Solicitor/Lawyer - Children

Your new company

Our client is a respected public sector organisation with a strong commitment to safeguarding, supporting and empowering vulnerable children and families. Known for its collaborative culture and its dedication to delivering high-quality legal services, the organisation plays a crucial role in ensuring lawful, timely and effective decision-making across complex and often sensitive matters.You will join a supportive, purpose-driven legal team where professional development, wellbeing and flexible working are genuinely valued. The organisation fosters an environment where locum lawyers can contribute meaningfully from day one, working alongside experienced social care and legal professionals who are committed to improving outcomes for children and families.

Your new role

This is an excellent locum opportunity for a qualified Solicitor/Lawyer to join the Children & Families legal team on an initial three-month assignment, with the potential for extension. You will take responsibility for a varied caseload of public law children matters and will be expected to cover your own hearings.You will provide timely and robust advice to internal stakeholders, prepare and manage cases from pre-proceedings through to final hearings, and contribute to effective case strategy and risk management. The work will involve drafting, advocacy, negotiation and close collaboration with social care teams.Office attendance on a weekly basis is preferred. However, the organisation will consider less frequent attendance for an exceptional candidate. Agencies are asked to confirm proposed office attendance, working pattern and hourly rate upon submission.This assignment offers a fast-paced, hands-on role supporting vital child protection work within a dynamic and committed team.

What you'll need to succeed

You must be able to demonstrate that you meet all essential criteria within the job description. This includes being a UK-qualified Solicitor or Lawyer, alongside a strong background in public law children matters, ideally gained within a local authority or similarly complex setting. You will need to be confident in handling your own advocacy at hearings and capable of managing competing deadlines while delivering high-quality work under pressure. Clear communication skills, a pragmatic and solution-focused approach, and the ability to provide sound legal advice to colleagues at all levels are essential. A firm commitment to safeguarding, paired with a sensitive and informed approach to working within children's social care, is also crucial for success in this role.

What you'll get in return

You will join an organisation that values flexibility, wellbeing and professional integrity. You'll benefit from a competitive locum hourly rate, depending on experience, along with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on vulnerable children and families. The team provides a supportive, collaborative environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged, and you will also have the advantage of flexible hybrid working arrangements. This assignment offers valuable experience within a well-regarded and highly regarded public sector legal service.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this locum assignment or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please get in touch for a confidential conversation.If this specific opportunity isn't the right fit, but you are exploring temporary or locum roles within children's social care law, I would also be happy to speak with you.Candidates with varied PQE levels will be considered provided they can demonstrate the required competencies.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk