Salary: £38,220 to £51,356 per annum
Grade: JK and M
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time (37 hours)
Location: Northallerton, North Yorkshire – Hybrid working available
Flexible hybrid opportunities, working from home and our County Hall office, Northallerton if required.
Join a leading Legal Team in North Yorkshire!
An exciting opportunity has arisen 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.
- We offer hybrid working with the option to work from home and flexible hours, helping you achieve a healthy work-life balance.
- We’re committed to your growth, offering continuous learning, career progression opportunities, and financial support for additional qualifications.
- We recognise the importance of family time and well-being, offering generous leave and additional benefits like paid volunteering leave.
- Enjoy the security of a robust pension plan designed for your future.
- Take advantage of our employee benefits scheme which includes 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 on Claire.Bryant@northyorks.gov.uk 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 23rd February 2026
Interview Date: W/C 2nd March 2026
Key Documents:
NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.