We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Social Care Solicitor or Barrister to join our Legal Services team at the City of Wolverhampton Council.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative team, providing legal support and representation to our children and education client departments. As a Social Care Solicitor/Barrister, you will be responsible for:

• Providing legal advice and representation in public law children matters, including care and placement order proceedings, fostering, and adoption.
• Advising senior officers within the local authority on legal matters.
• Active involvement in client care and business development.

You will manage a caseload of complex cases, comprising mainly SEN Tribunal cases, with minimum supervision. Your duties will include:

• Undertaking advocacy in case management hearings and final hearings in the first tier SEND Tribunal.
• Instructing counsel as appropriate.
• Ensuring the effective identification and awareness of risks associated with the relevant areas of legal practice.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A passion to further a career in Social Care – Childcare and/or SEN.
• Recent in-depth knowledge and post-qualification experience in childcare litigation and the law and practice relating to safeguarding children litigation.
• Advocacy experience and skills in all tiers of court, including the High Court, Family Court, and ideally the Court of Protection.
• A desire to develop legal skills to enable you to achieve technical excellence.
• A practical and commercial approach.

We offer a competitive salary with pay progression through multiple increments, flexible working, including hybrid working, and a range of benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave, starting at 26 days and rising to 35 days (plus bank holidays) in line with length of service.
• The opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Free parking at a number of sites across the City.
• Wellbeing and lifestyle savings through our benefits App.

If you are a motivated and enthusiastic Social Care Solicitor or Barrister looking to progress your career in a dynamic and innovative team, please apply today.