Location
London (Southwark Council)

Hours
Predominantly court based with flexible office attendance; monthly office attendance expected subject to court commitments.

Salary
£57,678 - £71,742 per annum plus an additional benefit of £2,724 per annum which can be taken as cash or used for benefits.

About the Role
Southwark Council’s Safeguarding and Community Services Legal team is seeking exceptional Childcare Advocates ready to do more than advise – to directly shape the futures of children and young people across the borough. You will be at the heart of legal decisions protecting the most vulnerable, involved in life-changing litigation that influences services impacting many young lives daily.

This role offers specialist advocacy representing one of London’s busiest Children’s Services teams in the Central Family Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal on cases that shape young lives. You will work strategically with senior leaders, Cabinet, and committees to influence governance, policy, and future service delivery.

The work is complex and career-defining, involving high-profile, multi-party proceedings, drafting complex legal documents, and driving innovation in public childcare law. You will deliver expert legal advice, manage your own advocacy diary, lead on legal issue identification, and collaborate on borough-wide initiatives. You will also act as the in-house technical expert, representing Southwark’s reputation in court and external networks, and deliver training both in-house and to partner London boroughs.

Experience
- Current practising certificate as a Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Fellow.
- In-depth knowledge of public and private childcare law, child protection, adoption, and fostering.
- Proven track record handling complex cases with proactive case management and innovative solutions under pressure.
- Significant experience in advocacy for contested hearings, fact-finding, and final hearings over multiple days.
- Skilled in drafting pleadings and complex legal documents.
- Excellent client care skills with the ability to work collaboratively and inspire trust and confidence.
- Integrity with strong negotiation, mediation, and listening skills.
- Experience advising and influencing senior levels and multi-agency settings.
- Ability to develop networks with judiciary, external agencies, and legal professionals.

About You
- Practical, proactive, and results-driven Childcare Advocate.
- Able to attend the office monthly, subject to court commitments.
- Committed to upholding Southwark Council’s values of excellence, collaboration, and bold ambition for Children’s Services.
- Passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Qualifications
- Current practising certificate as a Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Fellow is essential.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in childcare law and related areas as outlined above.