Location
London

Hours
Full Time

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 our 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 that impact many adult lives every day.

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.

Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver a high-quality, sustainable legal service in line with statutory and contractual obligations.
- Manage your own caseload of complex adult social care matters with minimal supervision, including drafting documents, responding to correspondence, and advising at meetings.
- Research legal questions and provide clear, practical briefings to clients, colleagues, and counsel.
- Prepare cases for courts, tribunals, and inquests.
- Present cases at court as required and dependent upon rights of audience.
- Prepare legal concurrents for Council reports.
- Assist clients in responding to legal queries from Council members, MPs, the Ombudsman, and external partners.
- Advise clients on the impact of new legislation.
- Provide client training.
- Drive continuous improvement in your area of expertise to ensure the service remains responsive in a changing environment.

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes and serving a diverse and growing population. We are committed to tackling inequalities and fostering a just and fair borough through initiatives such as Southwark Stands Together.

Experience
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEx with a current (or eligible) practising certificate.
- Extensive knowledge and proven experience in 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.

About you
- Proactive and able to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and clients.
- Able to work well as part of a team.
- Clear commitment to continuing professional development and staying at the leading edge of your field.

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