Childcare Lawyer

Locum Childcare/Family Advocate Solicitor/Barrister – Local Authority (Brent) -IMMEDIATE START

Rate: £60-65 per hour (Inside IR35)

Location: Brent Council / Hybrid Working

Start Date: Immediate Start Available

Contract: Locum Assignment – Until end of December 2026

Hours: Up to 36 hours per week

Court Attendance: West London Family Court

Locum Childcare Advocate Required

A London Local Authority is seeking an experienced Childcare Advocate to join its Legal Services team on an urgent locum basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with strong experience in public childcare proceedings who is available to start immediately.

The Role

The successful candidate will primarily be responsible for:

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• Conducting advocacy in public law childcare proceedings.
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• Representing the Local Authority at hearings in the Family Court.
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• Progressing public law cases through the court process efficiently and effectively.
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• Providing high-quality legal support to Children's Services.
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Importantly, this is a hearing-focused role and you will not be expected to carry a caseload.

Where no hearings are scheduled, you will support the wider legal team through:

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• Drafting legal advice and documents.
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• Assisting with case preparation.
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• Delivering training and guidance where required.
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• Supporting other childcare legal matters as appropriate.
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Candidate Requirements

We are keen to hear from candidates who possess:

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• Significant experience in Local Authority Childcare Law.
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• Strong advocacy skills and experience conducting public law hearings.
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• A thorough understanding of safeguarding and child protection legislation.
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• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
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• The ability to provide pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice.
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• Immediate or short-notice availability.
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• Must have a practicing Certificate.
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What's on Offer?

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• £60-65 per hour (Inside IR35/Umbrella)
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• Up to 36 hours per week
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• Immediate start
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• Flexible working arrangements
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• Opportunity to focus primarily on advocacy without managing a full caseload
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• Friendly and supportive Local Authority legal team
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If you are an experienced Childcare Lawyer looking for an advocacy-focused locum opportunity with an immediate start, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Please send CVs together with a copy of your Practicing Certificate to Sharzad Michaels in the Legal & Governance Team at Allen Lane ASAP!