Childrens Solicitor

Connected Local Government; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Local Government in North Yorkshire is seeking a Children Solicitor/Lawyer to provide vital legal support for Children and Young People’s services. The successful candidate will need a practising certificate and experience in children law, particularly in care proceedings and family matters. This role promotes hybrid working and offers various employee benefits, ensuring a supportive team environment for career growth while making a significant impact on children and families in the community.

Benefits

Hybrid working options

Continuous learning opportunities

Robust pension plan

Employee benefits scheme

Qualifications

• A practising certificate is essential.
• Experience in care proceedings and family law matters is required.
• Ability to provide clear legal advice on complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and representation in children legal matters.
• Manage legal queries from the Children and Young People Services Directorate.
• Conduct research on complex legal issues affecting operational matters.

Skills

Experience in Children law

Strong research and legal analysis skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

Practising certificate

Job description

Overview

Join a leading Legal Team in North Yorkshire! An exciting opportunity to become a valued member of the Legal and Democratic Services team at North Yorkshire County Council. We are looking for Children Solicitor/Lawyer to support our Outstanding Children and Young People’s services.

About Us

The Legal Service is part of our Legal and Democratic Services (LDS) within the Chief Executive’s Group. As part of our team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the wide range of services provided to the County of North Yorkshire. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive, high-quality legal services to Directorates, the Council’s Executive, full Council, Committees, Members, and external clients.

The Role

As a Children Solicitor/Lawyer you will provide essential legal advice and representation in cases relating to our Children and Young People Services. Your expertise will be needed in care proceedings, pre-proceeding matters, applications and responding to complex legal queries related to children’s issues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing expert advice and representation in children legal matters including primarily public law proceedings and family law matters
• Managing legal queries from the Children and Young People Services Directorate
• Conducting research to address more complex legal issues affecting operational matters
• Collaborating with the legal team to ensure compliance with Law Society Professional Standards and Lexcel accreditation
• Contributing to the overall success of First North Law, NYC’s wholly owned company, in generating external income and delivering high-quality legal services

This role requires a practising certificate and a strong desire to contribute to the legal needs of vulnerable children and families.

What We’re Looking For

• A practising certificate
• Experience in Children law, including care proceedings and family law matters
• Strong research and legal analysis skills
• The ability to provide clear legal advice on complex issues
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work well in a team environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

What We Offer You

• A supportive, professional team environment where you’ll grow your career.
• Hybrid working with the option to work from home and flexible hours, helping you achieve a healthy work-life balance.
• Continuous learning, career progression opportunities, and financial support for additional qualifications.
• Recognition of family time and well-being, including generous leave and paid volunteering leave.
• Robust pension plan designed for your future.
• Employee benefits scheme including discounts on shopping, home tech, green car schemes, and more.

Contact us

If you are passionate about working within the public sector and making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in North Yorkshire, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Claire Bryant, Senior Solicitor Children, at [e-mail] or 07814754120.

Take the next step in your legal career with North Yorkshire Council, where your expertise will make a real difference to the lives of children and families across the county.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Monday 23 February 2026