£51,356 - £55,604 per annum
Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates from outside the area.
Employer Pension contribution £11,495 - £12,122
Total (Salary + Pension) £62,851 - £67,726
As a full-time permanent employee, you’ll also enjoy 26 days of annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service, plus public and bank holidays. Flexible working arrangements and additional leave purchase options are also available.
Shape the Future of Children and Families in Devon
Are you an experienced legal professional with strong expertise in Childcare Law and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people? Devon County Council is seeking a Senior Lawyer to join our Legal Services team, providing authoritative advice and leadership on complex matters relating to children’s social care, safeguarding, public law proceedings, and statutory responsibilities.
About the Role
As a Senior Lawyer specialising in Childcare, you will deliver high-quality legal support across the Children’s Services directorate. You will manage complex and sensitive cases, advise senior leaders, and contribute to strategic initiatives affecting children and families in Devon.
Responsibilities include:
- Drafting, negotiating, and preparing documentation for care proceedings and other childcare matters.
- Providing timely, robust legal advice to senior officers, frontline social workers, and elected members on all aspects of childcare law.
- Managing and conducting public law litigation, including representing the Council at court.
- Instructing counsel and specialist advocates where appropriate.
- Supporting strategic decision-making across the Children’s Services directorate.
- Line managing and mentoring junior lawyers, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Reviewing Cabinet reports, policy development, and service transformation proposals relating to children’s services.
About You
- 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.
- Extensive experience in children social care litigation, including advocacy.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills are important.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to manage complex caseloads and provide strategic advice.
- 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 Children’s social care law, 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.
For an informal discussion please contact Jo Davies joanne.davies@devon.gov.uk
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.
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 Equality and Diversity webpages.
Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Closing date: 15 February 2026
For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.
