Job Description

Description

The salary includes an amount for a market supplement of 8000 per year. This market supplement is reviewed annually.

& Person Specification >

Torbay is breathtaking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon.



Currently, unprecedented levels of investment and the council's own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalise on the area's profile and many assets.

As a small unitary authority, you'll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition - which is clearly evident by our recent success in being awarded the 'Most Improved Council' at last year's LGC Awards. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high quality services to local people.



To complement this journey, we are now seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated senior lawyer for our Children's Legal Team. We provide legal advice and representation to our clients across a spectrum of children's public law and within private law matters, supporting the safeguarding of children and ensuring the Local Authority is fulfilling its statutory duties. This includes all aspects of child protection, from emergency protection orders and care proceedings to adoption, disclosure work, leaving care advice and immigration issues relating to children and families. As a senior lawyer, you will carry a wide and varied caseload, including more complex matters and provide support for more junior members of the team. No two days will be the same, for which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon.



Undertaking the role of senior lawyer, you will be a suitably qualified professional with relevant experience; excited by a fast-paced and varied workload, conscientious, professionally curious and a role model to your colleagues. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people.



We also understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer a hybrid working approach managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings and/or make court appearances in line with the remit of the role.



This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of the highest standards and outcomes for children.

In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, whereby your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people.



This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of the highest standards and outcomes for children.

We would welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

This post meets the requirements for an Enhanced Criminal Record Check. This will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions which have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is considered relevant to the role.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the

full job description

by placing the below URL into your browser:

https://www.torbay.gov.uk/council/jobs/job-descriptions/senior-lawyer-childrens/

For an informal chat please contact Katrina Forsythe on 01803 207169 or katrina.forsythe@torbay.gov.uk.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 2nd June 2025.

Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:Ability to give clear and accurate legal advice. Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills. Analytical and problem-solving skills.

As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Knowledge

Essential:High level of knowledge of the law and procedure within the specialist area. Knowledge of the law relating to local government.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:Admitted and practising solicitor, legal executive (fellow) or barrister with up to 3 years PQE. Suitably trained as a legal advisor or advocate. Experience of working in a legal environment.

About Torbay Council

Please review the available pages within the careers site.

A list of employer benefits can be found here.