Senior Lawyer – Adult Social Care

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Devon is seeking a Senior Lawyer for its Legal Services team. The role involves providing high-level legal advice on adult social care issues, managing a team of junior lawyers, and engaging in strategic decision-making. Applicants should be qualified solicitors or barristers with substantial experience in adult social care litigation. The position offers 26 days of annual leave plus public holidays, with opportunities for professional development and an inclusive work culture.

Benefits

26 days of annual leave

Employer Pension contribution

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and settle agreements for adult social care matters.
• Provide legal advice to senior officers and members.
• Conduct and oversee cases, including contested hearings.
• Advise on strategic adult social care issues.
• Line-manage and mentor junior lawyers.

Skills

Adult social care litigation

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Strategic advice

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister, or CILEX professional qualification

Job description

Senior Lawyer – Adult Social Care
Salary range £51,356 – £55,604
Employer Pension contribution £11,495 – £12,122
Total (Salary + Pension) £62,851 – £67,726
Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.

Lead and Shape Legal Services at Devon County Council

As a full‑time permanent employee, you’ll also enjoy 26 days of annual leave plus public and bank holidays, with your entitlement increasing to 31 days after five years’ continuous service. Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.

Are you an experienced legal professional with in‑depth expertise in adult social care law? Devon County Council is seeking a 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.

About the role:

As a Senior Lawyer, you will provide high‑level legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates, focused on adult social care. You will also line‑manage junior lawyers and contribute 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, ensuring quality and compliance. Review and approve Cabinet Reports and provide input on policy development.

About You

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.

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 Andrew Yendole [e-mail].

Closing date: 25 January 2026