Senior Assistant Lawyer

Permanent
Full Time 37 hours per week

Senior Assistant Lawyer – Childcare (Children’s Social Services)

Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates from outside the area.

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 Assistant 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 Assistant 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.

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.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, both written and verbal.
• 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

Our offer to you (add if managers haven't added it themselves)

Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.

In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:

• 26 days annual leave per year (rising with length of service) plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website.
• Access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
• Flexible working opportunities, including home-working (subject to the needs of the role).
• Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme.

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.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

• 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.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• 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.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• 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.