Location
London

Hours
Full Time - Hybrid working

Salary
Starting salary £61,686 per annum rising in annual increments to £64,938 per annum including London Weighting plus £5,000 per annum market supplement

About the Role
We are seeking a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Advocate to join Lambeth Council's expanding specialist child litigation team within Lambeth Legal Services. This in-house role involves providing expert legal advice and advocacy in Social Services matters, including contested and final hearings of up to 14 days covering care, placement, adoption, Deprivation of Liberty (DOL), and private law proceedings. You will deliver high-quality, cost-effective, strategic, and solutions-focused legal advice and representation in childcare law, local government law, and other allocated areas. The role requires working at pace with minimum supervision, managing competing deadlines, and supporting the Principal Social Care Lawyer to meet operational requirements and performance targets. You will be part of a friendly, supportive, and collaborative team committed to excellence, innovation, and upholding the council’s values of equity, kindness, accountability, and ambition.

In addition to the salary, legally qualified new starters are eligible for a £5,000 welcome bonus payable 50% after 6 months and 50% after 12 months in the role.

About Us
Lambeth Council is committed to bold ambitions for the future of its communities through the Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth’ and the transformational One Lambeth Programme. We pride ourselves on our refreshed One Lambeth Values and Behaviours: Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability. Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth is a vibrant and diverse borough with over 317,600 residents and a rich cultural heritage. Lambeth Legal Services is an in-house practice dedicated to providing high quality, effective, and value for money legal services to the Council, ensuring lawful exercise of powers and duties. The Legal Services team is committed to the Law Society's Practice Management Standard (Lexcel) and is undergoing transformation to align with the council’s strategic objectives.

About the Team
You will join a specialist child litigation team providing expert legal advice and support in all aspects of child protection and welfare law. The team is known for delivering cost-effective, high-quality, accurate, and strategic legal advice and representation, working collaboratively in a supportive environment.

Experience
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Advocate with a current practising certificate and experience working in childcare/child litigation. Experience in public sector advocacy is desirable.

About you
Enthusiastic, highly organised, proactive, and flexible individual able to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines. You must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating a strong commitment to the role. Excellent client relationship skills and the ability to act as a role model to achieve service and council-wide objectives are essential.

Qualifications
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Advocate with a current practising certificate. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.