Assistant Lawyer

Devon County Council; United States; Hybride; USD 86 000 - 119 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Training and supervision

Résumé du poste

Devon County Council is seeking a Senior Assistant Lawyer specialising in Childcare to join our Legal Services team, delivering high-quality advice on children's social care and safeguarding. You will manage complex cases, advise senior officers and elected members, and contribute to strategic initiatives across the Children’s Services directorate.

We offer flexible, hybrid working arrangements. The role requires a qualified solicitor, barrister with litigation rights, or a CILEX

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister with rights to conduct litigation, or CILEX with litigation rights.
• Extensive experience in children’s social care litigation, including advocacy.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal.

Responsabilités

• Drafting, negotiating, and preparing documentation for care proceedings and other childcare matters.
• Providing timely, robust legal advice to senior officers, frontline social workers, and elected members on childcare law.
• Managing and conducting public law litigation, including representing the Council in court.

Connaissances

Childcare law

Litigation advocacy

Legal advice

Stakeholder collaboration

Formation

Qualified solicitor/barrister or CILEX

Description du poste

Are you an experienced legal professional with strong expertise in Childcare Law and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people? Devon County Council is seeking a Senior Assistant Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, providing authoritative advice and leadership on complex matters relating to children's social care, safeguarding, public law proceedings, and statutory responsibilities. About the Role As a Senior Assistant Lawyer specialising in Childcare, you will deliver high-quality legal support across the Children's Services directorate. You will manage complex and sensitive cases, advise senior leaders, and contribute to strategic initiatives affecting children and families in Devon. Responsibilities include:

• Drafting, negotiating, and preparing documentation for care proceedings and other childcare matters.
• Providing timely, robust legal advice to senior officers, frontline social workers, and elected members on all aspects of childcare law.
• Managing and conducting public law litigation, including representing the Council at court.
• Instructing counsel and specialist advocates where appropriate.
• Supporting strategic decision-making across the Children's Services directorate., The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the
  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 children social care litigation, including advocacy.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal.
• Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.
  DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our
  Why Devon?

At Devon County Council, you'll find more than just a job - you'll discover a career with purpose.

Why Devon?

We offer:

• Structured Development
• Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet professional qualifications and progress with confidence.
• Opportunities to Grow
• Build expertise in Children's 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 Jo Davies Our offer to you (add if managers haven't added it themselves) Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer. In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:
• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme - available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.