Solicitor

The Children's Law Centre (CLC) Legal and Advice Team provide direct support to children and young people, their parents and families who are seeking advice on how they access services in health, education disability and housing, that they are entitled to. In most cases advice will be sufficient to enable parents to progress their child’s issue with duty bearers to a suitable remedy. When a parent is unable to progress an issue alone or where the issue is complex, our Legal and Advice Team will advocate on their behalf to reach a resolution. Where a clear breach of a child’s equality or human rights is evident, CLC will represent the child in litigation through judicial review and at tribunal including SENDIST and Mental Health Review.

CLC’s Legal and Advice Team also work with our Policy and Public Affairs Team on issues that have ben particularly difficult to resolve to achieve systemic change, e.g., our recent work with National Autistic Society NI in securing adequate provision of respite care for children with disabilities and/or mental health needs.

To be considered for this role you will need to have a relevant third level qualification, a professional legal qualification as a solicitor, hold or be entitled to hold a Solicitor’s Practising Certificate and have at least 2 years’ PQE.  You should have a knowledge of domestic law and international standards relating to children, including relevant human rights and equality legislation.  Full details of the requirements can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.

This post is offered initially on a one-year fixed term basis but we anticipate continuing funding beyond that point.

What we can offer:

• Competitive salary
• Enrolment in group pension scheme with employer contribution of 7% on completion of probationary period (5% contribution in first 6 months)
• Generous Annual Leave
• Access to CPD
• Staff wellbeing support
• Opportunity to work in a friendly, supportive environment assisting us to make a difference to the lives of children in Northern Ireland.

All completed applications should be returned to:

Trevor Wright, Head of Operations

Address:  Children’s Law Centre, Rights House, 127-131 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 1SH.

Or emailed to reception@childrenslawcentre.org 

Closing date for receipt of applications is 11.59pm on Thursday 19th December 2024.

Please note that CV's are not accepted.  

We value the diversity of our employees, and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across Northern Ireland. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified and experienced individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. 

The successful candidate for this post will be required to complete the Access NI enhanced security clearance before commencing employment.

This information is also accessible through the CLC website: https://childrenslawcentre.org.uk/work-with-us/