Location
London Borough of Croydon

Hours
36 hours per week

Salary
Grade 12-16 (career progression) £51,738 - £53,919 per annum plus fantastic benefits

About the Role
Join Croydon Council’s Social Care & Education Legal Team as an experienced and enthusiastic Childcare Lawyer. This permanent role offers the opportunity to work within one of London’s largest and most diverse boroughs, delivering high-quality, sustainable legal services that make a real difference to children and families.

You will provide expert legal advice and representation on a broad range of public law children matters, working closely with social workers, senior managers and other professionals. Your responsibilities will include managing a varied caseload of childcare and public law children matters, advising on care proceedings, pre-proceedings and the Public Law Outline, and providing legal advice at planning and pre-proceedings meetings.

You will draft applications, orders, threshold documents, statements, position statements and other court documentation, conduct advocacy in the Family Court where appropriate, and instruct Counsel in more complex matters. Additionally, you will advise Children’s Services on issues such as parental responsibility, contact, assessments, placement decisions, disclosure and evidence.

Ensuring cases progress effectively and in accordance with court directions and statutory timescales is essential, as is developing positive and effective working relationships with colleagues across Legal Services and Children’s Services.

Croydon Council supports flexible and hybrid working, subject to role requirements including court attendance and client meetings.

Experience
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with relevant childcare and public law children experience.
- Good working knowledge of the Children Act 1989, relevant legislation and Family Court procedure.
- Experience advising on and conducting public law children proceedings.
- Strong legal drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills.
- Ability to manage a busy caseload and work effectively to court deadlines.

About you
- Ability to provide clear, practical and proportionate legal advice.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Confidence to advise officers and senior managers on complex and sensitive matters.
- Collaborative approach and commitment to delivering a high-quality legal service.
- Previous local government experience is advantageous but not essential if you have relevant transferable experience.

Qualifications
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive status is required.