£54,143 - £56,293 (Bar at £55,224) per annum pro rota

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced children and families lawyer seeking a role that combines high-quality legal work, advocacy, strategic involvement and the opportunity to influence outcomes for children, families and local communities across Manchester.
 
About the Team
Manchester City Council's Legal Services team is recognised nationally for delivering innovative, high-quality public sector legal services. The service provides legal support across Manchester and Salford City Councils, as well as a range of external public sector clients, and plays a key role in supporting strategic decision-making and policy development.

The Children & Families Legal Group provides legal advice and representation on all matters relating to the safeguarding and protection of children. The team combines its role advising on multi-agency safeguarding arrangements with strategic support to Children's Services and also provides specialist advice on the disclosure of children's and adults' social care records and education records.

At the heart of everything the team does is:

• The safety and needs of children.
• The legal representation of Children's Services.

There is significant opportunity to contribute to the continuing development of legal services supporting Children's and Education Services, helping to deliver key objectives around permanence for children and locality-based service delivery.

Pre-employment checks
If you are successful, your appointment will be subject to completing the relevant pre-employment checks. These checks will be carried out as part of our recruitment process and includes:

Qualification and registration:

Solicitor, Barrister with right to conduct litigation or CILEX (with practising rights)

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - The post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice . We have a policy on the secure handling, storage and use of DBS information, as well as a policy on the recruitment and employment of ex-offenders. Both policies are available on request. 

If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to GOV UK for details for how to obtain your Police check or Certificates of Good Character. 

Satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks where applicable. 

About the Candidate
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

About Us
Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city. You’ll help improve lives and support our local communities. Working together, we can create better public services for everyone. 

Benefits we offer

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service
• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave
• Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave 
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
• A defined benefit pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave 
• Employee discounts and perks  

Our commitment to inclusion 
At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that fully reflects the diversity of our local communities. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages and backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from applicants from ethnic minority communities and disabled people, who remain underrepresented in parts of our workforce. 

GM Elevate Programme 
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the 'Personal Statement' section or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application. 

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

Closing date: 6th November, 2026