Senior Public Sector Lawyer – Adults & SEN (Hybrid)

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

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.