£45,091 - £49,282 per annum

Employer Pension contribution £9,829 - £10,743
Total (Salary + Pension) £54,921 - £60,025
Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.

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.

Join Devon County Council’s Legal Services Team and play an important role in shaping how we deliver childcare across the organization. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated legal professional to join a specialist team dedicated to protecting children and promoting their welfare.

About the Role
As a Lawyer within our Childcare Legal Services team, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality legal advice and representation that underpins these essential services.

You will provide expert advice and advocacy in relation to childcare law, supporting social workers and senior managers in making decisions that have a lasting impact on young lives.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Legal Advice: Deliver clear, practical advice on childcare law, care proceedings, and related statutory duties.
• Case Management: Prepare and manage cases for court, ensuring compliance with procedural requirements and deadlines.
• Advocacy: Represent the Council in family courts, safeguarding the best interests of children and the authority.
• Collaboration: Work closely with social care teams, building strong relationships and supporting effective decision-making.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to policy development and best practice within the childcare legal team.

You will join a supportive environment where guidance and mentoring are available to help you develop your expertise and progress your career.

About You

• Qualified solicitor, barrister with rights to conduct litigation, or a CILEX professional qualification with litigation rights and are registered with the relevant professional body.
• Experienced in childcare law.
• Excellent communicators, both written and verbal, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Competent in using Microsoft Office and case management systems, including effective time recording.
• Able to manage their own caseload, work to deadlines, and develop creative solutions quickly.
• 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:

• Structured Development
  Comprehensive training and supervision to help you meet professional qualifications and progress with confidence.
• Opportunities to Grow
  Build expertise in childcare law and advocacy, with clear pathways for professional development.
• 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.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture
  Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, where your contribution truly matters.
• Impact That Counts
  Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work that shapes lives and services.

For an informal discussion please contact Joanne Davies Joanne.Davies@devon.gov.uk

Closing date: 25 January 2026

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