Your New Role
As a Senior Lawyer, you will act as a legal lead and subject matter expert within the Children & Families Legal Group, managing a complex caseload while supporting the wider development of the team and service.
You will provide specialist legal advice to senior officers, clients and stakeholders, handling matters that are often high-value, complex, sensitive and strategically important.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing a complex caseload of children's social care and safeguarding matters.
- Providing expert legal advice to Children's Services and partner organisations.
- Conducting advocacy and representing the Council in contested proceedings where appropriate.
- Advising on complex issues relating to local government law and children's services.
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships across the organisation.
- Supporting and mentoring junior lawyers and assisting senior managers with team development.
- Delivering training and guidance to clients and stakeholders.
- Contributing to service-wide initiatives, strategy development and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrating sound judgement and political awareness when advising on sensitive and high-profile matters.
What You'll Need to Succeed
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, Chartered Lawyer or CILEX Fellow holding a current practising certificate
- Significant experience advising on children and families law matters
- Experience managing complex, high-value and sensitive legal cases
- Strong advocacy, drafting and advisory skills
- Sound understanding of local government practice and decision-making
- Ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and client departments
- Experience supporting or mentoring junior colleagues
- Commitment to continuous professional development and service improvement
- A genuine passion for public service and improving outcomes for children and families
What You'll Get in Return
- Salary of £54,143 - £56,293 (bar at £55,224)
- Opportunity to join one of the UK's largest and most respected local authority legal teams
- Exposure to complex, high-profile and rewarding children and families work
- Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression
- Supportive and collaborative team culture
- Flexible working arrangements
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families across Manchester
About Manchester City Council Legal Services
Manchester City Council's Legal Services team is the largest shared legal service in the country and has held the Lexcel quality standard since 2007. The team supports a wide range of high-profile, complex and innovative projects across the city, delivering legal services that directly contribute to the Council's mission and the wellbeing of its communities.
If you're looking to build your career in children and families law within a supportive, forward-thinking and highly respected legal team, we'd love to hear from you.
Use of AI
You may use AI to support your application, but all examples must be your own and based on real experience. Applications may be withdrawn if content is misleading or presents someone else's experience as your own. Internal candidates may also face disciplinary action.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Applicants who meet the essential shortlisting criteria and are eligible under the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme will be progressed to the assessment stage.
Support and Adjustments
If you're successful in securing a role, we'll make every effort to provide the support, equipment and reasonable adjustments you need to carry out your duties. Where needed, we'll consider adapting aspects of the role. Find out more about our inclusion and wellbeing.