Senior Children & Families Lawyer

Company: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Apply for the Senior Children & Families Lawyer
Location: Manchester
Job Description:

Job Description

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Your new companyn A highly regarded local authority legal team is seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to join its Children & Families practice on an initial 6-month contract. This is an opportunity to work within a well-established public law team supporting critical safeguarding and children's services functions.n You'll benefit from a strong support structure, including dedicated Legal Officers and specialist business support teams, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality legal advice, advocacy and case management.n The organisation offers flexibility around working arrangements, with fully remote working considered for the right candidate.

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Some office attendance is preferred, but remote working can be considered.

Your new rolen As a Senior Lawyer, you will manage a complex caseload of children and family matters, with a particular focus on:

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  • Public law children's proceedings, including Section 31 matters
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  • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and related Court of Protection work
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  • Providing strategic legal advice to Children's Services
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  • Advocacy and representation in contested proceedings where appropriate
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  • Drafting legal documentation, applications and pleadings
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  • Advising on safeguarding responsibilities, legislation and statutory guidance
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This is a full-time position working 35 hours per week on an initial 6-month contract, with a likelihood of extension.

What you'll need to succeedn To be successful in this role, you will be:

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  • A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FCILEX with Advocacy Certificate
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  • Experienced in handling complex children and families matters within a local government or public sector setting
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  • Knowledgeable in public law children's proceedings, safeguarding and related legislation
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  • Comfortable managing a busy caseload with minimal supervision
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  • A confident advocate with strong negotiation and communication skills
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  • An accomplished legal drafter with excellent analytical abilities
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  • Able to provide practical, solution-focused advice to a range of stakeholders
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What you need to do nown If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV,

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Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays

Posted: August 2nd, 2026