£36,580 - £40,444 per annum

Do you have experience of handling a busy and varied public law (specific to childcare) and/or pre-proceedings caseload? Can you demonstrate good technical skills? Do you command the respect and trust of colleagues and clients? Are you a problem solver? If so, then we want you to join our growing friendly, supportive and well-respected Team. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic Principal Legal Officer to join our childcare team to undertake autonomous case holding for pre-proceedings cases. 

The childcare legal team sits within Legal Services Lincolnshire and is a team of 20 individuals who hold a specialist caseload relating to the areas of public childcare law, including pre-proceedings, care proceedings, fostering and adoption and Deprivation of Liberty.

Legal Services Lincolnshire (LSL) is a shared legal service hosted by the county council, offering legal advice to the county council, and to seven of the county's district and borough councils as well as other public sector clients. The childcare team's main client department is Lincolnshire County Council Children's Services. Lincolnshire Children's Services is an Ofsted outstanding Local Authority, and has a highly collaborative approach to working with the legal department.

What we're looking for:

Applicants must have completed part 2/Advanced level of CILEX or have at least 7 years relevant experience, including a working knowledge of public law childcare matters. 

You must be an experienced case holder, who can evidence that you have had autonomous care and conduct of pre-proceedings cases. 

What we can offer:
We care about our staff so we want to offer you a competitive salary, generous holidays, access to a Flexible working policy, ability to purchase additional leave, staff benefits scheme and access to our LGPS pension scheme. It is important to us that you have an excellent work/life balance.

Special Conditions:
Ability to work flexibly and on occasions, beyond the normal contracted hours in order to meet the business needs of the service. 

Remote Working:
The council has a smarter working policy which does provide a great degree of flexibility between home and office working.

This post does require a minimum of 2 x office days per week, with the mandatory childcare team day taking place each Tuesday, with another day to be confirmed to fit in with professional commitments.

Lincolnshire is a great place to live and work. It has an impressive castle and Cathedral, with the medieval quarter being a great contrast to the lively and youthful feel of this University City. If you are looking for an opportunity to work in a beautiful city with a great team of experienced colleagues then please grasp this exciting opportunity and come join our childcare legal team.

Next steps:
If this sounds like the role for you, then please read through the full Job Description and post outline to ensure that your skills and experience meet the required criteria and to help you do the best application possible before clicking apply!

If you would like an open and informal discussion regarding this role, then please call Jodie Ogden, Principal Lawyer, for chat on 01522 552582 as she is keen to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about this role.

Closing date: 15 October 2026
Interview date: 27 October 2026

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