Lawyer – Adult Social Care

We are building the next chapter of Legal Services in Devon, and we would like you to be part of it. Following a recent restructure, designed to strengthen the service for the future, a number of our colleagues have successfully progressed into new roles. Their progression has created opportunities across our newly structured service and we are now looking for talented people to join us. With opportunities at different stages of a legal career, this is a great time to join, develop and make your mark in Devon.

Are you an experienced legal professional looking to use your expertise to make a real difference to people and communities?

Devon County Council is looking for a Lawyer, specialising in Adult Social Care law to join our Legal Services team. This is an opportunity to undertake varied and complex work, providing high-quality legal advice and representation on matters that directly support the delivery of vital public services.

You’ll work with colleagues and clients across the Council, managing your own caseload with a high degree of autonomy while being part of an experienced and supportive legal team. The role requires significant and relevant experience in adult social care law, including experience of leading more complex matters and comprehensive legal knowledge.

About the role 

As a Lawyer, you will provide legal advice and assistance to the Council, with a focus on Adult Social Care Law. Working with minimal supervision, you will manage a varied caseload and provide practical, solutions-focused advice to colleagues and stakeholders.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Drafting, negotiating and settling applications, orders and other relevant legal documents.
• Providing legal advice and assistance to officers and services on Adult Social Care matters.
• Managing complex cases, including drafting pleadings, taking witness statements, attending mediation and contested and non-contested court hearings.
• Undertaking negotiations on behalf of the Council and liaising with counsel, solicitors and other representatives where appropriate.
• Where appropriate, advising stakeholders on matters with wider Council implications, attending panels and participating in project boards where required.
• Providing supervision and support to junior colleagues on more complicated cases.
• Supporting senior lawyers and developing effective working relationships with clients and colleagues across the Council.

About you: 

We’re looking for someone who can combine strong legal expertise with sound judgement, excellent communication skills and the confidence to work autonomously.

You will:

• Be a qualified solicitor or barrister, or hold a CILEX professional qualification or equivalent, with the appropriate professional registration.
• Have significant and relevant experience within adult social care law.
• Have experience of leading more complex matters and cases.
• Have strong advocacy skills and the ability to analyse factual situations, research the relevant law and apply it effectively.
• Be confident managing your own caseload, priorities and deadlines.
• Be an excellent communicator, able to build effective relationships and influence others.
• Be able to consider the wider context of individual cases and provide strategic advice on Council policy and practice.
• Be organised, resilient and able to develop practical and creative solutions, including when working under pressure

Previous experience of managing others and a good understanding of local government law and procedures would be advantageous, but these are listed as desirable rather than essential requirements in the job description.

Why Devon? 

At Devon County Council, you’ll find more than just a legal role. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your expertise to work that has a direct impact on local people and public services.

We offer:

Interesting and meaningful legal work

Build your expertise through a varied caseload, including complex matters that call for sound legal judgement, advocacy and practical problem-solving.

Opportunities to develop

Work alongside experienced legal colleagues, take responsibility for complex matters and support junior members of the team as you continue to develop your professional expertise.

A wider perspective

Your work can extend beyond individual cases, with opportunities to advise on matters with wider Council implications and contribute to panels and project boards.

A collaborative legal service

Develop strong working relationships with colleagues, clients and stakeholders across the Council while retaining the autonomy to manage your own work.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Principal Lawyer Heather Mansbridge on 01392 380940.

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.

Closing date: 16 November 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the ‘Enquire/Apply’ button.