£37,946 - £53,558 per annum
About the roles:
Building on our investment in the team and a series of successful internal promotions, we’re excited to be continuing the growth of our Children’s Social Care Legal team. We are looking for dedicated professionals to join a dynamic, collaborative team that supports and values your professional journey. We’re seeking one Senior Lawyer and one Lawyer, so whether you are an experienced lawyer or an aspiring professional looking to grow, we welcome your application. Whether you’re looking to build a long-term career or explore a new challenge, these roles offer real impact and meaningful development. The core work of the team which you’ll be involved in includes:
- Advising on the threshold criteria for public law applications.
- Providing legal advice and support during the pre-proceedings (PLO) process and in care proceedings, including Placement Order applications.
- Work on private law applications and advising on matters such as parental responsibility, pupil welfare, and safeguarding.
- Providing legal support to Appeal Panels particularly in school admissions and exclusions.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver innovative legal solutions to complex cases.
- Supporting and mentoring colleagues, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment.
One of the roles will ideally focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities work. This won’t be about maintaining the status quo. As our lead on SEND, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of SEND legal provision in Cornwall. You’ll have the autonomy and support to design and embed best practice from the ground up, driving meaningful change for children and young people with special educational needs. It’s a unique opportunity for a passionate and ambitious legal professional to create a lasting legacy through transformation and innovation. You will:
- Advise on SEND issues including Education Health and Care plans.
- Advise on tribunals and undertake advocacy at tribunals.
- Draft documents for tribunals.
- Liaise with the Tribunal Service in order to meet deadlines.
- Work closely with the SEND team, engaging in regular meetings and legal advice sessions.
These permanent roles offer an opportunity to work on complex cases, representing children’s interests and ensuring their legal rights are upheld, and making positive differences to young lives.
Why You Should Join Us:
Joining Cornwall Council means more than just working in a legal role, it’s a chance to build a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and progression. We offer a flexible, supportive environment with a focus on both professional development and work-life balance. Whether through hybrid working options or flexible working hours, we ensure our team members can manage both their personal and professional commitments effectively.
Don’t worry if you don’t have local government experience as we’ll give you the support you need to excel with us. By joining us, you will be at the forefront of building on our excellent children’s legal services for Cornwall, working collaboratively with dedicated colleagues while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
As one of the largest unitary authorities in the UK, you'll be contributing to a wider team that ensures Cornwall has a strong and united voice when engaging with national government, regional agencies, and partner organisations.
About You:
- A qualified solicitor (or equivalent qualification) with experience in children’s social care law or a keen interest in this area
- Experience in managing complex caseloads
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and effectively
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands
- A collaborative approach, with a commitment to team success and shared learning
- The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines
What you’ll get in return:
Cornwall Council’s ambition is to be an employer of choice, a high performing Council and a learning organisation. We commit to providing a reward and benefits package to attract, motivate and reward our employees. We offer a range of flexible working options to our staff. This helps provide our employees with a greater work/life balance whilst still ensuring that service needs are met.
Our core employee rewards and benefits include:
- a competitive salary
- a relocation package, if applicable, to support your move to Cornwall
- a defined benefit pension scheme, based on your career average earnings. This includes the option for extra voluntary contributions
- a generous annual leave entitlement with the potential to purchase additional leave
- a national award-winning employee health and wellbeing programme
- employee benefits scheme giving employees access to a wide range of discounts to local and national goods and services
To find out more about the roles and have an informal chat please contact Alison White on 01872 322222.
Please read the role profile for the full details of this role attached below in this advert
Additional Information:
Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role
The full role profiles are attached here
Lawyer Role Profile
Senior Lawyer Role Profile
We recommend saving a copy of this to refer to if you are invited to an interview
Application Process
A supporting statement or CV can be attached to your application. Remember to demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points marked as ‘Application’ on the Role Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.
Closing date: 13 July 2025
For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.
