Solicitor or Barrister (Childcare)

• Care and supervision proceedings
• Emergency applications
• Special guardianship matters
• Adoption-related work
• Advocacy in contested and non-contested hearings
• Working alongside social workers, managers, and partner agencies to secure the best outcomes for children
• The Birmingham & Solihull Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) also provides a unique opportunity to be involved in an innovative and successful alternative approach to care proceedings.

• Knowledge and experience of family public law
• Experience of managing a busy caseload
• Strong advocacy skills or a desire to further develop them
• Excellent drafting, communication, and negotiation skills
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
• A commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children and families
• A collaborative and solution-focused approach
• We will also consider applications from Newly Qualified Solicitors and candidates who can demonstrate strong transferable skills from related areas of practice. We are keen to attract the right candidate and will provide appropriate support and development opportunities to enable you to thrive in the role.

• Flexible and hybrid working policy - we are well adapted to a hybrid model of working which includes a combination of time spent in the office and at home and we offer a variety of working patterns
• A supportive, friendly, and highly collaborative legal team
• Regular supervision and mentoring
• Access to training and shared learning opportunities
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Full access to our amazing internal employee benefits scheme including, Salary sacrifice car leasing scheme, Occupational Health services, Rewards Schemes, Benefits discounts (including the Blue Light Card), Health & Fitness, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and Personal Wellbeing support and much more!
• Pension Scheme - You will receive a generous local government career average pension scheme in line with the local government pension scheme.
• A generous annual leave package of 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 5 years of service and 35 days after 10 years of service.
• Free on-site parking at our offices on One Avenue Road (Aston) and Lifford House (Stirchley). We also provide onsite electric car charging ports which are free to use!

Help us to change children and young people’s lives!

At Birmingham Children’s Trust, we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of over 10,000 children and young people in our city every day. Our mission is to support the most disadvantaged children and young people in Birmingham, ensuring they are safe, happy, and healthy.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work - be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of the city’s most vulnerable children.
• Supportive Environment - enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture where your contributions are valued.
• Career Development - benefit from tailored development programs, supportive supervision, and a range of learning opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Generous Benefits - take advantage of our competitive reward package including generous leave allowance, Local Government pension scheme, and additional benefits.

Our Values

We approach our work with care and compassion, actively listening to the needs of the children and young people we serve. We involve them in the decisions that affect their lives, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

We are committed to using our resources wisely, ensuring that every penny is spent where it counts the most. We foster collaboration among schools, health professionals, and the police, working together to create a supportive network for our young people.

We believe that when we work as one cohesive team, the children and young people of Birmingham are more likely to thrive. Our unified approach ensures that we provide the best possible support and opportunities for their growth and development.

Join us and together, we can create a brighter future for all.

Safeguarding

At Birmingham Children’s Trust, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Depending on the role, you may be asked to undergo the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess your suitability for working with children and young people.

The level of check (Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List) is determined based on the specific responsibilities of the role and the level of contact with children and young people.

We are committed to the fair treatment of all applicants, including those with criminal records. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar an individual from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of the offence.