Locum Adult Social Care Solicitor

Job Description

Locum Adult Social Care Solicitor - 3-Month Initial Contract

Local Authority | 3-Month Initial Contract

Location: Luton

Rate: £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 3-Month Initial Contract

Hours: Full-Time

Working Pattern: Agile Working

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Locum Adult Social Care Solicitor to join our Local Authority Legal Services team. This mid-level role offers a diverse and fulfilling caseload centered on Adult Social Care law. The chosen candidate will deliver expert legal advice and representation on various issues, including Court of Protection cases, Mental Capacity Act concerns, safeguarding adults, deprivation of liberty, and broader public law matters. You will work independently to support officers, elected members, and client departments, ensuring the Local Authority fulfills its statutory duties and manages legal risks effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle a diverse Adult Social Care caseload with minimal oversight.
  
• Offer specialized legal counsel on Adult Social Care legislation and Local Authority responsibilities.
  
• Provide advice on the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983, Human Rights Act 1998, Equality Act 2010, and related laws.
  
• Conduct and oversee Court of Protection proceedings, including welfare, property, and deprivation of liberty issues.
  
• Draft applications, witness statements, court documents, legal opinions, reports, agreements, and correspondence.
  
• Represent the Local Authority in Courts and Tribunals.
  
• Undertake advocacy and instruct Counsel as necessary.
  
• Advise on adult safeguarding matters and multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.
  
• Assist officers and managers in managing legal risks and statutory duties.
  
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers, trainees, and legal assistants as needed.
  
• Contribute to legal training and knowledge-sharing within the organization.
  
• Participate in service improvement initiatives and develop legal precedents and guidance.
  
• Engage in cross-directorate projects and policy development work.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or FCILEx with a current practicing certificate.
  
• At least 5 years' post-qualification experience (PQE).
  
• Extensive experience in advising on Adult Social Care law.
  
• Proven experience in managing Court of Protection cases.
  
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Care Act 2014
    
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005
    
  • Mental Health Act 1983
    
  • Human Rights Act 1998
    
  • Adult Safeguarding Law
    
  • Data Protection legislation
    
• Advocacy experience in Courts and Tribunals.
  
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and legal research skills.
  
• Ability to independently manage a complex caseload.
  
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Capability to provide practical, risk-based legal advice.
  

Desirable

• Previous experience with Local Authorities.
  
• Familiarity with Local Government law.
  
• Understanding of European Community Law.
  
• Awareness of Childcare Law.
  
• Experience in supervising junior legal staff.
  
• Experience in delivering legal training and briefings.
  

Additional Information

• Agile working arrangement.
  
• Required attendance at court hearings, meetings, and Local Authority offices.
  
• Courts are primarily located in Luton and nearby areas.
  
• Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile Adult Social Care cases.
  
• Supportive and collaborative legal team environment.
  

What's on Offer?

• £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3-Month Initial Contract
  
• Full-Time Hours
  
• Agile Working
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Diverse Adult Social Care caseload
  
• Court of Protection and advocacy work
  
• Opportunity to engage in significant safeguarding and capacity matters
  
• Potential for contract extension
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as an Adult Social Care Solicitor, Court of Protection Solicitor, Community Care Solicitor, Adult Services Lawyer, Public Sector Solicitor, Local Government Lawyer, Mental Capacity Lawyer, Adult Safeguarding Solicitor, or Senior Adult Care Lawyer.

Requirements
Essential Requirements Requirements: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or FCILEx with a current practising certificate. Minimum 5 years' PQE. Significant experience advising on Adult Social Care law. Experience managing Court of Protection matters. Strong knowledge of: Care Act 2014 Mental Capacity Act 2005 Mental Health Act 1983 Human Rights Act 1998 Adult Safeguarding Law Data Protection legislation Advocacy experience before Courts and Tribunals. Excellent drafting, analytical, and legal research skills. Ability to manage a complex caseload independently. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to provide practical, risk-based legal advice. Desirable Previous Local Authority experience. Knowledge of Local Government law. Knowledge of European Community Law. Awareness of Childcare Law. Experience supervising junior legal staff. Experience delivering legal training and briefings. Additional Agile working arrangement. Attendance at court hearings, meetings, and Local Authority offices as required. Courts are generally located within Luton and surrounding areas. Opportunity to work on complex and high-profile Adult Social Care matters. Supportive and collaborative legal team environment. What's on Offer? £55.00 per hour (Umbrella) Initially a 3 Month Contract Full-Time Hours Agile Working Bi-Weekly Pay Varied Adult Social Care caseload Court of Protection and advocacy work Opportunity to support major safeguarding and capacity matters Potential contract extension Ideal for candidates with experience as an Adult Social Care Solicitor, Court of Protection Solicitor, Community Care Solicitor, Adult Services Lawyer, Public Sector Solicitor, Local Government Lawyer, Mental Capacity Lawyer, Adult Safeguarding Solicitor, or Senior Adult Care Lawyer.