Principal Lawyer - Adult Social Care

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England seeks a Principal Lawyer for Adult Social Care to lead a team supporting vulnerable adults. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in adult social care law and a proven ability to manage legal teams. This role offers a starting salary of £65,248, an employer pension contribution of £14,220, and a market supplement. Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to public service and legal excellence.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous leave

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Substantial employer pension contribution

Market supplement

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and managing a team in adult social care law.
• Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and represent the Council in legal matters.
• Proficient in delivering clear and persuasive legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead a skilled legal team that supports vulnerable adults.
• Provide expert legal advice on complex cases under relevant laws.
• Drive strategic leadership and operational effectiveness in the legal team.

Skills

Local government adult social care law

Judicial review

Excellent communication skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Resilience

Education

Solicitor or barrister with rights to conduct litigation

CILEX lawyer with litigation rights

Job description

Overview

Principal Lawyer - Adult Social Care

Grade L8 Starting Salary £65,248

Employer Pension £14,220

Market Supplement £6,991.80

Total Reward £86,459

12 month fixed term

Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.

Shape the Future of Local Government Legal Services

Devon County Council is embarking on an exciting transformation as part of Local Government Reorganisation. Our vision is to create a modern, efficient, and locally focused authority that delivers better services, stronger leadership, and greater value for money. This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking council at the heart of a thriving South West region, where your expertise will help shape the future of legal services and local government.

About the role

As Principal Lawyer in Adult Social Care at Devon County Council, you will lead a highly skilled legal team dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults and ensuring statutory duties are met. This senior role involves providing expert legal advice and representation on complex cases under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, adult safeguarding, deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS), and judicial reviews.

You will be responsible for planning, leading and managing the adult social team of lawyers and support staff and representing the Council at meetings with the judiciary, while driving strategic and operational leadership across the team. Working closely with social care professionals, you’ll help shape policies, contracts, and compliance frameworks that protect individuals’ rights and promote independence.

About You

You’ll be an experienced solicitor, barrister with rights to conduct litigation or CILEX lawyer with litigation rights, with a proven track record leading and managing a team of staff, significant experience in adult social care law and in driving improvement in the adult social care arena. You thrive in high-pressure environments and can confidently represent the Council in court or tribunals. Your ability to provide clear, persuasive advice and deliver strategic solutions will set you apart.

• Expertise: Significant knowledge in local government adult social care law and judicial review, knowledge of debt collection is desirable but not essential.
• Collaboration: A leader 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-thinking organisation committed to transformation, excellence, and public service.

You will:

• Shape the future of local government and legal services during a time of significant 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 Devon County Council’s Strategic Plan 2025-2029

For an informal discussion please contact Andrew Yendole [e-mail]

Closing date: 25 January 2026