Senior Lawyer Adults and SEN L5Z2 - Interims

We Do Social Work; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Challenging work

Senior stakeholder engagement

Professional development

Meaningful impact

Job summary

We Do Social Work in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to provide high-quality legal advice across a relevant area of specialism. This role offers a flexible hybrid arrangement with 2 days in the office and the remainder remote.

The successful candidate will manage a varied and complex caseload, advise senior stakeholders, and contribute to an effective, forward-thinking legal service. Strong judgement, research and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant experience providing legal advice within a relevant area of specialism.
• Experience working in a public sector or comparable legal environment.
• Strong case management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Sound legal judgement with risk-focused, pragmatic advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, high-quality legal advice to service areas, senior officers and key stakeholders.
• Manage a substantial and varied caseload with timely delivery of legal services.
• Represent the organisation in contested matters, including advocacy and court appearances where required.
• Build strong working relationships with senior stakeholders and external legal representatives.
• Deliver training and issue clear, practical advice on complex legal issues.
• Undertake legal research into new legislation and case law.
• Attend meetings to provide legal guidance and support decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve legal processes, policies and practices.
• Mentor junior colleagues and share knowledge.
• Maintain accurate case management records and uphold best practices.

Skills

Legal counsel

Public sector experience

Case management

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Legal research

Independent work

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Senior Lawyer - Legal Services

Working Arrangement: Hybrid - 2 days in the office, with the remainder working remotely

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to provide high-quality, solution-focused legal advice across a relevant area of specialism.

This is an excellent opportunity for a confident legal professional to manage complex legal matters, advise senior stakeholders and contribute to the delivery of an effective, forward-thinking legal service.

You will manage a varied and often complex caseload, provide pragmatic legal solutions, and ensure that decisions and activities are legally compliant, risk-aware and aligned with wider organisational priorities.

The role offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, with just two days per week in the office and the remainder working remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, high-quality legal advice to service areas, senior officers and key stakeholders.
• Manage a substantial and varied caseload, ensuring effective case management, compliance with statutory deadlines and timely delivery of legal services.
• Represent the organisation in contested matters, including advocacy and court appearances where required.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders, external legal representatives and colleagues across the organisation.
• Provide clear, practical and solution-focused advice on complex legal issues, identifying risks and recommending appropriate courses of action.
• Undertake legal research into new legislation, case law, court procedures and relevant legal developments.
• Prepare legal briefings, reports and advice notes, and deliver training to colleagues on relevant legal matters.
• Attend committee meetings, working groups and other meetings to provide legal guidance and support effective decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve legal processes, policies and working practices, promoting a proactive and efficient legal service.
• Work collaboratively with senior colleagues on complex, sensitive or high-profile matters.
• Support the development of junior colleagues through mentoring and knowledge-sharing where required.
• Maintain accurate case management records and uphold best practice in file management, risk management and time recording.

About You

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Significant experience providing legal advice within a relevant area of specialism.
• Experience working within a public sector or comparable legal environment.
• Strong case management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• The confidence to handle challenging discussions, complex legal issues and contentious matters.
• Sound legal judgement, with the ability to assess risk and provide pragmatic, solutions-focused advice.
• Strong legal research, drafting and analytical skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative legal team.
• Political awareness and an understanding of the challenges involved in advising public sector organisations.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality legal services and driving continuous improvement.

What's on Offer?

• Hybrid working: Just two days per week in the office, with the remainder remote.
• Varied and challenging work: Exposure to complex legal matters and opportunities to apply your expertise.
• Senior stakeholder engagement: Work closely with senior professionals and key decision-makers.
• Professional development: Opportunities to share knowledge, mentor colleagues and contribute to service improvements.
• Meaningful impact: Play an important role in supporting effective decision-making and delivering organisational priorities.