JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION >

Torbay is breathtaking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon.
Currently, unprecedented levels of investment and the council’s own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalise on the area’s profile and many assets.
As a small unitary authority, you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition - which is clearly evident by our recent success in being awarded the ‘Most Improved Council’ at last year’s LGC Awards. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high quality services to local people.
To complement this journey, we are now seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated senior lawyer for our Children’s Legal Team. We provide legal advice and representation to our clients across a spectrum of children’s public law and within private law matters, supporting the safeguarding of children and ensuring the Local Authority is fulfilling its statutory duties. This includes all aspects of child protection, from emergency protection orders and care proceedings to adoption, disclosure work, leaving care advice and immigration issues relating to children and families. As a senior lawyer, you will carry a wide and varied caseload, including more complex matters and provide support for more junior members of the team. No two days will be the same, for which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon.
Undertaking the role of senior lawyer, you will be a suitably qualified professional with relevant experience; excited by a fast-paced and varied workload, conscientious, professionally curious and a role model to your colleagues. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people.
We also understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer a hybrid working approach managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings and/or make court appearances in line with the remit of the role.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of the highest standards and outcomes for children.
In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of the highest standards and outcomes for children.
We would welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

SKILLS

Essential:

• Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice.
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.

KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

• High level of knowledge of the law and procedure within the specialist area.
• Knowledge of the law relating to local government.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• Admitted and practising solicitor, legal executive (fellow) or barrister with up to 3 years PQE.
• Suitably trained as a legal advisor or advocate.
• Experience of working in a legal environment.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/council/jobs/job-descriptions/senior-lawyer-childrens/