<div><h3>Job Description: Adult Social Care Lawyer</h3><h3>Location</h3><p>London Borough of Merton (Hybrid working – office attendance approximately once per week)</p><h3>Role Overview</h3><p>We are seeking two experienced Adult Social Care Lawyers to join a busy local authority legal team. The role involves providing high-quality legal advice and representation on adult social care matters, with a strong focus on Court of Protection work.</p><h3>Key Responsibilities</h3><ul><li>Provide legal advice on adult social care matters to internal stakeholders, including social care teams and senior officers</li><li>Conduct and manage cases in the Court of Protection, including welfare and best interests proceedings</li><li>Advise on applications and matters under the Mental Capacity Act 2005</li><li>Support work under the Care Act 2014, including assessments, eligibility, care planning, and safeguarding duties</li><li>Draft legal documents, court applications, and advise on complex casework involving vulnerable adults</li><li>Represent the council in Court of Protection proceedings where required</li><li>Provide clear, timely, and pragmatic legal advice to support decision-making in complex cases</li><li>Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, case law, and local authority duties</li></ul><h3>Essential Experience & Skills</h3><ul><li>Significant experience in Court of Protection work (essential)</li><li>Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005</li><li>Experience advising on the Care Act 2014 and adult social care law</li><li>Experience handling welfare and/or property and affairs matters involving vulnerable adults</li><li>Ability to manage a varied caseload independently</li><li>Strong communication skills and ability to work with multidisciplinary teams</li></ul><h3>Desirable Experience</h3><ul><li>Local authority or public sector legal experience</li><li>Experience with safeguarding adults work</li><li>Experience in deputyship applications and best interests disputes</li></ul><h3>Working Arrangements</h3><ul><li>Hybrid working model</li><li>Office attendance approximately once per week</li><li>Flexible working supported</li></ul><h3>About the Role</h3><p>This is an opportunity to work on complex and meaningful legal matters supporting vulnerable adults, ensuring lawful and person-centred decision-making within a local authority setting.</p></div>