£34,237 - £37,563 (bar at £36,581) per annum pro rata

Contract type: Temporary for two years

As a Legal Officer within the Children and Families Legal Group, you'll play an important role in helping Manchester and Salford Children's Services safeguard children and achieve positive outcomes for children and families.

Working as part of a supportive and collaborative legal team, you'll provide high-quality legal support across a varied caseload of children's matters. You'll draft legal documents and court applications, liaise with social workers, counsel, courts and other parties, and support lawyers on with their casework. You'll also have the opportunity to develop and undertake advocacy work where appropriate.

This is an exciting opportunity to build your legal career within one of the country's largest shared local authority legal services. Your work will contribute directly to timely and effective legal support for Children's Services, high-quality case preparation and positive outcomes for children. You'll work closely with colleagues across Legal Services, social workers and team managers sharing knowledge and supporting one another to deliver the best possible service.

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 may include:

• Qualification verification: Cilex Level 3 or equivalent qualification
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Clearance – This 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 DBS check as appropriate. Information provided by you or the DBS will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice. We have policies covering the secure handling of DBS information and the recruitment of ex-offenders, which 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 in the last 10 years (while aged 18 or over), please refer to GOV.UK guidance on obtaining overseas police checks or Certificates of Good Character.
• Satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks where applicable. 

For more information on these checks, please visit checks page. 

About the Candidate
We're looking for a motivated and organised legal professional who is committed to public service and making a difference to the lives of children and families. You'll enjoy working as part of a collaborative team, be able to manage competing priorities, and have the confidence to build positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders. You'll be keen to develop your expertise, take ownership of your work and contribute to achieving the best outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve.

We'll use the following essential criteria to decide which candidates to invite to assessment. Use your personal statement to provide evidence of how you meet each one, supported by relevant examples:

• Experience of drafting legal documents and preparing cases for court, demonstrating accuracy, attention to detail and an understanding of legal procedures.
• Ability to manage a caseload and prioritise competing demands to deliver high-quality legal work within deadlines with appropriate supervision.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and communicate legal advice clearly with a range of stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, counsel and external parties.
• Experience of, or the ability to develop, advocacy skills and confidently represent clients in court hearings, meetings or conferences.

For guidance on how to write your personal statement, please visit How to Apply - Manchester City Council.

If you're invited to assessment, we'll look at a wider range of the role requirements. For more detail, please see the role profile.

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.

Closing date: 12 November 2026 @ 23:59
 
For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.