complex, politically sensitive cases, ensuring the provision of timely, accurate, and high-quality advice. You will work closely with colleagues to deliver high standards of service in childcare law (The Council has achieved “Good” in its recent Ofsted inspection) The role will include, but is not limited to, the following:


  • Managing and advising on all aspects of care proceedings and adoption proceedings and dealing with international issues as necessary.
  • Managing DOL (Deprivation of Liberty) and Secure Accommodation proceedings.
  • Drafting applications, case management documents, threshold statements, orders and case summaries as necessary.
  • Dealing with S7 and S37 matters.
  • Ideally provide advocacy in court.


About You


  • Qualified Solicitor/Barrister/Legal Executive with a current England & Wales practising certificate.
  • Several years post-qualification experience in your area(s) of practice.
  • In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
  • Proven experience in the public sector, ideally local government.
  • Strong team management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to manage complex workloads.
  • Commitment to continuous professional development and training.


How to Apply


This is an exciting time to join Southend-on-Sea City Council. If you are a motivated and experienced legal professional looking to take on an interesting and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.


For further information, please speak to Lottie Williams our recruitment partner at Hays, lottie.williams@hays.com (020 3465 0141).


Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment, and we welcome applications from all members of the community. At Southend, we strive to create a workplace that reflects our city, where everyone is valued and empowered to be themselves.


Key Dates


Closing Date: 9am on Monday 27th January 2025.

Interviews: Selection process commencing Monday 3rd February 2025.



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