Tempting Recruitment are working alongside our client, who are looking to recruit a Advocate to join their team based in Merton.
JOB DETAILS
WORK TYPE: Contractual
WORK PATTERN: Full Time
LOCATION: Merton JOB PURPOSE:
To deal with analysis, research, drafting, advice and advocacy arising within the Social Care and Education Legal Team. To have the conduct of trials ranging from 1 to 10 days in duration. Under the strategic direction of the Practice Lead, Social Care and Education Team to undertake all advocacy primarily in child care matters and to ensure the provision of a high quality, efficient, cost effective and customer focused service. To contribute to the financial and business management of the Social Care and Education team.
To appear as the Council’s advocate at preliminary, unopposed and complex contested hearings ranging from 1 day to 10 days duration in the Family Court and High Court in child care and adoption proceedings and at other tribunals and courts as required in nonchild care proceedings with minimum supervision.
To incorporate changes to practice within the Social Care and Education team as a result of statutory, policy or other changes and in so doing to recognise and report any budgetary or resource implications and to ensure value for money is achieved. JOB DESCRIPTION
To be responsible for the provision of advocacy in complex contested child care proceedings, including representation at short notice in emergency hearings, ensuring that work is reflective of best practice, is of a high professional standard and is cost effective.
To develop and obtain knowledge in Special Education Needs Tribunals and Adult Social Care and be responsible for the provision of advocacy if appropriate.
To be able to enter complex negotiations, provide innovative, creative advice to clients in a pressurised environment.
To prepare and process the more complex and sensitive documents relevant to care proceedings before all levels of court, including the evaluation of evidence and to provide advice and guidance in respect of complex areas of law and practice to other team members and client departments as appropriate.
Advising on complex policies and procedures relating to the Councils’ child care functions.
Support the Practice Lead and Team Manager, Social Care and Education in maintaining liaison with senior managers in the client departments.
Support the Practice Lead and Team Manager, Social Care and Education in the provision of training to clients on child care matters.
Act as a liaison with the local judiciary and family justices (magistrates) in relation to local practice and changes in policy/procedure.
To maintain an up to date and detailed knowledge of the law and practice relating to child care proceedings and to give guidance and to provide training to less experienced team members to assist them with the effective discharge of their advocacy duties and also to staff at all levels within client departments particularly in relation to court, inquiry or tribunal procedure and etiquette. Experience You Will Bring
Qualified barrister or Solicitor with higher rights of audience.
Significant experience of undertaking advocacy at all levels of court including higher court advocacy, including contested hearings requiring the cross examination of witnesses in court.
Specialise knowledge of English law and practice in relation to child protection and adoption. An ability to acquire and maintain knowledge in relation to community care and education.
Ability and experience in working closely with other advocates and in a team to ensure service is delivered to the highest standard.
Highly developed negotiating and listening skills with various groups of people and in a variety of different settings, including some of which may potentially end in conflict.
Excellent research and problem solving skills with ability to convey complex legal and factual issues to various audiences.
Excellent research and IT skills including the ability to use a case management system.
Awareness of current issues relevant to local authorities, ability to assist in delivering the Council’s corporate objectives and to operate effectively within a corporate context. Specific skills and experiences required for this role will be shortlisted and submitted to our client for review.
HOW TO APPLY
Hit the apply button or contact Syed Raza on (phone number removed) NOW