Salary range £51,356 - £55,604
Employer Pension contribution £11,495 - £12,122
Total (Salary + Pension) £62,851 - £67,726
Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.
Lead and Shape Legal Services at Devon County Council
As a full-time permanent employee, you’ll also enjoy 26 days of annual leave plus public and bank holidays, with your entitlement increasing to 31 days after five years’ continuous service. Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are also available.
Are you an experienced legal professional with in-depth expertise in adult social care law? Devon County Council is seeking a Senior Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, providing strategic advice and leadership on complex matters relating to adult social care, safeguarding, and statutory responsibilities.
About the role:
As a Senior Lawyer, you will provide high-level legal advice and assistance to the Council and its directorates, focussed on adult social care. You will also line manage junior lawyers and contribute to strategic decision-making. Your responsibilities will include:
1. Draft, negotiate, and settle agreements, applications, orders, and other relevant documents for adult social care matters.
2. Provide legal advice to senior officers and members on adult social care law and related areas.
3. Conduct and oversee cases including contested hearings, mediations, and instructing counsel or specialist advocates.
4. Advise on strategic adult social care issues and represent the Council at panels and project boards.
5. Line manage and mentor junior lawyers, ensuring quality and compliance.
6. Review and approve Cabinet Reports and provide input on policy development.
About You
7. 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.
8. Extensive experience in adult social care litigation, including advocacy.
9. Strong leadership and supervisory skills are important.
10. Excellent communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal.
11. Ability to manage complex caseloads and provide strategic advice.
12. Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.
Why Devon?
At Devon County Council, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll discover a career with purpose. We offer:
13. Structured Development
Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet professional qualifications and progress with confidence.
14. Opportunities to Grow
Build expertise in adult social care law, with clear pathways for professional development.
15. 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.
16. 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 Andrew Yendole
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
17. 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.
18. - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
19. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
20. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
21. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the .
22.