Social Care Solicitor

Social Care Solicitor – Join a Thriving Legal Team at Hammersmith & Fulham Council!

Start: January 2025
Duration: up to 12 months (Maternity Leave cover) 
Hyrbid based role

As the Service works in a flexible and agile fashion, applicants do not necessarily need to be based in London. Hybrid working at our Hammersmith offices and Court attendance for In-Person hearings in Central London will occasionally be necessary.

Are you a passionate and skilled solicitor looking to make a real difference? Do you have a strong desire to support children, adults, and education in the public sector, while delivering impactful legal services in a collaborative environment? Hammersmith & Fulham Council is looking for a Social Care Solicitor to join our Legal and Democratic Services team, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to high-profile cases that positively impact the lives of residents.

About the Role:
As a Social Care Solicitor, you will play a key role in providing expert legal advice and guidance on public law children and adult matters, while supporting the Council’s objectives. You will be trusted with high-stakes cases and the opportunity to work on a diverse range of legal issues within the social care sector. The role is both challenging and rewarding, as you represent the Council in courts and tribunals, working to protect vulnerable individuals and safeguard their rights.

Key responsibilities include:
Advocacy & Legal Representation: Represent the Council in Family Proceedings Court, County Court, High Court, Crown Court, and Magistrates’ Court. You will have the chance to advocate in complex and sensitive cases.
Expert Advice: Provide professional advice to Council officers, Members, and partner agencies on social services legislation, child protection, SEN cases, and other education matters.
Collaborative Work: Work alongside a supportive team, advising and assisting in areas such as Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Mental Health, and Adult Social Care.
Continuous Learning & Development: Keep up to date with changes in legislation and case law to provide cutting-edge legal advice. You will also have the opportunity to mentor junior solicitors and support the growth of the team.

The Opportunity for Growth:

This role offers a clear career progression path:
Take the lead on key areas such as FGM, Prevent, and NRPF, and contribute to strategic improvements in the team’s practices.
Take on more responsibility, managing or supervising a team, advising senior leaders, and tackling the most complex cases in social care law.
Become a trusted senior advisor, contributing to governance, corporate advice, and major projects that shape the future of the Council.

About You:
We’re looking for solicitors who are:
Qualified: You must be a Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX with the ability to practice in England and Wales.

Experienced: You will bring your experience in social care law, children’s law, and/or adult services law to a dynamic team, with a broad understanding of local government law.
Communicative: You must be able to explain complex legal issues in a clear, concise, and accessible manner to stakeholders across the Council.
Organised & Self-Motivated: With a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage your own caseload, you will balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Committed to Public Service: You are passionate about contributing to the success of a local authority that prioritises social care and the welfare of its residents.

Why Join Us?
At Hammersmith & Fulham Council, we believe in flexibility, inclusivity, and personal development. You will work within a supportive, collaborative culture where your contributions are valued.

We offer a range of benefits, including:
Agile working options to support your work-life balance
Training and development opportunities to help you grow in your career
A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion: we actively welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences.

Make a Difference. Build Your Career. Join Us!

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges and further your career in social care law, we encourage you to apply! As an inclusive employer, we guarantee interviews for all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role.