£48,474 per annum plus benefits

At Swindon Borough Council, we want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.
 
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated lawyer for our Adult and Children’s Legal Team.  The team provides legal advice and representation to both Adult and Children’s Services including the Education Team. This enables the team to work across the spectrum of social care law, including mental health issues, deprivation of liberty and challenges under the Care Act. The Team also supports adoption services and Send.  The team is supported   by legal assistants and legal support officers enabling solicitors to focus on the detailed legal work and attending a variety of Court hearings.
 
Swindon Legal Services play an essential part in enabling our priorities and objectives to become reality, providing key legal and corporate governance advice to all service areas and are a valued and integral part of the Council.
 
Your next role
We are looking to recruit a suitably qualified professional with relevant experience of one or more of the areas covered by the team, ideally in local government practice and a desire to work in the fast-paced and varied area of social care law. We do not anticipate that you will have current expertise in all areas. Development, training and support will be provided by a friendly and supportive team to enable you to practice across all areas of work covered by the team. You will be a conscientious, professionally curious able to arrive at solutions through analytical ability and thorough research, and show tenacity and strong interpersonal skills necessary to build effective working relationships and establish credibility with clients and colleagues.
 
The team currently enjoy hybrid working and a mix of office and remote working is available subject always to council and service area needs and court attendance. 
 
 
We are seeking a lawyer to join the Adults and Childrens legal team. The role is full time however we welcome applications from those who are seeking part time hours only.  
 
Once in post you will assist the council in all of its safeguarding functions. Working in a diverse and interesting area of law that continues to develop and touches the lives of adults and children in the Swindon Borough.
 
We welcome applicants from those with experience in either Adults, Childrens or Education public law or from those transitioning from private practice or linked areas of law. Within the team we offer ongoing training and development opportunities within these areas.  
 
The solicitors within the team have all been trained to undertake work for both Adult Services and Childrens Services.  Lawyers are encouraged to handle both adults and children’s cases this is not essential. 
 
Advocacy experience would be beneficial however training can be provided.  
 
Working with us you will be working within a friendly and supportive team environment. We have developed a team structure with a high level of administrative support for solicitors as well as the assistance of senior members of the team.   
 
You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act “for the effective performance of a customer-facing role”).
 
Your next package
For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Your next steps
Clicking the ‘Apply’ button on this job website is not an application, you must register on the Swindon Borough Council website in order to be considered for the role.
 
Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.
 
For further information about the role, please contact Carrie Hopton, Principal Childcare Solicitor on CHopton@swindon.gov.uk
 
Closing date: 7 May 2024
Interview date: 10 May 2024

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.