We are looking for experienced childcare lawyers (solicitors, legal executives, barristers) to join our fast-paced in-house childcare legal team. We are interested in those who wish to secure positive outcomes for children and young people, using their exceptional legal skills to provide expert legal advice to the Council.
 
Job Overview
You will contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive legal service to Children’s Services, advising on child protection, safeguarding and related education matters. The role focuses primarily on the preparation and conduct of care proceedings and the provision of high-quality legal advice to support the Council in meeting its statutory responsibilities.

You will work closely with social workers, managers and partner agencies, providing timely, practical and solution-focused legal support within a busy and rewarding environment.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear, accurate and timely legal advice on child protection, safeguarding and childcare law
• Prepare and manage complex casework relating to care proceedings and associated children’s social care matters
• Attend and advise at legal planning meetings, strategy meetings, child protection conferences and reviews
• Support client officers with expert legal guidance throughout proceedings
• Instruct and brief counsel where required, including attending conferences
• Deliver legal training and briefings to officers, Members and partner organisations
• Maintain high professional standards and compliance with court directions and legal best practice
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a responsive, high-quality legal service

About You
You will bring:

• Qualification as a Solicitor, Legal Executive or Barrister with a current practising certificate in England and Wales
• Substantial experience in childcare and child protection law within a local authority or similar setting
• Strong working knowledge of care proceedings, safeguarding legislation and local authority duties
• Excellent legal research, drafting and advisory skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with social work professionals and senior officers
• Commitment to equality, diversity and professional integrity

Why Join Croydon Council?

• Opportunity to work at a senior professional level on high-impact child protection cases
• Supportive and experienced in-house legal service
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Competitive local government benefits package
• A role that makes a genuine difference to the lives of children and families

Croydon Council’s priorities

The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services
 

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

Key business plan outcomes:

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council’s new ways of working

Equal Opportunities Statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. 

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.

Closing date: 3 March 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.