Job Description

PRINCIPAL LAWYER - CHILDCARE

An exciting opportunity to head up & manage the Childcare legal Court Team, within Cheshire East Legal Services.



We are looking for an experienced and committed childcare lawyer, with management experience, to manage a team of lawyers dealing with a range of matters including:


S31 proceedings DOLs Discharge of Care Orders UASC

We are a busy and supportive team and the role is a challenging and dynamic one, with real opportunities to make positive change and working hard towards positive outcomes for our client departments and the people of Cheshire East. You will also be encouraged to build on your career goals, in a forward thinking, inclusive Authority.



Candidates with experience from a Local Authority setting would be preferable as a sound understanding of local government and administrative law, and an appreciation of the challenges facing local authorities will be key to your role.



You will have good communication and presentation skills, good customer care skills and good analytical and problem-solving skills. The ability to work under pressure to deadlines, and well-developed leadership and staff supervision skills is essential. You will ideally have experience of attending committees and be able to attend occasional evening meetings.

Organisation

Cheshire East Council

Partner Organisation

Cheshire East Council

Location

Macclesfield, Crewe

Job Category

Legal and Governance

Grade

CEC NJC - Grade 12

Salary Min

54,994 per annum

Salary Max

62,777 per annum

Hours per week

37

Weeks per year

52.143

Employment Type

Permanent

Closing Date

01/09/2025

Ref No

E3206
Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we are able to offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities.



At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future - together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose, a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities.



If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you.



As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future - together.



Brighter Future



www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/employee-benefits.aspx





ABOUT US



Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we can offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities. At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future - together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose, a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities.





ABOUT YOU



You will;


Be an admitted Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with a current practising certificate or equivalent. Have a wide range of post qualification experience in Childcare law. Provide timely, high quality, legal, tactical & strategic advice. Have excellent communication skills, be able to work under pressure and to prioritise your workload to meet tight deadlines. Be able to represent the Council, including a willingness to undertake advocacy when required. Have excellent oral and written communication skills as well as demonstrable skills in negotiation, drafting, and persuading. Be able to lead and support a team of lawyers and support lawyers, with effective management. Work confidently & effectively either alone or as part of a team. Support and assist the rest of the team as well as build & maintain excellent client relationships. Be required to provide training to clients and stakeholders as required.

Find out more about our essential criteria for the role please view the 'In This Job You Will Need' section within the attached JDPS document.





WHAT WE GIVE IN RETURN


ENHANCED ANNUAL LEAVE - 34 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) from day 1, increasing up to 39 days after only 5 years' service

ENHANCED PUBLIC PENSION - A career average pension (contributions built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay

FLEXIBLE WORKING PATTERN - 37-hour standard full time working week and hybrid/remote working arrangements

PURCHASE OF ANNUAL LEAVE - The ability to purchase up to 10 days' extra annual leave each year in addition to your normal annual leave entitlements (this is pro-rata for part time staff)

CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME - Receive up Income Tax and National Insurance savings of up to 25-39% off the retail price of the bike and safety equipment package (savings dependent on the value of your chosen package and your tax status

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME - A completely free to use and confidential assistance service for all employees to help staff manage, reduce and overcome the impact of life issues which they may experience from time to time, both within work and their personal life

PAID VOLUNTEER LEAVE - Up to two days paid leave per year to volunteer for local organisations in the borough of Cheshire East

VIRGIN MEDIA AND O2 DISCOUNTS - Exclusive discounts on Virgin Media Broadband and O2 pay monthly plans.

DISCOUNTED GYM MEMBERSHIPS - Access to corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure which includes:

Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities Off-Peak Racket Sports Athletics Tracks Sauna/Steam/Spa

To find out more about our rewards and benefits package, please click on the following link; Employee benefits (cheshireeast.gov.uk)





HOW TO APPLY


If you want to be part of Cheshire East Council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you.



CV's or applications sent by email will not be accepted.



Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.



Please contact Jennie Summers for further information - Jennie.Summers@cheshireeast.gov.uk



Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.



If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however please do not be discouraged from applying again.



For any technical enquiries please email sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk



Please quote job reference number in all correspondence.