Senior Adult Social Care Solicitor

Senior Adult Social Care Solicitor (Locum)

**Type:**Full time

Duration: 3 months initially, likely extension

Hourly rate: Up to £70p/hr (inside IR35)

Location: Derbyshire

Working pattern: Fully remote

I am currently supporting a Derbyshire local authority seeking to appoint a Senior Adult Social Care Solicitor on a locum basis to strengthen its Adult Social Care legal team.

This is a senior position offering a combination of complex Adult Social Care legal work, strategic advice and team management responsibility, making it an excellent opportunity for an experienced solicitor looking for a role with both technical and leadership elements.

The role:

• Provide clear, robust legal advice to Members, Officers and Adult Social Care teams on a wide range of social care matters
• Manage a complex caseload covering Care Act matters, safeguarding, community care, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty issues
• Handle Court of Protection proceedings, including applications relating to welfare, deprivation of liberty and deputyship
• Provide advice on ordinary residence, best-interests decision-making and complex safeguarding matters
• Draft high-quality legal documents, reports and court applications
• Conduct advocacy before the Court of Protection, or instruct counsel where appropriate
• Provide day-to-day management, supervision and support to junior members of the legal team
• Assist with the allocation and management of work across the team, ensuring matters are progressed effectively
• Support the Principal Lawyer/Head of Service with the development and performance of the wider Adult Social Care legal function
• Work closely with senior social care professionals and other stakeholders to provide practical, solution-focused legal advice

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong post-qualification experience in Adult Social Care law and Court of Protection 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
• Previous experience of supervising or managing legal staff, with the confidence to provide direction, support and constructive feedback – Essential
• Strong communication skills and the ability to provide clear, practical advice to senior officers and 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.