Lawyer (Adult Social Care)

Job Description

Adult Social Care Team – Senior Lawyer (x1) and Lawyers (x3)

*Please note that although the closing date for this advert is 27th April 2025, applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis. This means that the advert will be withdrawn should the vacancies become filled before the closing date*

About The Team

At Cornwall Council, we are investing in the expansion of our Legal team with a focus on our Social Care legal function. We’re looking for qualified and passionate lawyers to join us in these newly created roles where you will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening our outstanding legal function, contributing to the protection and wellbeing of vulnerable adults.

This is an exciting time to join a supportive, respected and dynamic team as we grow and innovate to meet the evolving needs of Adult services in our community.

Why You Should Join Us

Joining Cornwall Council means more than just working in a legal role, it’s a chance to build a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and progression. We offer a flexible, supportive environment with a focus on both professional development and work-life balance. Whether through hybrid working options or flexible working hours, we ensure our team members can manage both their personal and professional commitments effectively.

Don’t worry if you don’t have local government experience as we’ll give you the support you need to excel with us. By joining us, you will be at the forefront of enhancing Adult Social Care legal services for Cornwall, working collaboratively with dedicated colleagues while advancing your career in a supportive environment.

As one of the largest unitary authorities in the UK, you'll be contributing to a wider team that ensures Cornwall has a strong and united voice when engaging with national government, regional agencies, and partner organisations.

About The Role

As a dedicated Lawyer/Senior Lawyer in our Adult Social Care Team, you will focus on key areas such as the Court of Protection, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, mental capacity, and Care Act duties. This role offers a unique chance to work on complex legal issues, including mental health, inquests, and judicial reviews, while directly supporting the protection of vulnerable individuals. You’ll get to develop your advocacy skills, work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver innovative legal solutions to complex issues, and support and mentor colleagues, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

We have openings for one Senior Lawyer and three Lawyers in our team. During the application process, you will be asked to specify which position you are applying for.

About You

• A qualified solicitor (or equivalent qualification) with experience in adult social care law or a keen interest in this area
• Experience in managing complex caseloads
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and effectively
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands
• A collaborative approach, with a commitment to team success and shared learning
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines

What You’ll Get In Return

Cornwall Council’s ambition is to be an employer of choice, a high performing Council and a learning organisation. We commit to providing a reward and benefits package to attract, motivate and reward our employees. We offer a range of flexible working options to our staff. This helps provide our employees with a greater work/life balance, whilst still ensuring that service needs are met.

Our Core Employee Rewards And Benefits Include

• a competitive salary
• a relocation package, if applicable, to support your move to Cornwall
• a defined benefit pension scheme, based on your career average earnings, which includes the option for extra voluntary contributions
• a generous annual leave entitlement with the potential to purchase additional leave
• a national award-winning employee health and wellbeing programme
• employee benefits scheme giving employees access to a wide range of discounts to local and national goods and services.

Additional Information

Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

To find out more about the role and have an informal chat please contact Sara Eathorne on 01872 322222.

About Us

Cornwall Council deliver services to more than half a million local people and over five million visitors a year. Working here - Cornwall Council

We are happy to talk about flexible working options such as part-time or compressed hours. More examples of our flexible working opportunities can be found here - flexible working options .

Fairness and inclusion are at the heart of our vision for Cornwall. In order to best serve our communities, we are striving to achieve a diverse workforce that is inclusive of all backgrounds, cultures and identities; e.g., race, disability, sex, gender, age, religion and sexual orientation. We are an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer, and we will assess applicants on their merits.

Cornwall Council is committed to safeguarding and following safer recruitment principles to help make sure our staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children, young people and adults at risk. It’s a vital part of creating a safe and positive environment and making a commitment to keeping all service users safe from harm.