Location
London

Hours
Predominantly court based with flexible office attendance, typically monthly, 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. Your legal expertise will not only resolve cases but set precedents, inspire innovation, and drive meaningful change within a council committed to excellence, collaboration, and bold ambition for Children’s Services.

Key Responsibilities:
- Represent 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.
- Deliver expert legal advice on complex childcare law to senior management, Officers, Cabinet, and committees.
- Manage your own advocacy diary and lead on identifying legal issues arising from litigation or statutory changes.
- Draft, prepare, and present reports and legal comments for Cabinet and Council committees.
- Advise on governance, risk, and case management strategies within a public law context.
- Act as the in-house technical expert, representing Southwark’s reputation in court, external networks, Local Family Justice Boards, and working groups.
- Deliver training internally and to London boroughs involved in the South London Care Proceedings Project.

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes and supporting a diverse, growing population. The council is committed to tackling inequalities and fostering a just and fair borough through initiatives such as Southwark Stands Together.

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 conducting advocacy in contested hearings, fact-finding, and final hearings over multiple days.
- Skilled in drafting pleadings and other complex legal documents.

About you
- Practical, proactive, and results-driven Childcare Advocate.
- Excellent client care skills with the ability to work collaboratively and inspire trust and confidence.
- Integrity with strong negotiation, mediation, and listening skills.
- Ability to advise and influence senior levels and multi-agency settings.
- Aptitude to develop networks with judiciary, external agencies, and legal professionals to raise Southwark’s profile.
- Able to attend the office on a monthly basis, subject to court commitments.

Qualifications
- Current practising certificate as a Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX Fellow is essential.