Advocate (Childcare)

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Devon is seeking an Advocate in Childcare Law to handle complex legal cases that impact the lives of children and families. This role requires a solicitor or barrister experienced in litigation, focusing on safeguarding and providing expert legal advice in court. Joining offers flexible working, competitive salary, and professional development in a supportive team environment dedicated to public service and legal excellence.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous leave

Comprehensive benefits package

Substantial employer pension contribution

Qualifications

• Experience in childcare law and complex casework.
• Ability to represent in court and tribunals.
• Proven track record in advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on childcare law matters.
• Represent the Council in complex court cases.
• Mentor junior lawyers and influence legal strategy.

Skills

Childcare law expertise

Advocacy skills in courts

Collaboration across services

Excellent communication

Education

Solicitor or barrister with litigation rights

Job description

Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.

Shape the Future of Local Government Legal Services

Devon County Council is entering a transformative period, embracing Local GovernmentReorganisationto create a modern, efficient, and locally grounded authority. As we move towards Local GovernmentReorganisation, our ambition is to deliver better services, stronger leadership, and greater value for money, while strengthening our capability for innovation and future-proofing statutory duties. This is an exciting time to join a council at the heart of a growing and confidentSouth West, where yourexpertisewill help shape the future of legal services and local government.

About the Role

AsAdvocate in Childcare Lawat Devon County Council, you will be an experienced senior local government legal expert entrusted with the most complex and high-profile cases that shape the lives of children and families across Devon. You will play a pivotal role in safeguarding children, supporting frontline social care teams, and enabling the Council to meet its statutory duties under theChildren Act 1989and related legislation.

Your responsibilities will include :

• Providingexpert written and oral legal advice on childcare law matters, including care proceedings, adoption, and child protection cases of significant complexity and strategic importance.
• Representingthe Council in complex cases at court, panels, and committees, ensuring children’s welfare is prioritised and the Council’s responsibilities are met.
• Supporting senior leadership in shaping legal strategy and policy, influencing the development of key services for children and families.
• Enabling services to adopt streamlined, efficient, and robust approaches to legal issues, driving continuous improvement and cost-effectiveness.
• Mentoring and developing junior lawyers, building in-houseexpertiseand supporting succession planning.
• Acting independently and with minimal supervision,demonstratingsound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities and urgent deadlines.
• Deputising for senior managers asrequired, and supporting budget management, recruitment, and resourcing.
• Your work will have a significant impact on the wellbeing of children and families across Devon and on the Council’s ability to deliver safe, effective services.

About You

You’llbe an experienced solicitor, barrister with rights to conduct litigation or CILEX lawyer with litigation rights,with a proventrack recordin advocacy and complex casework. You thrive in high-pressure environments and can confidentlyrepresentthe Council in court or tribunals. Your ability to provide clear, persuasive advice and deliver strategic solutions will set you apart.

• Expertise : Significant knowledge inchildcareand judicial review.
• Advocacy Skills : Comfortable with examination and cross-examination of witnesses and delivering compelling submissions to the judiciary.
• Collaboration : A team player who builds strong relationships across services, influencing outcomes and supporting colleagues to develop robust legal approaches.
• Values : Committed to public service, safeguarding vulnerable people, and contributing to efficient, cost-effective legal solutions that make a real difference to the citizens of Devon.
• Personal Attributes : Resilient, proactive, and adaptable, with excellent communication skills and a passion for continuous improvement.

Why Join Devon County Council?

Joining Devon County Council means becoming part of a forward-thinkingorganisationcommitted to transformation, excellence, and public service. You will :

• Shape the future of local government and legal services during a time ofsignificant change.
• Work on cases that matter, with strategic impact across the county and beyond.
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous leave, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package—including a substantial employer pension contribution and market supplement.
• Be part of a team that values inclusion, collaboration, and professional development, offering opportunities to lead, innovate, and make a real difference.
• Benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and knowledge transfer.

Devon County Council Strategic Plan 2025–2029

Everything we do is guided by our vision for a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon. Our six strategic priorities are :

• Positive futures for our young people
• Supporting independence and dignity
• Continuous improvement of services
• A green Devon for future generations
• Economic inclusion and local prosperity
• Stronger communities and safer places

Find out more about our strategic priorities at