Head of Adult Social Care Legal Team

Head of Adult Social Care Legal Team

Bury Council is offering a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced solicitor to step into a newly created leadership role within our legal team. We are looking for someone with strong expertise in adult social care law, ready to take the next step and lead a small, talented team.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on legal work. You will manage and develop a team of four, while continuing to handle your own complex caseload, including Court of Protection and High Court matters.

You will work closely with a highly engaged and appreciative Adult Social Care department that is undergoing significant transformation. This is a genuine opportunity to help shape a service from the ground up.

We are open to candidates who may not have formal management experience but are confident working with senior stakeholders, advising directors, and contributing to service-wide planning and transformation.

At a glance

• Permanent | Full time | 37 hours per week | Hybrid working
• Salary: £58,121 to £61,285 (pay award pending)
• Generous Local Government Pension (19.5% employer contribution)
• Excellent holiday entitlement and flexible working policies

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and mentoring a small legal team focused on adult social care
• Managing your own caseload and providing expert legal advice
• Representing the council in Court of Protection and High Court proceedings
• Advising on the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983
• Working as part of the Legal Management Team to shape strategy and service development
• Contributing to training, governance, and cross-team collaboration

What we’re looking for

• A qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial experience in adult social care law
• Someone who can see the bigger picture and is confident advising directors
• A collaborative leader who supports others and helps build strong client relationships
• A commitment to providing high-quality, proactive legal advice in a public sector context

Why join us

• Supportive and friendly legal team with a real team spirit
• Strong partnership with client departments who value legal’s input
• High-quality, interesting work from day one
• Real opportunities to influence, lead, and grow
• Flexible, hybrid working culture focused on outcomes, not hours

What our clients say

"Great social work relies on great legal support. We love our lawyers. Come and be part of our team." – Adrian Crook, Director of Adult Social Services

This role would suit a confident and capable lawyer who’s ready to step up, lead a team, and play a key role in shaping the future of adult social care legal services at Bury Council.

To find out more or have a confidential chat, get in touch.