Location
London

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£48,618 - £55,710 per annum plus an additional benefit of £2,724 per annum for staff benefits

About the Role
Step into a role where your expertise can help shape the provision of Adult Social Care services. Southwark Council’s Safeguarding and Community Services Legal Team is seeking an ambitious Adult Social Care Lawyer to drive exceptional outcomes for residents. You will be at the heart of legal decisions that protect the most vulnerable and be involved in life-changing litigation, steering the direction of services impacting many adult lives daily.

Your legal expertise will not only resolve cases but also help drive 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 to thrive.
- Do law with edge: Handle complex cases where local government meets cutting-edge legal challenges.

Key responsibilities include:
- Delivering a high-quality, sustainable legal service in line with statutory and contractual obligations.
- Managing your own caseload of complex adult social care matters under minimal supervision, including drafting documents, responding to correspondence, and advising at meetings.
- Researching legal questions and providing clear, practical briefings to clients, colleagues, and counsel.
- Preparing cases for courts, tribunals, and inquests.
- Presenting cases at court as required and dependent upon rights of audience.
- Preparing legal concurrents for Council reports.
- Assisting clients to respond to legal queries from Council members, MPs, the Ombudsman, and external partners.
- Advising clients on the impact of new legislation.
- Providing client training.
- Driving continuous improvement in your area of expertise to ensure the service remains responsive in a changing environment.

Experience
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEx with a current (or eligible) practising certificate.
- Extensive knowledge and proven experience of adult social care law including community care, mental health, Court of Protection, NRPF, and care leavers.
- Experience managing a busy caseload of complex cases and providing solutions under pressure.
- Skilled in drafting pleadings and other legal documents, with advocacy experience if required.
- Understanding of good governance, local government, human rights, and equalities legislation.
- Experience working in a legal service or practice, confident with legal research tools and case management systems.
- Commitment to continuing professional development and staying at the leading edge of your field.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and clients.
- Ability to work well as part of a team.

About you
Proactive, ambitious, and dedicated to making a meaningful impact through your legal expertise. You thrive in a collaborative environment and are committed to excellence and continuous improvement.

Qualifications
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of CILEx with a current (or eligible) practising certificate.