The role is a 12-month, fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity to cover maternity leave within the team. Are you looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Child Care law? As one of our three in-house Advocate Lawyers, you will join a supportive, successful and Lexcel accredited in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council. Rewards and Benefits 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave A generous local government salary related pension Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources About the Role In this role, you will act as an advocate in relation to childcare and related Court proceedings, providing representation in cases prepared by other lawyers in the team as befits your skills and experience. The workload is varied and interesting with a diversity of case types that offer scope for development. You will have responsibility for all matters related to the conduct of the hearing, including the drafting of key Court documents and reporting as to the outcomes and next steps. As well as this, you will provide expert advice to the team and client as to technical and evidential matters. In conjunction with other team members, you will also provide training to our Children's Service clients. This role is one of three inhouse advocate positions in the team. If you are interested in developing and enhancing your existing advocacy skills whilst undertaking quality and varied work in the area of child protection, we'd love to hear from you. Shortlisting Criteria To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following: You are a Solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX who is eligible to practise in England and Wales and have (or be in a position to apply for) a current practicing certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority. Proven advocacy experience, having represented local authority social workers, parents and/or children Clear and detailed understanding of the relevant legal framework in which you will operate, you will be a developing, skilled and empathetic advocate Ability to assimilate information quickly in order to effectively convey the local authority's concerns and position to the Court so as to achieve the best outcomes for the children at the heart of the proceedings Excellent communication skills and ability build strong relationships with clients. Awareness of, and are able to model and uphold, the values of the County Council