Adult Social Care Solicitor

Senior Adult Social Care Lawyer (Locum)

Type: Full time

Duration: 3 months initially, likely extension

Hourly rate: Up to £65p/hr (inside IR35)

Location: London

Working pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office

I am currently supporting a London local authority seeking to appoint a Senior Adult Social Care Lawyer on a locum basis to strengthen its social care and safeguarding legal team.

This is a senior role offering a varied mix of advisory work, complex case management and support to the wider legal service within a busy local government environment.

The role:

• Provide clear, robust legal advice to Members, Officers and Adult Social Care teams on all aspects of adult social care law
• Manage a varied caseload including Care Act matters, safeguarding, age assessments and community care duties
• Handle Deprivation of Liberty matters, including DoLS applications, challenges and Court of Protection proceedings
• Lead on deputyship cases, including property and affairs applications and best-interests decision-making
• Draft high-quality legal documents, reports and court applications
• Conduct advocacy before the Court of Protection, or instruct counsel where appropriate
• Work closely with social care professionals and other stakeholders to provide practical, solution-focused legal advice
• Support junior lawyers and contribute to the wider development of the legal team

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong post-qualification experience in Adult Social Care law, Court of Protection or public sector advisory work – Essential
• A solid understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act and associated statutory frameworks – Essential
• Experience managing complex and sensitive cases involving vulnerable adults – Essential
• Strong communication skills and the ability to provide clear, practical advice to non-legal colleagues
• Previous local authority experience would be highly advantageous

Spirehouse Recruitment is an equal opportunities employment business and agency, welcoming applications from all candidates. Salary levels and PQE ranges are provided as a guide only, with all applicants assessed on their individual merits.