Lawyer at Suffolk County Council

Ipswich, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 Sep, 26

Salary

53788.0

Posted On

28 Jun, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Children's Law, Legal Drafting, Legal Research, Advocacy, Case Management, Communication, Strategic Advice, Safeguarding, Child Protection, Statutory Obligations, Prioritisation, Stakeholder Management

Industry

Government Administration

Description

* Suffolk County Council * Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, Hybrid working * Salary: £40,777 (Grade 6) or £53,788 (Grade 7) per annum (pro rata for part time) * Hours: 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available   * Contract: Permanent As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as a Lawyer, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career. Reimagine the possibilities. Your role and responsibilities Are you ready to put your legal expertise to work in a role that truly matters? Join our Legal Team where every day brings fresh challenges and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As a Safeguarding Lawyer, you'll be at the forefront of diverse legal matters, representing the council in all matters relating to children's law. Your keen research abilities and exceptional drafting skills won't just be appreciated; they'll be essential as you become the crucial bridge between professionals and stakeholders. This isn't just about legal expertise; it's about communication mastery. You'll transform complex legal concepts into clear guidance, whether in writing or in person. You'll thrive in an environment where multiple cases demand your attention and precise prioritisation skills. Your expertise will extend to vital safeguarding matters, guiding the council through complex issues. You'll represent the council in proceedings while ensuring our policies remain legally sound and up to date. As a Safeguarding Lawyer, you will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities which will include managing a varied and interesting childcare caseload consisting of both pre-proceedings and applications before the Court, undertaking advocacy on behalf of the County Council and providing expert legal advice to the Council in respect of its duties and responsibilities in respect of children and young people, including those in respect of adoption. By joining our team, you'll deliver high-quality legal services while continuously developing your expertise in a supportive professional environment that values growth and excellence. You can join us as a Lawyer at either Grade 6 (£40,777 per annum) or Grade 7 (£53,788 per annum) depending on your experience and pro rata for part time. For the Grade 6 role, you will need: * To be a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive. * Honours degree (preferably in law), or significant experience as a Lawyer. * Post- graduate level qualification in law or equivalent experience (Desirable). For the Grade 7 role, you will need: * To be a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive. * 3+ years of legal experience since qualification, and/or the ability to demonstrate relevant legal skills, ability and 3 years+ experience as a solicitor, barrister or legal executive, in the designated legal discipline(s). * Honours degree (preferably in law), or 3+ year's experience as a Lawyer. * Post-graduate level qualification in law or equivalent experience (Desirable). For both roles you will need: * The motivation to solve legal problems, and a practical, strategic approach to advice. * Research, analysis and communication skills. * The ability to manage and process high volumes of documentation and information, to drive clear advice and effective case management. * Awareness of the political, reputational and financial factors bearing on the council’s decision-making. * To bring your own values, experience and insights to enhance the team and help develop the department as a whole. You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.   If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. The team We are an exciting and innovative legal team whose vision is always to provide high-quality legal services to the council and beyond. We provide a flexible and dynamic service, which is capable of responding quickly to new initiatives and changing priorities. We regularly discuss our cases and legal developments, and build in time for supporting and developing each other, sharing knowledge and ideas, and celebrating successes The Safeguarding team advise and represent children’s services, providing legal advice to social workers and other professionals within the council. The team manage a varied and interesting childcare caseload consisting of both pre-proceedings and applications before the court, as well as undertaking advocacy at court on a range of child protection matters. We advise on the councils’ policies and procedures, ensuring that the legal framework and statutory obligations are followed, as well as keeping officers up to date on key developments. Empowering Everyone We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report [https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/our-aims-and-transformation-programmes/the-councils-equality-and-inclusion-commitment-to-you]. For more information  Please contact Emily Dundon for a casual conversation. You can contact Emily by either calling 01473 264198 or emailing emily.dundon@suffolk.gov.uk [emily.dundon@suffolk.gov.uk] How to apply Step 1 - Read the Grade 6 Job and Person Profile (Word) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/23119-Lawyer-G6.docx] or Grade 7 Job and Person Profile (Word) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/23119-Lawyer-G7-.docx]. Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/Other-Docs/SupportingStatementTemplate.docx]. 1. Describe a complex legal case you've managed without direct supervision. What challenges did you face, and how did you ensure a positive outcome? 2. Tell us about a situation where litigation seemed likely, but the client’s chances of success were not in their favour, what approach did you take and what was the lessons learnt? 3. Tell us about a time when you've had to work collaboratively with colleagues from other teams or departments to solve a complex legal issue. 4. As a Grade 7 Lawyer you will be expected to take on a line management role of Paralegals and Caseworkers. How would you approach this responsibility and ensure the training and development of those you line manage? Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/657088]. Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/764097] to understand what’s acceptable. Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team by either emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk [ recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk] or calling 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/757078]. Closing date: 11.30 pm, 1 July 2026. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid #IND1 As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities. In return, you’ll enjoy: * up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days * membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) * travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits * performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase * training and encouragement to expand your knowledge * a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation * diverse and active staff networks * flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) [https://careers.suffolk.gov.uk/].

Responsibilities

Manage a diverse childcare caseload including pre-proceedings and court applications while providing expert legal advice on children's law and adoption. Represent the council in legal proceedings and ensure policies remain legally sound and up to date.