Lawyer / Senior Lawyer – Children’s Social Care

Overview

HB Public Law is one of the country’s leading local authority shared legal practices, it is Lexcel accredited, and we pride ourselves on delivering a high-quality service. HB Public Law is an innovative and ambitious legal service committed to the public sector, and we seek lawyers who embody this approach.You will join a team dedicated to providing direct legal support to the London Borough of Hounslow’s Children’s Services, rated Good with Outstanding leadership by OFSTED. There is an established positive working relationship between the legal team and Client, and we are respected within the local judiciary and wider legal community. We support our lawyers to develop and flourish in their careers, understand that this area of law can be challenging and, at times, highly pressurised, and therefore provide a work-life balance. HB Public Law offers flexible working, a commitment to training and development, and a highly supportive working environment to allow you to work autonomously in the workplace and at home.Whilst Harrow Council will be the employer, the place of work will mostly be Hounslow. In the main you would work solely for Hounslow, allowing you to develop an in-depth knowledge of our client department, as well as a strong client relationship. Cross-working is sometimes offered or required within the other authorities in our shared service and there may be a requirement to work at another HBPL client premises. We frequently hold remote meetings with our clients, but you would also be required to attend meetings at Hounslow House in the centre of Hounslow, as well as Harrow Council which is the host Authority for the shared service. Our court proceedings are heard in the West London Family Court which is situated only a short distance from the client offices.Our lawyers provide advice on all matters relating to children’s social care functions, including child protection, public law care proceedings, pre-proceedings, fostering and adoption. You will attend face to face and virtual meetings providing robust advice verbally and in writing. There is an opportunity to represent social care clients in court proceedings where required.About You

Specialist knowledge of English law, and practice and procedure including knowledge of local government law, equalities law, data protection.Children’s social care, in particular in relation to public law proceedings and public law duties to children in need and looked after children.Knowledge of education matters including special educational needs.A thorough practical understanding of the concepts underpinning local government law and public law principles as they apply to local government.Good experience of relevant legal work.Providing written and oral advice and guidance to senior managers and members (or equivalent) with support if needed.Evidence of continuing professional development.The post holder must be a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, qualified solicitor, barrister or appropriately qualified overseas lawyer.The closing date for all applications is Monday the 13th of October 2025. Interviews will take place in our Hounslow ..... full job details .....