Locum Solicitor Child Protection

Overview

Contract: 5 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary: DMBC Finance & Legal is seeking an experienced Locum Solicitor (or Barrister) with expertise in Public Law Outline (PLO) family law and Children Act public law proceedings including adoption cases. The successful candidate will join a small agile team to manage a caseload of child protection cases and provide effective advocacy in Family Court hearings. The role involves court attendance across Wolverhampton, Walsall, Telford and Dudley with some flexibility to cover hearings of other team members.

• Manage a caseload of Children Act public law cases and related adoption applications.
• Conduct Family Court advocacy including hearings of up to a day in length.
• Provide legal advice and representation to the Council, its Directorates and Officers.
• Demonstrate flexibility to cover hearings of other team members when required.
• Ensure efficient and effective public law child protection litigation.
• Maintain accurate case records and comply with all legal and regulatory standards.
• Work collaboratively with team members and other stakeholders to achieve outcomes for children and families.

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in child protection and public law proceedings.
• Strong knowledge of Public Law Outline (PLO) and pre-proceedings protocol.
• Proven family law and family court advocacy experience including Adoption and Children Act cases.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload effectively and prioritise hearings.
• Comfortable conducting hearings at multiple court locations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Flexible, proactive and able to work in a small agile team environment.
• Experience with case management systems and documentation in public law.

• Location: Dudley with court attendance in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Telford and Dudley.
• Working Pattern: Full-time 37 hours per week; agile working from office, home and courts.
• Rate: 60 per hour.
• Start Date: ASAP.
• Closing Date: 08/02/2026.