The starting salary for this full-time, permanent position is 33,552 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week. Surrey County Council is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Paralegal to join our supportive and successful Lexcel accredited in-house Child Protection team within the Legal & Democratic Services Department. The team is based in Woking where you will attend a minimum of 40% of your working week. However, we adopt a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements including access to our offices in Reigate, Weybridge and Woking combined with remote or home working (from an appropriate private space due to the sensitive nature of our work). The team are very approachable (even when working remotely!) so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters with. Our Offer to You 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents The Team and Your Role Working together with frontline Children's Services to safeguard children, we play a pivotal role in the Council's drive to ensure no one is left behind. Our work spans advising regarding children's services' s37 reports and the PLO process, providing representation in care proceedings, dealing with cases with international aspects, special guardianship, adoption, deprivation of liberty and court of protection applications. As a Paralegal you will support your allocated lawyers with their caseload, alongside providing duty support, assisting with queries and holding a small caseload of paralegal work. Our team culture is one which is supportive and engaged. We have regular team meetings and bi-annual away days where we connect and collaborate with one another, leaving us feeling motivated and energised about our roles. If you are interested in developing and enhancing your existing skills whilst undertaking quality and varied work in the area of child protection, we'd love to hear from you! Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills: Law degree or equivalent (e.g. non-law degree plus CPE/GDL) Motivation for working for the Local Authority Child Protection legal team Experience of working in a legal team, delivering timely, clear and effective legal advice, representation and assistance Keen attention to detail with the ability to work effectively and flexibly in a team and manage competing priorities to strict deadlines Ability to provide exemplary client care Ability to undertake legal research and present findings with accuracy To apply, we request that you submit a CV and answer the following 3 questions: Please set out your motivations for applying for a paralegal role in child protection, with particular focus on representing the local authority? (Max 200 words) Looking at our advert, and considering the Council's commitment to ensuring that "no one is left behind", please tell us how you would ensure that children, families and wider networks feel included, heard and respected in your work? (Max 200 words) What is something that you have done as part of a team (in work or a private capacity) that you are particularly proud of or has had a positive outcome for somebody else? (Max 200 words) The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 10th May 2026 with interviews planned to follow. An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Apr 29, 2026
Full time
The starting salary for this full-time, permanent position is 33,552 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week. Surrey County Council is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Paralegal to join our supportive and successful Lexcel accredited in-house Child Protection team within the Legal & Democratic Services Department. The team is based in Woking where you will attend a minimum of 40% of your working week. However, we adopt a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements including access to our offices in Reigate, Weybridge and Woking combined with remote or home working (from an appropriate private space due to the sensitive nature of our work). The team are very approachable (even when working remotely!) so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters with. Our Offer to You 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave A generous local government salary related pension Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents The Team and Your Role Working together with frontline Children's Services to safeguard children, we play a pivotal role in the Council's drive to ensure no one is left behind. Our work spans advising regarding children's services' s37 reports and the PLO process, providing representation in care proceedings, dealing with cases with international aspects, special guardianship, adoption, deprivation of liberty and court of protection applications. As a Paralegal you will support your allocated lawyers with their caseload, alongside providing duty support, assisting with queries and holding a small caseload of paralegal work. Our team culture is one which is supportive and engaged. We have regular team meetings and bi-annual away days where we connect and collaborate with one another, leaving us feeling motivated and energised about our roles. If you are interested in developing and enhancing your existing skills whilst undertaking quality and varied work in the area of child protection, we'd love to hear from you! Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills: Law degree or equivalent (e.g. non-law degree plus CPE/GDL) Motivation for working for the Local Authority Child Protection legal team Experience of working in a legal team, delivering timely, clear and effective legal advice, representation and assistance Keen attention to detail with the ability to work effectively and flexibly in a team and manage competing priorities to strict deadlines Ability to provide exemplary client care Ability to undertake legal research and present findings with accuracy To apply, we request that you submit a CV and answer the following 3 questions: Please set out your motivations for applying for a paralegal role in child protection, with particular focus on representing the local authority? (Max 200 words) Looking at our advert, and considering the Council's commitment to ensuring that "no one is left behind", please tell us how you would ensure that children, families and wider networks feel included, heard and respected in your work? (Max 200 words) What is something that you have done as part of a team (in work or a private capacity) that you are particularly proud of or has had a positive outcome for somebody else? (Max 200 words) The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 10th May 2026 with interviews planned to follow. An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Our Commitment We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Are you a 3-year PQE+ Children Panel Solicitor or Legal Executive seeking a new opportunity with a leading Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners ranked Firm? The firm offer hybrid working, generous annual leave which increases with service and excellent ongoing training and career development. Our client is seeking a Children Panel Lawyer to join there recently merged offices Childcare Department. You will demonstrate a genuine passion for publicly funded work along with strong advocacy skills and will be working with a number of members of the Law Society Children's Panel and Family Panel Resolution accredited specialists. The team represent parents, Guardians children, adopters, foster carers, kinship carers and advise on all matters of child care law. Hybrid working opportunities will be available, the Firm is paperless so IT proficiency is imperative. What will be expected from you for the Children Panel Lawyer role: A Children Panel member with at least 3 years PQE Undertake all aspects of childcare work Undertake advocacy Undertake a variety of work including public law, child protection, SGO and adoption matters Advising and assisting other team members and encouraging development Confidence to work independently as well as in a team and to prioritise workloads accordingly Excellent client care skills Benefits: Competitive salary and bonus structure Generous annual leave (25 days + bank holidays and office closure over Christmas/New Year), increasing with service Hybrid working opportunities A friendly working environment supported by modern IT infrastructure Ongoing training and career development within a nationally respected firm The Firm: With a rich history spanning two decades, the Firm is acknowledged in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners rankings along with being recognised in the Times Best Law Firms for 2023 and 2024. With a dedicated team of over 200 staff with offices nationwide, the Firm is committed to servicing clients in both privately and publicly funded legal matters. Building partnerships based on trust, ensuring clients receive the support they need during challenging times with an ethos of continuous improvement. If you're a Children Panel Lawyer ready to take the next step in your career, apply today. Alternatively, contact Mia at Law Staff Limited quoting reference 36838. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL (INCLUDING SPAM FOLDER) FOR CONFIRMATION YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED. In accordance with The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003
Apr 28, 2026
Full time
Are you a 3-year PQE+ Children Panel Solicitor or Legal Executive seeking a new opportunity with a leading Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners ranked Firm? The firm offer hybrid working, generous annual leave which increases with service and excellent ongoing training and career development. Our client is seeking a Children Panel Lawyer to join there recently merged offices Childcare Department. You will demonstrate a genuine passion for publicly funded work along with strong advocacy skills and will be working with a number of members of the Law Society Children's Panel and Family Panel Resolution accredited specialists. The team represent parents, Guardians children, adopters, foster carers, kinship carers and advise on all matters of child care law. Hybrid working opportunities will be available, the Firm is paperless so IT proficiency is imperative. What will be expected from you for the Children Panel Lawyer role: A Children Panel member with at least 3 years PQE Undertake all aspects of childcare work Undertake advocacy Undertake a variety of work including public law, child protection, SGO and adoption matters Advising and assisting other team members and encouraging development Confidence to work independently as well as in a team and to prioritise workloads accordingly Excellent client care skills Benefits: Competitive salary and bonus structure Generous annual leave (25 days + bank holidays and office closure over Christmas/New Year), increasing with service Hybrid working opportunities A friendly working environment supported by modern IT infrastructure Ongoing training and career development within a nationally respected firm The Firm: With a rich history spanning two decades, the Firm is acknowledged in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners rankings along with being recognised in the Times Best Law Firms for 2023 and 2024. With a dedicated team of over 200 staff with offices nationwide, the Firm is committed to servicing clients in both privately and publicly funded legal matters. Building partnerships based on trust, ensuring clients receive the support they need during challenging times with an ethos of continuous improvement. If you're a Children Panel Lawyer ready to take the next step in your career, apply today. Alternatively, contact Mia at Law Staff Limited quoting reference 36838. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL (INCLUDING SPAM FOLDER) FOR CONFIRMATION YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED. In accordance with The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003
Court of Protection and Inquest Lawyer Closing date: 17 May 2026 We are seeking a full time, permanent Court of Protection and Inquest Lawyer to join our specialist Legal Services team. Reporting to the Associate Director of Legal Services, this high profile, varied role offers significant autonomy within a statutory framework. You will provide expert advice on a complex, sensitive caseload, primarily Court of Protection and Coronial/Inquest matters. The role requires strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and confidence handling contentious, emotive issues. The post holder must be a qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (minimum 2 years PQE), with rights of audience in Coronial proceedings and a current practising certificate. Adult Social Care experience is essential; NHS experience is not required. Main duties of the job Develop, plan and implement legal strategies to meet organisational priorities and client needs. Attend MDT meetings and brief the Associate Director of Legal Services for Board and executive reporting. Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Supervise and support junior staff, contributing to team development and capability. Draft legal submissions, liaise with Counsel, attend court and undertake advocacy. Provide flexible legal support across the Trust. Deliver clear, pragmatic advice across healthcare and adult social care law. Contribute to training and education on legal, clinical and risk issues. Act as primary contact for Court of Protection matters, providing timely, authoritative advice including workshops and ad hoc sessions. Job responsibilities You will act as a lead legal specialist for the Trust's Court of Protection function, providing expert advice and oversight across a broad and sensitive caseload. Consent and capacity (adults and children). Use of restraint and restrictive practice. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (and transition to Liberty Protection Safeguards). Mental Health Act matters. End of life decision making. Inquests involving mental health, mental capacity or deprivation of liberty issues. You will have experience in: Conducting litigation relating to the welfare and property of vulnerable adults, including Court of Protection applications. Providing detailed written and oral advice on the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act 2005. Reviewing and advising on witness statements and evidential material. Preparing Court of Protection applications and participating in Best Interests decision making processes. Managing a complex caseload involving mental health, safeguarding, ordinary residence, deprivation of liberty and related issues. Advising on adult social care law and delivering associated training. Developing policies, procedures and strategic approaches to adult social care legal issues. Supervising colleagues and contributing to team development and capability building. Coroner's inquests You will support the Associate Director of Legal Services in representing the Trust throughout the Coronial process. Act as Trust lead for inquests involving mental health, mental capacity and deprivation of liberty issues. Ensure staff involved in inquest proceedings are appropriately supported and understand the process. Liaise with and brief Counsel and external legal representatives where required. Provide clear guidance to clinical and managerial staff involved in the inquest process. Undertake advocacy at inquest hearings where appropriate. Qualifications Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with minimum 2 years PQE. Admission as Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, or equivalent, with minimum 2 years post qualification experience. Adult social care experience. Postgraduate degree in Medical Law or Medical Law and Ethics (desirable). Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to confirm no previous criminal convictions. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Salary: £66,582 - £77,368 a year, pro rata.
Apr 26, 2026
Full time
Court of Protection and Inquest Lawyer Closing date: 17 May 2026 We are seeking a full time, permanent Court of Protection and Inquest Lawyer to join our specialist Legal Services team. Reporting to the Associate Director of Legal Services, this high profile, varied role offers significant autonomy within a statutory framework. You will provide expert advice on a complex, sensitive caseload, primarily Court of Protection and Coronial/Inquest matters. The role requires strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and confidence handling contentious, emotive issues. The post holder must be a qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive (minimum 2 years PQE), with rights of audience in Coronial proceedings and a current practising certificate. Adult Social Care experience is essential; NHS experience is not required. Main duties of the job Develop, plan and implement legal strategies to meet organisational priorities and client needs. Attend MDT meetings and brief the Associate Director of Legal Services for Board and executive reporting. Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Supervise and support junior staff, contributing to team development and capability. Draft legal submissions, liaise with Counsel, attend court and undertake advocacy. Provide flexible legal support across the Trust. Deliver clear, pragmatic advice across healthcare and adult social care law. Contribute to training and education on legal, clinical and risk issues. Act as primary contact for Court of Protection matters, providing timely, authoritative advice including workshops and ad hoc sessions. Job responsibilities You will act as a lead legal specialist for the Trust's Court of Protection function, providing expert advice and oversight across a broad and sensitive caseload. Consent and capacity (adults and children). Use of restraint and restrictive practice. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (and transition to Liberty Protection Safeguards). Mental Health Act matters. End of life decision making. Inquests involving mental health, mental capacity or deprivation of liberty issues. You will have experience in: Conducting litigation relating to the welfare and property of vulnerable adults, including Court of Protection applications. Providing detailed written and oral advice on the Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act 2005. Reviewing and advising on witness statements and evidential material. Preparing Court of Protection applications and participating in Best Interests decision making processes. Managing a complex caseload involving mental health, safeguarding, ordinary residence, deprivation of liberty and related issues. Advising on adult social care law and delivering associated training. Developing policies, procedures and strategic approaches to adult social care legal issues. Supervising colleagues and contributing to team development and capability building. Coroner's inquests You will support the Associate Director of Legal Services in representing the Trust throughout the Coronial process. Act as Trust lead for inquests involving mental health, mental capacity and deprivation of liberty issues. Ensure staff involved in inquest proceedings are appropriately supported and understand the process. Liaise with and brief Counsel and external legal representatives where required. Provide clear guidance to clinical and managerial staff involved in the inquest process. Undertake advocacy at inquest hearings where appropriate. Qualifications Qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive with minimum 2 years PQE. Admission as Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, or equivalent, with minimum 2 years post qualification experience. Adult social care experience. Postgraduate degree in Medical Law or Medical Law and Ethics (desirable). Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to confirm no previous criminal convictions. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Salary: £66,582 - £77,368 a year, pro rata.
A Solicitors firm with a first rate reputation in the area of Childcare law are looking to recruit into their team in Leicester. The successful candidate for this position will be a qualified Childcare Solicitor or Legal Executive with upwards of 2 years PQE in dealing with a caseload of childcare matters. Childcare panel membership or a desire to work towards this accreditation would be beneficial. Duties in the role will be varied and may include dealing with matters such as - Care Orders/Interim Care Orders - Supervision Orders - Emergency Protection Orders - Special Guardianship Orders - Placement Orders - Adoption Orders - Child protection case Conferences, - Child Arrangement Orders - Domestic abuse/violence cases - Prohibited Steps Orders. This firm takes pride in how they look after their people. This is reflected in their benefits package which includes a top end salary (based on experience) as well as other perks such as 26 days annual leave +bank, bonus schemes, pension scheme and private healthcare. Hybrid working is encouraged within the firm with up to 2 days a week working from home if that is of interest to people. Genuine progression prospects will be made available for ambitious lawyers looking to move into senior positions to run teams over time. If you are a childcare Solicitor looking for a new role then this is a great opportunity to continue your career as part of one of the UKs strongest specialist teams then this role is worth consideration. Please get in touch for further details by applying using the links provided or getting in touch with Greg Whittaker at GWR Legal Recruitment.
Apr 25, 2026
Full time
A Solicitors firm with a first rate reputation in the area of Childcare law are looking to recruit into their team in Leicester. The successful candidate for this position will be a qualified Childcare Solicitor or Legal Executive with upwards of 2 years PQE in dealing with a caseload of childcare matters. Childcare panel membership or a desire to work towards this accreditation would be beneficial. Duties in the role will be varied and may include dealing with matters such as - Care Orders/Interim Care Orders - Supervision Orders - Emergency Protection Orders - Special Guardianship Orders - Placement Orders - Adoption Orders - Child protection case Conferences, - Child Arrangement Orders - Domestic abuse/violence cases - Prohibited Steps Orders. This firm takes pride in how they look after their people. This is reflected in their benefits package which includes a top end salary (based on experience) as well as other perks such as 26 days annual leave +bank, bonus schemes, pension scheme and private healthcare. Hybrid working is encouraged within the firm with up to 2 days a week working from home if that is of interest to people. Genuine progression prospects will be made available for ambitious lawyers looking to move into senior positions to run teams over time. If you are a childcare Solicitor looking for a new role then this is a great opportunity to continue your career as part of one of the UKs strongest specialist teams then this role is worth consideration. Please get in touch for further details by applying using the links provided or getting in touch with Greg Whittaker at GWR Legal Recruitment.
