Job Details

Senior Adult Social Care Lawyer

Location: Remote working – office attendance required on the first day to collect IT equipment
Client: West Northamptonshire Council

About the Role

West Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced Senior Adult Social Care Lawyer to join its Law and Governance Service within the Corporate Services Directorate.

The successful candidate will provide specialist legal advice and representation on a range of complex adult social care matters, ensuring the Council meets its statutory responsibilities and delivers a high-quality legal service. You will manage your own caseload, handle court applications and advocacy, and deputise for the Principal Lawyer when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of adult social care legal matters, providing accurate and detailed legal advice.
• Advise on legislation including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983 and Health and Social Care Act 2008.
• Provide advice on safeguarding, ordinary residence disputes, provider failure and Section 117 aftercare.
• Prepare and submit applications to the Court of Protection and High Court, including deputyship, welfare, best interests, deprivation of liberty, Section 21A challenges, judicial review and inherent jurisdiction matters.
• Attend court, negotiate with relevant parties and conduct your own advocacy.
• Deputise for the Principal Lawyer and support the supervision and management of the legal team as required.
• Keep up to date with legislation, case law, codes of practice and relevant guidance.
• Deliver training and share legal developments with council departments and colleagues.
• Build effective working relationships with council officers, external agencies and partner organisations.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor of England and Wales, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), or demonstrable equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of local government legislation and adult social care law.
• Post-qualification experience providing legal advice, representation and handling complex legal matters.
• Experience of court proceedings, legal applications and advocacy.
• Excellent legal research, written communication and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload, work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Desirable: Experience in supervising, developing or managing people and resources.

Working Arrangements

This role offers remote working, with attendance at the office required on the first day to collect IT equipment.