Senior Lawyer - Adult Social Care

Hybrid in Exeter·Full-time·Added today (last checked 27 Oct)

Devon County Council

105 open roles

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Our summary

Salary: £53,051 - £57,439 a year
About £3,440 - £3,660 a month after tax.
Work mode: Hybrid, Exeter
Contract: Full-time
Experience: Senior level
Closing date: Apply by Monday 16 November
Holiday: 31 days holiday

Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister with rights to conduct litigation, or hold a CILEX professional qualification with litigation rights and be registered with the relevant professional body.
Extensive experience in adult social care litigation, including advocacy.
Strong leadership and supervisory skills are important.
Excellent communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to manage complex caseloads and provide strategic advice.
Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

Permanent
Full Time 37 hours per week

Salary range: £53,051- £57,439
Market supplement: £5,500
Employer Pension contribution £10,504 - £11,372

Total package value (Salary + Pension) £69,055 - £74,311

Work base: County Hall, Exeter

Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.

Successful candidates will receive 31 days' annual leave (pro-rata). Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.

The role

We are building the next chapter of Legal Services in Devon, and we would like you to be part of it. Following a recent restructure, designed to strengthen the service for the future, a number of our colleagues have successfully progressed into new roles. Their progression has created opportunities across our newly structured service, and we are now looking for talented people to join us. With opportunities at different stages of a legal career, this is a great time to join, develop and make your mark in Devon.

Are you an experienced legal professional with in-depth expertise in adult social care law? Devon County Council is seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, providing strategic advice and leadership on complex matters relating to adult social care, safeguarding, and statutory responsibilities.

What you'll do

As a Senior Lawyer, you will provide high-level legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates, focussed on adult social care law. You will also line manage junior lawyers and support staff as well as contributing to strategic decision-making. Your responsibilities will include:

Draft, negotiate, and settle agreements, applications, orders, and other relevant documents for adult social care matters.
Provide legal advice to senior officers and members on adult social care law and related areas.
Conduct and oversee cases including contested hearings, mediations, and instructing counsel or specialist advocates.
Advise on strategic adult social care issues and represent the Council at panels and project boards.
Line manage and mentor junior lawyers and support staff, ensuring quality and compliance.
Review and approve Cabinet Reports and provide input on policy development.
Support the Principal Lawyer in the attendance of meetings
Establish and maintain good working relationships both with clients and other members of staff including Directors and Members.

Why Devon?

At Devon County Council, you'll find more than just a job - you'll discover a career with purpose. We offer:

Structured Development
Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet professional qualifications and progress with confidence.
Opportunities to Grow
Build expertise in adult social care law, with clear pathways for professional development.
A Council with Purpose
Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon, guided by our Strategic Plan priorities.
Inclusive and Collaborative Culture
Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters.

For an informal discussion please contact Principal Lawyer Heather Mansbridge on 01392 380940.

Hiring process

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council's use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
This role requires a DBS disclosure.