Locum Childcare/Family Advocate Solicitor/Barrister – Local Authority (Brent) -IMMEDIATE START
Rate: £60-65 per hour (Inside IR35)
Location: Brent Council / Hybrid Working
Start Date: Immediate Start Available
Contract: Locum Assignment – Until end of December 2026
Hours: Up to 36 hours per week
Court Attendance: West London Family Court
Locum Childcare Advocate Required
A London Local Authority is seeking an experienced Childcare Advocate to join its Legal Services team on an urgent locum basis.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive with strong experience in public childcare proceedings who is available to start immediately.
The Role
The successful candidate will primarily be responsible for:
- Conducting advocacy in public law childcare proceedings.
- Representing the Local Authority at hearings in the Family Court.
- Progressing public law cases through the court process efficiently and effectively.
- Providing high-quality legal support to Children's Services.
Importantly, this is a hearing-focused role and you will not be expected to carry a caseload.
Where no hearings are scheduled, you will support the wider legal team through:
- Drafting legal advice and documents.
- Assisting with case preparation.
- Delivering training and guidance where required.
- Supporting other childcare legal matters as appropriate.
Candidate Requirements
We are keen to hear from candidates who possess:
- Significant experience in Local Authority Childcare Law.
- Strong advocacy skills and experience conducting public law hearings.
- A thorough understanding of safeguarding and child protection legislation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to provide pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice.
- Immediate or short-notice availability.
- Must have a practicing Certificate.
What's on Offer?
- £60-65 per hour (Inside IR35/Umbrella)
- Up to 36 hours per week
- Immediate start
- Flexible working arrangements
- Opportunity to focus primarily on advocacy without managing a full caseload
- Friendly and supportive Local Authority legal team
If you are an experienced Childcare Lawyer looking for an advocacy-focused locum opportunity with an immediate start, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Please send CVs together with a copy of your Practicing Certificate to Sharzad Michaels in the Legal & Governance Team at Allen Lane ASAP!