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Job Purpose

We are looking for an experienced Solicitor to undertake a wide variety of court-based litigation, legal policy and procedure work in relation to Social Care and Education with a primary focus on Adult Social Care matters.

We need someone qualified (and authorised) to practice in England or Wales as a Solicitor, Barrister, or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with litigation practicing rights. Ideally, you will be willing and able to undertake advocacy as and when required.

Working Arrangements – Remotely

Part Time - 22-29 hours per week

Key Responsibilities

• Providing legal support to the Council's Adult Social Care Directorate. The post holder may also be required to assist with other areas of work undertaken by the Social Care and Education Team, including on behalf of our Children’s Services and Skills Directorate.
• Advising Members and Officers of the Council, its partners and clients on legal procedural and policy matters.
• Managing a full, varied and demanding caseload.
• Giving advice and drafting legal documents on a range of legal issues, including policy and procedure.
• Conducting litigation and advocacy on behalf of the Council.
• Advising clients of legal and other consequences of proposed courses of action, so as to enable them to give or modify instructions effectively and to act lawfully, and in the best interest of the Council, Partner or Client.
• Participating in the briefing and training of clients, colleagues, and wider partner authorities to ensure that they are kept up to date with the law and emerging issues.
• As and when required attending Council Committees and Sub-Committees and handling legal and advisory work connected with this.
• Accurately recording time worked.
• Conducting all work in accordance with Practice Management Standards laid down by the Law Society (Lexcel) and all other Departmental and performance standards.
• Any other appropriate duties as and when required.

Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication skills, including the ability to communicate and present complex information both verbally and in writing.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven ability to work both independently on own initiative and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proven ability to prioritise, plan and organise time to meet required deadlines.
• Proven ability to work calmly and efficiently under pressure, to deal with unforeseen and urgent situations, and to work within tight time constraints.
• Proven ability to negotiate, and influence others.
• Excellent research skills and the ability to analyse and interpret information from a variety of sources.
• Proven ability to understand and meet client expectations.
• Computer literate and self-sufficient in the use of IT, in particular Microsoft Outlook and Word (or equivalent) and use of a Case Management System.
• The ability to maintain up to date Lexcel compliant files.
• Willingness to undertake advocacy.

Education and Qualifications

• Qualified to practice in England or Wales as a Solicitor, Barrister, or a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with practicing rights.
• Detailed technical knowledge and recent legal practice in adult social care law.
• Demonstrable understanding of Adult Social Care legislation, relevant case law and guidance including the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Knowledge and practical experience of Court of Protection Proceedings, court protocols and procedures.
• Experience of undertaking advocacy in recent legal practice.