Solicitor Level 1 Dispute Resolution

Wiltshire Career Site; Trowbridge; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Market supplement 15%

Mentoring and professional development

Job summary

Wiltshire Council is seeking a solicitor or barrister to join the Adult Social Care team on a maternity cover basis. The role involves advising on Court of Protection proceedings, Mental Capacity Act matters, safeguarding issues and wider adult social care law, supporting vulnerable adults and services.

The position offers flexible and hybrid working, with the role primarily at County Hall, Trowbridge, and occasional court attendance.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, research and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and commitment to public service.
• Experience with Court of Protection, Mental Capacity Act matters is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Advise on Court of Protection proceedings and Mental Capacity Act matters.
• Support safeguarding and wider adult social care law work.
• Provide clear, pragmatic advice and build relationships with clients and external partners.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Education

Qualifying work experience

SQE qualifications

Job description

Salary: £41,177 - £43,149 (Inclusive of 15% market supplement)

Hours per week: 37 hours

Temporary/Fixed term: 12 Months

Interview date: To be Confirmed

Are you a recently qualified solicitor or barrister looking to build your legal career in a supportive and highly regarded Adult Social Care team? Whether you have just completed your training or have up to three years' post-qualification experience, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your expertise in a rewarding area of law while making a genuine difference to people's lives.

Local government law offers a breadth of experience that is difficult to match elsewhere. You will work on a varied caseload, advising on Court of Protection proceedings, Mental Capacity Act matters, safeguarding issues and wider adult social care law. Supporting vulnerable adults and the services that work with them, you'll see the direct impact of your advice and enjoy the challenge of complex, meaningful work where no two days are the same.

This maternity cover position provides an ideal platform to build specialist knowledge and confidence. You will be supported by experienced lawyers who are passionate about mentoring, knowledge-sharing and professional development. From attending court hearings and observing colleagues to taking on your own matters, you'll gain valuable practical experience that will help accelerate your career.

As part of the legal team supporting a wide range of Council services, you will provide clear, pragmatic advice while developing strong relationships with clients, colleagues and external partners. We are proud of our collaborative and inclusive culture, where support is always available and professional development is actively encouraged.

We also offer excellent flexible and hybrid working arrangements, combining office-based learning and collaboration with remote working. The role is primarily based at County Hall, Trowbridge, with occasional court attendance required.
Extensive experience is not essential. If you have strong analytical, research and communication skills, a willingness to learn and a commitment to public service, we would love to hear from you. Applications from candidates currently completing their qualifying work experience and SQE qualifications are also welcomed.

This position comes with a 15% market supplement payment. All market supplement payments are subject to review on an annual basis.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here.
Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer-facing roles work entirely from their service location.

We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.

Contact Details

Eileen Connolly, Principal Solicitor Safeguard/Protctn T2, [e-mail]

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.

Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion

Disability Confident Employer

Application process

Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura).

Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission.

Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.