Job Details

Children & Families Legal Officer

Location: Manchester
Council: Manchester City Council
Grade: Grade 7
Contract: Temporary / Locum
Department: Children & Families Legal Services

About the Role

Manchester City Council is looking for an experienced Children & Families Legal Officer to support the Legal Services team with a caseload of children and family law matters.

The successful candidate will provide legal support to two locum senior lawyers involved in court proceedings, assisting with the preparation of cases, requesting and reviewing evidence, drafting legal documentation and providing general legal support.

You will work closely with legal colleagues and Children’s Services, dealing with sensitive and sometimes complex matters and ensuring work is completed accurately and within required timescales.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with a range of children and family law cases, including public and private law matters.
• Support legal colleagues with court proceedings, both pre- and post-proceedings.
• Request, obtain and review relevant evidence for legal cases.
• Draft legal documents, correspondence, statements and other case documentation.
• Prepare briefs and instructions for advocates or external counsel where required.
• Provide legal support and advice in relation to children and families legislation, regulations and guidance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files in line with Legal Services procedures.
• Carry out legal research and keep up to date with relevant developments in children and family law.
• Work collaboratively with solicitors, Children’s Services officers, external agencies and other stakeholders.
• Manage competing priorities and ensure legal work is delivered within required deadlines.
• Provide general support to the wider Children & Families Legal team as required.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience working in children and family law.
• Experience supporting court proceedings and preparing legal documentation.
• Experience requesting and handling evidence for legal cases.
• Knowledge of relevant children and family legislation, regulations and guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to manage a caseload and prioritise competing deadlines.
• Good attention to detail and accurate case management skills.
• The ability to deal professionally with sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience working effectively with legal professionals and wider council/service teams.

Essential Qualification

• CILEX Professional Diploma in Law (Level 3) or an equivalent legal qualification.
• Demonstrable children and family law experience is essential.

Working Arrangements

The role requires a flexible approach to working and, where necessary, the ability to work outside normal office hours to meet the requirements of court proceedings and the wider service.

Key Experience to Highlight

Candidates should particularly highlight experience in:

• Children & Families legal services
• Public and private law children matters
• Court proceedings
• Evidence gathering and case preparation
• Drafting legal documentation
• Supporting solicitors/advocates
• Children’s Services / local authority legal work