Lawyer - Childcare

Closing date: 17 May 2026

Salary: Grade 9 ranging from £41,771 - £46,142 per annum

Are you keen to learn and develop your knowledge within Children’s Social Care legal work? This is an exciting opportunity for lawyers at different stages of their careers to be part of a supportive legal service where collaboration, professionalism and high‑quality public service are at the heart of everything we do.

You’ll work alongside experienced and passionate lawyers on meaningful, high‑impact cases, supporting decisions that can make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families across our communities.

If you’re looking for a role where curiosity, learning, and commitment to public service are valued just as highly as experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Summary

As our Children’s Social Care Lawyer, you’ll manage a varied and rewarding caseload, providing clear, practical legal advice and representation to support Children’s Social Care and Education services. The role includes advocacy in court, drafting and advising on complex and sensitive matters, and working closely with council officers to ensure lawful, well‑informed decision‑making.

What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for a mixed caseload of matters regarding Children Social Care and Education, including advocacy, with supervision provided by more senior lawyers within the team.
• Timely and effective liaison with support staff, building and maintaining synergy working.
• Develop and foster effective working relationships with the Principal Lawyer, other lawyers within the Social Care Legal team, key stakeholders and client departments, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the client’s business needs and objectives, and ensuring these are effectively communicated within the team.

What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills

Essential

• Sound knowledge of local government law and practice, with an understanding of the public‑sector context.
• Ability to research legal issues and present advice clearly.
• Post‑qualification experience as a solicitor, barrister, legal executive or equivalent, with experience managing legal matters and providing timely, effective advice.
• Strong drafting skills, including the preparation of legal, transactional and other formal documentation.
• Effective advocacy skills, including representing the Authority before courts, tribunals or other hearings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely at all levels, including officers, partners and external organisations.
• Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage a personal caseload, prioritise work and meet deadlines while taking responsibility for delivering agreed objectives.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a local and wider legal team.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, including the ability to devise solutions, use numerical or statistical information where appropriate, and identify, assess, and manage risk effectively.

Desirable

• Knowledge of a specialist area of law relevant to the Council’s functions.
• Experience of working in local government or the public sector.

Additional Information

• Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week)
• 30 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays)
• Flexible and Hybrid working opportunities.
• Relocation package up to £8,000 for those moving to Somerset.
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Kehinde Awojobi, Head of Legal, via email: kehinde.awojobi@somerset.gov.uk

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.