Children‘s Safeguarding Lawyer

Our client, a London-based Council are currently recruiting for a Lawyer to join this fantastic team! The Principal Lawyer will be responsible for providing proactive legal advice and decisions on complex and contentious casework in the areas of Children’s Safeguarding. Reporting directly to the Head of Law, the post holder will manage a team of lawyers, legal assistants, and other staff, ensuring the quality of work, effective allocation of tasks, and support for staff development. The role involves providing expert legal research and advice on policy and legal issues, influencing legal practice in alignment with Council priorities. Provide professional, timely, and comprehensive advice on Children’s Safeguarding matters, including risk management, to senior management and council officers. Stay updated on developments in legal and policy areas relevant to Children’s Safeguarding law. Offer expert legal guidance to committees, panels, working groups, and other meetings as needed. Incorporate equal opportunities and diversity into everyday working practices. Coordinate and manage complex legal projects and casework, including case management, advocacy, and advice on Children’s Safeguarding law. Collaborate in cross-departmental and multi-disciplinary teams on projects and initiatives. Develop new legal forms, procedures, and precedents in response to changes in law, policy, or Council initiatives. Deputise for the Deputy Head of Law or Head of Law when necessary. Provide governance and legal advice, particularly for traded income opportunities. Provide advanced legal and advocacy services to the Council, including senior managers, the Chief Executive, and members. Draft and process complex legal documents relating to Children’s Safeguarding matters, including for court proceedings, appeals, and tribunals. Offer professional legal advice on complex Children’s Safeguarding issues. Manage and negotiate budgets and resources to ensure a high-quality legal practice. Take responsibility for data breach reporting within specified areas. Ensure time recording and performance management for staff is efficient. Serve as Deputy Monitoring Officer in the absence of the Head of Law on rotation. People Management: Lead the legal service team for Safeguarding law. Set clear objectives, review performance, and manage staff recruitment, development, welfare, and discipline. Project Management: Lead assigned projects to successful completion within budget, on time, and to the required standard. Compliance and Policies: Ensure adherence to legislation, Council policies, and the Council Constitution (including Contract Rules, Financial Regulations, Employment Procedure Rules, and the Code of Conduct). Promote equal opportunities and diversity, ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and relevant Council policies. Comply with health and safety legislation and policies. Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (GDPR and DPA 2018). Take responsibility for ongoing self-development and participate in relevant training.