Overview
Reference number: SC07597
Location: London
Schedule: Full-time
Salary Range: (Full time equivalent) - £44,430 - £51,663
Contract Type: Permanent
Why Southwark?
Step into a role where your expertise can help shape the future of Adult Social Care. Southwark Council’s Safeguarding and Community Services Legal Team is hiring an ambitious Assistant Adult Social Care Lawyer. By joining us, you will be at the heart of legal decisions that protect the most vulnerable, and be part of life changing litigation, steering the direction of services that touch many adult lives every day. Here, your legal expertise won’t just resolve cases, it can drive meaningful change within a council committed to excellence, collaboration and bold ambition for Adult Social Services.
Why This Role Stands Out
* Impact with meaning: Your advice directly influences life‑changing decisions for vulnerable adults and their families.
* Grow where you’re valued: Work with a close‑knit, progressive legal team that invests in your development and gives you space and support to thrive.
* Do law with edge: Handle real-world cases where local government meets cutting-edge legal challenges.
What You'll Be Doing
You’ll be at the forefront of providing first-class, cost-effective legal advice to the Adult Social Care team, ensuring every decision meets the highest standards of good governance.
Key Responsibilities Include
* Delivering a high-quality, sustainable legal service in line with statutory and contractual obligations.
* Managing your own caseload of less complex adult social care matters under minimal supervision, drafting documents, responding to correspondence and advising at meetings.
* Preparing cases for courts, tribunals and inquests, with the possibility of undertaking advocacy where appropriate.
* Supporting senior lawyers with initial case reviews, investigations, research and case preparation.
* Researching legal questions and providing clear, practical briefings to clients, colleagues and counsel.
* Driving continuous improvement in your area of expertise, ensuring the service stays responsive in a changing environment.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a practical, proactive Lawyer who brings a blend of the following:
* A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEx with a current (or eligible) practising certificate.
* Knowledge of the law in relation to vulnerable adults – including community care, mental health, Court of Protection, no recourse to public funds and children leaving care services.
* Understanding of good governance and local government, human rights and equalities legislation.
* Experience working in a legal service or practice, confident with legal research tools and case management systems.
* A clear commitment to continuing professional development and staying at the leading edge of your field.
* Track record of proactive case management with the ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to work as part of a team.
* Experience of drafting legal documents and responding to pre action correspondence.
Additional Information
About Southwark Council
Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses and have a diverse and growing population. We are committed to making our borough just and fair and tackle inequalities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together underpin all we do.
Benefits And More Information
For more information about working with us, visit the Southwark jobs site.
Recruitment Timetable
Application Closing Date: 11.59pm on the 22 September 2025.
Interview Date: 29 September 2025.
We are an organisation passionate about our people and value diversity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds including members of Black, Asian and other minority communities. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for eligible groups as part of our commitment to inclusion.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our inclusion commitment, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups if you meet the minimum requirements and identify with one of the eligible criteria (e.g., Armed Forces and veterans; current or previous care experience; disability or long-term health condition).
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