Senior Lawyer - Adults and SEN

Civic Recruitment Limited; Camden; Hybrid; AUD 175,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited seeks a qualified solicitor to provide high-quality legal advice in Adults Social Care and SEN matters for a local authority on a 3-month contract. The post holder will manage a complex caseload, advocate in court, and advise senior officers and elected members with strategic, commercially aware guidance.

Role requires robust drafting, negotiation and risk management, plus independence and strong stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive.
• Experience in Adults Social Care and/or SEN law.
• Experience in Local Government/public sector environments.
• Experience managing a substantial and complex legal caseload.
• Strong advocacy and litigation skills.
• Experience advising senior officers, directors and elected members.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical abilities.
• Ability to identify and manage legal, operational and reputational risks.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Clear, practical and commercially aware legal advice.
• Experience researching and interpreting legislation, case law and guidance.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience attending governance meetings.
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice across Adults Social Care and SEN matters.
• Manage a complex caseload with minimal supervision.
• Advise officers, senior managers, directors and elected members.
• Provide practical, solution-focused legal guidance for service delivery and decisions.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal documents and agreements.
• Conduct legal research and brief on legislation, case law and regulatory developments.
• Advise on legal risks and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare and process casework with deadlines and court timetables.
• Represent the Council in court, hearings and tribunals where needed.
• Instruct and manage external counsel, experts and solicitors as appropriate.
• Attend committee meetings and stakeholder groups for legal input.
• Support complex cross-functional projects and governance with legal support.
• Maintain relationships with internal clients and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with legal practice standards and governance.
• Assist in improving service delivery, processes and case management.
• Mentor junior legal staff and provide supervision as required.
• Maintain records using case management systems and time recording.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Stakeholder management

Drafting skills

Analytical skills

Time management

Negotiation

Education

Qualified solicitor/barrister/chartered legal executive

Tools

Legal case management systems

Job description

Camden, United Kingdom | Posted on 12/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality legal advice and representation across Adults Social Care and Special Educational Needs (SEN) matters, supporting the Council, senior officers and elected members in delivering legally compliant services and positive outcomes for residents.

The postholder will manage a complex caseload, provide expert legal advice on matters within their area of specialism, and support the Council in achieving its strategic objectives through innovative, solution-focused legal services. The role requires strong advocacy, case management and stakeholder engagement skills, together with the ability to manage sensitive and high-profile matters with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice across Adults Social Care and Special Educational Needs (SEN) matters.
• Manage a complex and varied caseload with minimal supervision.
• Act as a trusted legal advisor to officers, senior managers, directors and elected members.
• Provide practical, solution-focused legal advice to support service delivery and decision-making.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal documents and agreements.
• Conduct legal research and provide briefings on new legislation, case law and regulatory developments.
• Advise on legal risks and identify appropriate mitigation measures.
• Prepare and process legal casework efficiently, ensuring all deadlines and court timetables are achieved.
• Represent the Council in court proceedings, hearings and tribunals where required.
• Instruct and manage external counsel, experts and solicitors where appropriate.
• Attend committee meetings, working groups and stakeholder meetings to provide legal advice.
• Support complex corporate projects and cross-functional workstreams.
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal clients and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with legal practice standards, governance requirements and Council procedures.
• Assist in improving service delivery, legal processes and case management arrangements.
• Mentor and support junior legal colleagues where required.
• Maintain accurate records using legal case management systems and comply with time recording requirements.
• Support the Council in achieving its priorities through proactive legal input and strategic advice.

Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
• Significant post-qualification experience within Adults Social Care and/or SEN law.
• Experience providing legal advice within a Local Government or Public Sector environment.
• Experience managing a substantial and complex legal caseload.
• Strong advocacy and litigation skills.
• Experience advising senior officers, directors and elected members.
• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to identify and manage legal, operational and reputational risks.
• Experience working independently and prioritising competing deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to provide clear, practical and commercially aware legal advice.
• Experience undertaking legal research and interpreting legislation, case law and statutory guidance.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience attending committees and governance meetings.
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior legal staff.
• Knowledge of Local Government governance frameworks.
• Advocacy experience within contested hearings and tribunal matters.
• Experience handling high-profile or politically sensitive matters.

Additional Information

• Location: 5 Pancras Square, London (2 Days Office / Remainder Remote)