Join Our Expanding Legal & Governance ServiceMultiple Opportunities Across Legal Services – From Paralegals to Senior Solicitors, Team Leaders & Legal FinanceLocation: County Hall, Oxford / HybridHours: 37 per week (flexible working available)Service Area: Legal Services, Oxfordshire County CouncilSalary Range: £34,434 – £67,003 depending on roleAbout UsOxfordshire County Council's Legal & Governance Service is an ambitious, highly respected and forward‑thinking in‑house legal team supporting a wide range of essential public services. Our work has meaningful impact on the lives of residents and local communities, and we pride ourselves on delivering timely, high‑quality legal advice, representation, and governance support.We cover a diverse range of legal disciplines, including:Adult Social Care (ASC)SEND & EducationChildren & Families / SafeguardingEmployment LawCivil and Criminal LitigationContracts & ProcurementPropertyRegulatory – Planning, Highways, Environmental and LicensingCorporate and Governance mattersPractice Management & FinanceOur culture is driven by our values:Always learning | Be kind and care | Equality & integrity | Taking responsibility | Daring to do it differentlyYou'll join a supportive, inclusive, friendly, and professional environment where development is actively encouraged, and progression is achievable at every level.About the RolesTo prepare for the future, we are recruiting to multiple roles at all levels, from early‑career Paralegals to specialist Solicitors and Senior Leaders.Legal Finance Officer (Grade 9 | £34,434–£37,280)A key role within our Practice Management function, responsible for ensuring accurate, timely and compliant financial processes across the Legal & Governance Service.Key responsibilities include:Managing daily financial transactions, income reconciliation and financial recordingPreparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports and projectionsMaintaining and improving financial systems, spreadsheets and forecasting toolsSupporting audits, invoicing, journals and cost recoveryEnsuring staff understand and follow financial and banking proceduresContributing to budget monitoring and year‑end activityA strong eye for detail, analytical skills and the ability to manage competing priorities will help you thrive in this role.Paralegal – ASC, SEND & Education (Grade 10 | £38,220–£40,777)Ideal for those progressing a legal career, this role supports solicitors with the preparation, research, management and progression of cases across social care and education law.Key responsibilities include:Carrying a supervised caseload of varied legal mattersPreparing court documents, bundles and instructions to CounselLiaising with clients, counsel and courtsSupporting hearings, minute‑taking, research and evidence gatheringUsing specialist systems (e.g., Iken, CaseLines) to manage casesThis role offers strong development pathways towards qualification.Solicitors / Lawyers – Career‑Graded (Grades 12–14 | £41,496–£57,864)We have vacancies across specialist areas:Adult Social Care, SEND & EducationAdvising on a full range of ASC, SEND and Education matters, including:Care Act duties and challengesEducation Act matters and SEND tribunal supportCourt of Protection and DoLSGeneral advisory, policy and governance supportThe roles include drafting, advocacy, complex casework and supporting organisational priorities.Children & Families/Safeguarding TeamWork includes:Pre‑proceedings and care proceedingsAdoptionDeprivation of Liberty/Court of Protection and secure accommodation applicationsDischarge of care ordersAdvocacy across courts and tribunalsYou will provide high‑quality advice directly supporting children's safeguarding outcomes.Employment Solicitor/LawyerProviding employment law expertise across the Council and related services. Work includes:Conducting Employment Tribunal litigationEmployment advisory support including grievances, disciplinary cases, restructures, TUPE, whistleblowingDrafting and reviewing employment agreementsWorking alongside HR to deliver practical solutionsCivil & Criminal Litigation Solicitor/LawyerManaging caseloads across:Criminal and regulatory matters including trading standards, fraud, environmental, education, blue badge misuse, etc.Civil litigation including judicial review, injunctions, contractual disputes, debt recovery, insolvency, and property litigation mattersYou'll conduct litigation, advocacy, negotiations, and support complex case strategy.Contracts Solicitor/LawyerAdvising on a wide range of contractual and procurement matters including:Contracts for services, supplies and works (construction)Grant funding agreementsProcurement documentation and procurement lawContract variations and exit strategy adviceYou'll work closely with services across the Council to facilitate high‑value procurement and contract management.Senior Solicitors / Lawyers (Grade 16 | £63,576–£67,003)We have opportunities at senior level across two main portfolios:Senior Solicitor & Team Leader – Adult Social Care, SEND & EducationLeading on the Council's highest‑risk and most complex legal matters in these areas. Responsibilities include:Providing authoritative specialist adviceOverseeing complex casework and governance mattersLine managing solicitors, paralegals and team membersDriving service improvement and “one legal” cultureRepresenting Legal Services in internal leadership forumsSenior Solicitor & Team Leader – Litigation, Employment & PropertyA leadership role combining technical expertise with operational team management.Key responsibilities include:Leading specialist advisory areas (Litigation, Employment & Property)Managing and supervising a team of lawyersOverseeing governance, decision‑making and high‑risk mattersRepresenting the Council at hearings, inquiries and leadership boardsContributing to service planning, training and improvement programmesAbout YouAcross all roles, we're looking for people who can demonstrate:Excellent written and verbal communicationStrong organisational skills and ability to manage competing deadlinesThe ability to build good relationships at all levelsProfessionalism, integrity and discretionA proactive, solution‑focused approachCommitment to inclusive and values‑led workingEnthusiasm for public sector impact and continuous learningSpecific qualifications and experience vary by role (Solicitor/Barrister/CILEX Lawyer for legal roles; financial experience for the Legal Finance Officer; legal procedural experience for Paralegals).Ourcommitmentto:Equality, Diversity and InclusionAt Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.Ourcommitmentto:Guaranteed Interview SchemesAs a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are alsocommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.Ourcommitmentto:SafeguardingOxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.Ourcommitmentto:Flexible WorkingWe are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.Follow us on Social MediaStay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.