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The salary range for this role is 47,142 to 58,953 per annum, based on working 36-hours per week. This is depending on experience (with a Lawyers Career Scheme providing the opportunity for permanent staff to progress to 58,953). Part time applications will also be considered. Are you looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Childcare Law? We are seeking a Child Protection Lawyer to join our fantastic legal team, based at Victoria Gate in Woking. The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements which includes coming together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week). The team are very approachable (even when working remotely!) so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters. Our Offer to You 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff) 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. About the Role As a Child Protection Lawyer at Surrey, you will join a supportive, successful and Lexcel accredited in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council. Our team culture is one which is supportive and engaged. We have regular team away days where we connect and collaborate with one another, leaving us feeling motivated and energised about our roles. 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 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 You will be supported through training, regular supervision and development plans to continue learning and developing your expertise and to achieve successful progression through the career scheme. If joining us on a permanent basis, you will have the opportunity to join our Lawyers Career Scheme which will allow for accelerated career and salary progression based on performance. 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. We were previously nominated for a STARS in Surrey award for teamwork and get consistently excellent client feedback. 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! A current Lawyer in the team says "As a team lawyer at Surrey County Council, my daily work involves working collaboratively with social workers and other professionals, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each case and fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving. This enables us to develop tailored legal strategies that address the specific needs of the children and families involved in cases spanning a broad-spectrum including PLO proceedings, care proceedings, deprivation of liberty applications, among others. In this role, I have the responsibility of representing and advising clients in diverse childcare cases ranging from initial proceedings to complex matters like adoption and special guardianship. The flexibility provided by agile working enhances my work-life balance, allowing me to adapt my working hours and locations to accommodate personal commitments while fulfilling my professional responsibilities." Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours: You are Solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX (with family ligation and advocacy practice rights) who is eligible to practise in England and Wales and has (or be in a position to apply for) a current practicing certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority. You are able to manage a full and varied caseload and deliver innovative solutions with appropriate supervision. You have excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners and professionals. You have experience of or an aptitude for advocacy. You have an understanding of and are able to uphold the values of Surrey County Council. You ideally have experience in Family Law in either the private or public sector. We recognise transferable skills and have a track record of supporting Lawyers to further develop their skills in this rewarding area. You will be trained and supported to undertake advocacy commensurate with your experience and alongside this will hold a quality caseload of child protection cases. Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 21/06/2026 with interviews to follow in the week commencing 29th June 2026. Should you wish to join a large, friendly, dedicated and experienced team of lawyers please click the apply button below to submit your application! 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! Please see more information on our website. 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

Head of Childcare Department (Senior Solicitor) Location: Coventry, West Midlands Salary: Competitive + Leadership Package + Bonus Opportunities Contract: Full-Time, Permanent About the Opportunity An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Childcare Solicitor to lead and develop a well-established Childcare Department within a nationally recognised law firm. This role offers the chance to join a growing and ambitious practice with a strong reputation for excellence in publicly funded family and childcare work. The firm is recognised by leading independent legal directories and has developed a reputation for delivering outstanding client care, high-quality legal services and meaningful career progression opportunities. The childcare team has experienced significant growth in recent years and continues to invest heavily in its people, infrastructure and regional presence. The successful candidate will play a key strategic role in establishing and leading the Coventry Childcare Department, driving growth, supervising and mentoring lawyers, and maintaining the highest standards of client service and legal excellence. The Role As Head of Department, you will: Lead and manage a busy Childcare and Public Law Children team. Conduct your own caseload of complex childcare matters, including: Care Proceedings Supervision Orders Emergency Protection Orders Special Guardianship Orders Adoption Proceedings Deprivation of Liberty matters Cases involving non-accidental injuries, abuse, neglect and safeguarding concerns. Develop and implement the department's strategic growth plans. Recruit, supervise and mentor solicitors, legal executives, trainees and support staff. Maintain compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and professional standards. Build and strengthen relationships with local authorities, guardians, barristers and other stakeholders. Contribute to business development, networking and profile-raising activities across the region. Work closely with senior management on departmental performance, budgeting and growth initiatives. About You We are seeking an ambitious and commercially aware leader who combines technical excellence with a genuine passion for childcare law. You will ideally possess: A minimum of 8 years' PQE in Childcare/Public Law Children work. Law Society Children Panel Accreditation (essential). Significant advocacy and case management experience. Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers. A proven track record of managing complex and sensitive childcare matters. Strong leadership, organisational and business development skills. Excellent client care and communication abilities. A desire to build and lead a successful regional team. What We Offer The opportunity to lead and shape a department with genuine autonomy. A strong pipeline of publicly funded childcare work. Access to an established national network of specialist family and childcare lawyers. High-quality administrative and management support. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Clear career progression at senior leadership level. Competitive salary and benefits package. Ongoing professional development and leadership training. Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to join a progressive, people-focused law firm that combines the resources and reputation of a national practice with the culture and accessibility of a regional firm. The organisation is recognised for its expertise in family and childcare law, commitment to legal aid work, and investment in the growth of its lawyers and departments. The firm has received recognition from both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and continues to expand its childcare offering across England. If you are an experienced Childcare Solicitor looking for the opportunity to lead, influence strategy and build a thriving department within a highly regarded firm, please get in touch with Rory Brand at Simpson Judge today for a highly confidential chat.

Head of Childcare Department (Senior Solicitor) Location: Coventry, West Midlands Salary: Competitive + Leadership Package + Bonus Opportunities Contract: Full-Time, Permanent About the Opportunity An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Childcare Solicitor to lead and develop a well-established Childcare Department within a nationally recognised law firm. This role offers the chance to join a growing and ambitious practice with a strong reputation for excellence in publicly funded family and childcare work. The firm is recognised by leading independent legal directories and has developed a reputation for delivering outstanding client care, high-quality legal services and meaningful career progression opportunities. The childcare team has experienced significant growth in recent years and continues to invest heavily in its people, infrastructure and regional presence. The successful candidate will play a key strategic role in establishing and leading the Coventry Childcare Department, driving growth, supervising and mentoring lawyers, and maintaining the highest standards of client service and legal excellence. The Role As Head of Department, you will: Lead and manage a busy Childcare and Public Law Children team. Conduct your own caseload of complex childcare matters, including: Care Proceedings Supervision Orders Emergency Protection Orders Special Guardianship Orders Adoption Proceedings Deprivation of Liberty matters Cases involving non-accidental injuries, abuse, neglect and safeguarding concerns. Develop and implement the department's strategic growth plans. Recruit, supervise and mentor solicitors, legal executives, trainees and support staff. Maintain compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements and professional standards. Build and strengthen relationships with local authorities, guardians, barristers and other stakeholders. Contribute to business development, networking and profile-raising activities across the region. Work closely with senior management on departmental performance, budgeting and growth initiatives. About You We are seeking an ambitious and commercially aware leader who combines technical excellence with a genuine passion for childcare law. You will ideally possess: A minimum of 8 years' PQE in Childcare/Public Law Children work. Law Society Children Panel Accreditation (essential). Significant advocacy and case management experience. Experience supervising and mentoring junior lawyers. A proven track record of managing complex and sensitive childcare matters. Strong leadership, organisational and business development skills. Excellent client care and communication abilities. A desire to build and lead a successful regional team. What We Offer The opportunity to lead and shape a department with genuine autonomy. A strong pipeline of publicly funded childcare work. Access to an established national network of specialist family and childcare lawyers. High-quality administrative and management support. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Clear career progression at senior leadership level. Competitive salary and benefits package. Ongoing professional development and leadership training. Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to join a progressive, people-focused law firm that combines the resources and reputation of a national practice with the culture and accessibility of a regional firm. The organisation is recognised for its expertise in family and childcare law, commitment to legal aid work, and investment in the growth of its lawyers and departments. The firm has received recognition from both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and continues to expand its childcare offering across England. If you are an experienced Childcare Solicitor looking for the opportunity to lead, influence strategy and build a thriving department within a highly regarded firm, please get in touch with Rory Brand from Simpson Judge today for a highly confidential chat.

Candidates must be suitably experienced and proficient in the drafting of social care and public health contracts, advice on the specific legal regimes affecting the procurement of such contracts and the conduct of social care and public health commissioning activity. Part of the role will be the covering of a heavy caseload of such matters in order to cover a period of long term absence and as such, applicants need to have the ability to start such work immediately and complete cases to challenging timescales Senior Commerial Lawyer To provide high quality and solution focused legal services to the City Council, schools and other clients in one of the following teams: Child Protection Commercial Law Property and Regeneration Adult Social Care and Litigation Planning and Regulatory Law To be a senior advisor and representative in an area of legal specialism including complex, high profile and sensitive matters. To be able to provide advice on other legal matters affecting local authorities. To manage and develop lawyers and other fee earners. To support the head of law and legal management team in the management of the service. Main Areas of Responsibility: To undertake a full caseload of complex and often sensitive legal matters within one or more specialisms of the team and dealing with complex and sensitive matters To provide proactive and solution focussed advice that supports the delivery of the council's priorities and policies To manage and develop lawyers and / or other team members within your team ensuring the delivery of high quality and cost-effective legal services To be able to advise on legal matters relevant to public and local government law including on executive and committee decision-making, information governance and public law challenges To advise members and formal member level bodies including Cabinet, Council, committees and overview and scrutiny in respect of the team's specialism and as required by the City Director and / or their Deputy Director To support the City Director of Law & Governance in their role as monitoring officer and in promoting the Nolan Principles in the council and escalating matters as appropriate To externally commission legal work for the Council where required, ensuring value for money and high-quality advice and representation is received To ensure the service, teams and the wider Council is aware of the current and future law and practice affecting the authority To participate in the delivery of projects and programmes in the Legal Service and / or corporately To support the Head of Law with the development of legal procedures and policies To support the Head of Law in the delivery of value for money and income generation in the work of the team To have responsibility to authorise payments from an agreed expenditure budget To deputise for the Head of Law in their absence or as requested To manage lawyers and team members ensuring their performance management and development The job holder will embed diversity and inclusion into the team and Council's working promoting non-discriminatory practices and challenging discriminatory practices at all times To ensure compliance with statutory duties and corporate policies and standards and ensure within team, raising non-compliance including but not limited to health and safety, information governance, financial and procurement regulations This job description is not intended to be either prescriptive or exhaustive, it is issued as a framework to outline the main areas of responsibility at the time of writing. To carry out other tasks as may reasonably be required Supervision and Management Responsibility: Ensuring activities are planned to include meaningful one to one conversations, quality annual appraisals and regular workforce planning and development Manages performance and behavioural issues effectively Budget and Financial Responsibility: Being fully accountable for managing the council's resources well and complying with statutory requirements. This includes managing time, avoiding unnecessary waste, reuse and recycle resources to reduce personal impact. Monitor financial performance and deliver within budget Monitor financial performance, deliver within budget and seek savings and efficiencies by exploring opportunities to draw funding where appropriate Set, monitor, and remain within budget whilst challenging the team to deliver increased efficiencies Explores different options for funding and income generation Social Value Responsibility: Drive for social value through all activities, ensuring wider social, economic and environmental benefits for the council, residents and communities Physical Demands of the Job: The post holder will be required to use a computer screen and sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time Corporate Responsibility: Contribute to the delivery of the Council Plan Delivering and promoting excellent customer service, externally and internally Commitment to customer excellence by dealing with customer feedback, including complaints, and learning from feedback in the drive for continuous improvement Making the council a great place to work, living the council's values, actively engaging in regular communications including team meetings, undertaking training as required and being responsible for managing own performance Develop the Council's commitment to equal opportunities and to promote non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work undertaken To ensure that all work functions are undertaken in accordance with health and safety legislation, codes of practice and the Council's safety plan Competency Framework: We operate a competency framework, a set of core behaviours which define how we are expected to approach our work, how we perform in certain situations and how we treat each other. Each competency details the standards of behaviours and skills required by all staff and this in turn supports delivery of our aim and our council plans linking them together with our values. The post holder will be required to demonstrate the ability to perform at the following competency level: Level 2. The competency framework can be found here. Person Specification Assessment methods used: I = Interview, P = Presentation, A = Application, E = Exercise, T = Test, AC = Assessment Centre Qualification and training Essential Qualified solicitor, barrister, FCILEX (in all cases authorised to practice in England & Wales) (A) Must be authorised to conduct litigation under the Legal Services Act 2007 (A) Expert knowledge and understanding of the law and procedure relating to the relevant area of specialism (A/I) Desirable An understanding of public law as it applies to local authorities, including decision making and governance Management training relevant to the seniority and nature of the role Experience Essential Experience of providing complex and specialist legal advice to a local authority or similar organisation (A/I) Experience of the supervision of staff (A/I) Experience of building and maintaining positive relationships with clients (internal and external) and delivering their needs (A/I) To provide legal advice in the team's specialism, including advising and representing the Council in internal and external forums (A/I) To provide risk based and solution focussed advice to clients (I) To work under pressure and with minimal supervision (A/I) To support the delivery and cost effectiveness of legal services through continuous improvement (I) To be able to manage and motivate team members (A/I) A skilled communicator to a range of audiences in writing and verbally (A/I) Desirable Experience of working on projects To work collaboratively at all levels and in a non-hierarchical way To have an understanding of working in a political environment To promote and advance diversity and inclusion and challenge inequality in the service and Council To support the work of the monitoring officer Commitment Essential Experience of working on projects (A/I) To work collaboratively at all levels and in a non-hierarchical way (I) To have an understanding of working in a political environment (I) To promote and advance diversity and inclusion and challenge inequality in the service and Council (A/I) To support the work of the monitoring officer (I) Must be qualified solicitor, barrister, FCILEX (in all cases authorised to practice in England and Wales) and authorised to conduct litigation under the Legal Services Act 2007. Must be experienced and proficient in the drafting of social care and public health contracts, advice on the specific legal regimes affecting the procurement of such contracts, and the conduct of social care and public health commissioning activity.

To provide high quality and solution focused legal services to the City Council, schools and other clients in one of the following teams: Child Protection Commercial Law Property and Regeneration Adult Social Care and Litigation Planning and Regulatory Law To be a senior advisor and representative in an area of legal specialism including complex, high profile and sensitive matters. To be able to provide advice on other legal matters affecting local authorities. To manage and develop lawyers and other fee earners. To support the head of law and legal management team in the management of the service. Directly Responsible For: Lawyers and other team members Trainee Lawyers allocated to the team Directly Responsible To: Head of Law Main Areas of Responsibility: To undertake a full caseload of complex and often sensitive legal matters within one or more specialisms of the team and dealing with complex and sensitive matters To provide proactive and solution focussed advice that supports the delivery of the council's priorities and policies To manage and develop lawyers and / or other team members within your team ensuring the delivery of high quality and cost-effective legal services To be able to advise on legal matters relevant to public and local government law including on executive and committee decision-making, information governance and public law challenges To advise members and formal member level bodies including Cabinet, Council, committees and overview and scrutiny in respect of the team's specialism and as required by the City Director and / or their Deputy Director To support the City Director of Law & Governance in their role as monitoring officer and in promoting the Nolan Principles in the council and escalating matters as appropriate To externally commission legal work for the Council where required, ensuring value for money and high-quality advice and representation is received To ensure the service, teams and the wider Council is aware of the current and future law and practice affecting the authority To participate in the delivery of projects and programmes in the Legal Service and / or corporately To support the Head of Law with the development of legal procedures and policies To support the Head of Law in the delivery of value for money and income generation in the work of the team To have responsibility to authorise payments from an agreed expenditure budget To deputise for the Head of Law in their absence or as requested To manage lawyers and team members ensuring their performance management and development The job holder will embed diversity and inclusion into the team and Council's working promoting non-discriminatory practices and challenging discriminatory practices at all times To ensure compliance with statutory duties and corporate policies and standards and ensure within team, raising non-compliance including but not limited to health and safety, information governance, financial and procurement regulations. Full Time 35 hours per week; 1 day onsite and 4 days WFH

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, 2 positions 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 Lawyer, you'll be at the forefront of diverse legal matters, from representing the council in all matters relating to criminal litigation, enforcement and inquests as an Enforcement Lawyer and from representing the council in all matters relating to children's law as a Safeguarding Lawyer . 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 criminal enforcement and 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 an Enforcement lawyer , your will be acting on behalf of the Council on a range of matters, including planning, fire and rescue and trading standards. Your advocacy skills will also shine as you handle cases with precision and care. 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 Disputes Team handles an array of matters which arise from all departments of the council. We advise and represent the council on issues arising in the context of employment of council officers, including contracts, disciplinary and grievance processes, ill health and capability dismissal, TUPE, discrimination, and pensions. We conduct Tribunal proceedings, advise on the council's policies and procedures, and keep officers up to date on key legal developments. We deal with civil claims, including where the council is both claimant and defendant, and obligations arise in debt, contract, tort, statute, or public law. We conduct prosecutions arising from fraud and trading standards concerns, take action to protect property rights and enforce planning obligations, and advise and represent the council when it is involved in inquest proceedings. 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 . For more information Please contact Mickaela Green or Aston Fitzgibbon for a casual conversation regarding the Enforcement Lawyer or Emily Dundon for the Children's Safeguarding Lawyer. You can reach Mickaela by either calling or emailing or you can reach Aston by either calling or emailing or you can reach Emily by either calling or emailing How to apply To apply, please follow the 'Apply on website' button. Closing date: 11.30 pm, 24 June 2026.

About the Trust We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you? Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year. Join Our Team: Senior Contract & Commercial Lawyer We're excited to welcome a new Senior Contract & Commercial Lawyer to join our Legal division. Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. Working Hours & Location This role follows 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. The vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required. Role Overview The Senior Contract & Commercial Lawyer acts as a trusted legal adviser to the Trust, supporting the organisation to manage risk whilst maximising commercial and enterprise opportunities and ensuring value for money. Key Responsibilities: Providing and co-ordinating specialist contract law advice across the full range of the Trust's commercial activities including drafting and negotiating commercial contracts. Providing advice on the Trust's procurement of goods and services, including the tendering of framework contracts for engineering and construction works, IT software and services, professional services, vegetation and environmental management. Drafting key documents regulating the Trust's relationship with its suppliers and customers (e.g. standard terms and conditions, boat licence and mooring terms and conditions). Advising on commercial law aspects of the Trust's business activities (e.g. intellectual property, consumer rights, data protection, subsidy control). Drafting and negotiating funding agreements with third party funders (e.g. lottery funders, local government) and agreements relating to fundraising (e.g. terms and conditions for raffles and fundraising events). Legal interpretation and advice on existing contractual arrangements to clarify the Trust's contractual rights and obligations. Conduct and oversight of commercial contract dispute resolution and litigation. Management of external legal services, including the Trust's panel of specialist law firms (tendering, terms and conditions, performance reviews). About you You are a qualified lawyer in England & Wales with strong experience in complex commercial contracts and procurement. Commercially minded and pragmatic, you provide clear, solution-focused advice and confidently manage negotiations, disputes, and external legal providers. An excellent communicator, you simplify complex legal issues for non-legal colleagues and build strong working relationships across the organisation. You are proactive, driven, and committed to high standards of compliance, health & safety, and safeguarding. Skills & Qualifications: Holds legal qualification recognised by the legal services regulator in England and Wales and can demonstrate extensive post-qualification experience (10+ years PQE or equivalent experience) in leading advice on a broad range of complex and high-value commercial matters. Strong commercial acumen, with a solution-oriented approach to legal advice. High emotional intelligence, enabling effective collaboration and influence across all levels of the organisation. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal concepts and risk-analysis clearly to non-legal audiences. Highly motivated, with a proactive approach to supporting the strategic goals of the legal team and wider organisation. Comply with Canal & River Trust Health & Safety policy and defined standards, report incidents, accidents and near misses. Assess the risks and make adjustments to work methods where appropriate. Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc.) is appropriate for the task. Consider your own and others behaviour. Be aware of your own responsibilities regarding safeguarding and to support our commitment to providing safe environments and working practises that promote and protect the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk at all times. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Contact & Application If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at . We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates. What We Offer We offer an annual salary of £68,000. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1. Learn more: Our values We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community. We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We'll work with you to make any necessary changes. All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme. At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions - without exception - are made by our hiring managers. To apply, please visit our website via the button below.