- Hours: Full Time – 35 Hours
- Contract: Permanent
- Team: Family – Public Law
- Location: Taunton or Minehead
- Flexible/Remote: No
- Reference: FCP1024
- Deadline: 31/12/2024
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Legal Aid Lawyer to join our Family Law Department. The successful candidate will specialise in public law childcare cases, including public law proceedings & PLO’s, child protection issues, and other legal matters involving children. This role is focused on providing legal services to vulnerable clients, often through Legal Aid funding, and requires a strong commitment to supporting families during difficult times.
About the Role:
- Act for parents, guardians and children, in public law matters, including care and supervision orders, emergency protection orders, and adoption cases.
- Handle legally aided cases, ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency (LAA) guidelines and managing the legal aid certification process.
- Provide sensitive and clear advice to vulnerable clients, often in highly stressful situations. Represent clients at pre-proceedings meetings and during court appearances.
- Conduct advocacy in the Family Court and liaise with Counsel when necessary, ensuring that clients’ voices are represented during proceedings.
- Draft and prepare legal documentation, including statements, care plans, and other court-required reports. Manage the disclosure process and instruct experts as necessary.
- Work closely with local authorities, Children’s Guardians, social services, and other agencies involved in child protection cases.
- Attend court hearings, case management conferences, and directions hearings, providing expert legal representation and advocacy.
- Accurately record all work done on a matter using case management software and maintain organised, up-to-date files to comply with both internal and external regulations.
- Ensure all cases comply with statutory obligations, LAA requirements, and risk management guidelines. Keep updated on changes in child care law and Legal Aid regulations.
- Engage in dispute resolution processes where appropriate, including settlement negotiations and mediation services to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Must be a qualified solicitor, or chartered legal executive with a current practicing certificate and at 2 years’ post-qualification experience in public family law or care proceedings.
- In-depth knowledge of the Children Act 1989, public law care proceedings, and child protection issues.
- Experience working on legally aided cases, with a thorough understanding of Legal Aid Agency procedures, funding, and compliance.
- Confidence in conducting advocacy in the Family Court, with the ability to represent clients in complex and emotionally charged proceedings.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide empathetic, non-judgmental advice to vulnerable clients.
- Ability to manage a busy caseload and meet strict court deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively advise clients, draft legal documents, and correspond with authorities.
- Able to work collaboratively within a team, supporting colleagues and junior staff where needed, and contributing to a positive working environment.
Desirable Skills:
- Possession of Law Society Children Law Accreditation (Children Panel) or a willingness to work towards this qualification.
- Experience acting on behalf of children’s guardians or representing children in public law proceedings.
- Advanced advocacy experience in complex care cases.
- Experience in mediation or collaborative law, particularly in child protection matters.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Opportunities for career development and progression.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.