Adult Social Care Solicitor – AR in London

Contract Type: Locum / Temporary, Full Time

Location: Remote working. Attendance at the Council’s offices required on at least one day for induction, meeting the team, and collection of IT equipment. Occasional office attendance may be required thereafter.

Role Purpose: To provide high-quality legal advice and representation to the Council on all aspects of Adult Social Care law. The role involves managing a varied caseload, including complex Court of Protection matters, and advising officers to ensure the Council meets its statutory duties under relevant legislation, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Mental Health legislation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal Advice & Support: Provide timely, accurate, and practical legal advice to Adult Social Care teams, social workers, and senior officers. Advise on a wide range of adult social care matters, including safeguarding, care planning, funding, and statutory duties. Support decision-making to ensure compliance with legislation, guidance, and case law.
• Court of Protection & Litigation: Conduct and manage Court of Protection cases, including welfare and property & affairs matters. Draft and issue applications, statements, and legal documentation. Represent the Council in Court of Protection proceedings where appropriate. Instruct and liaise with counsel and external solicitors as required. Manage cases efficiently, meeting court deadlines and procedural requirements.
• Mental Capacity & Mental Health: Advise on issues arising under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including capacity assessments and best interests decisions. Provide advice on Deprivation of Liberty issues and related legal frameworks. Advise on matters involving mental health law, including the interface between mental health services and adult social care duties.
• Care Act 2014: Advise on the Council’s duties under the Care Act 2014, including care and support assessments, eligibility and care planning, charging and funding disputes, safeguarding adults, and ordinary residence disputes. Support the management of legal risk, including potential judicial review challenges.
• General Responsibilities: Work collaboratively with colleagues within Legal Services and Adult Social Care. Maintain accurate case records and documentation. Ensure work is delivered in line with the Council’s policies, procedures, and professional standards. Contribute to the effective functioning of the legal team.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Essential: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Legal Executive entitled to practise in England and Wales. Significant experience in Adult Social Care law within a local authority or similar public sector environment. Proven experience handling Court of Protection matters. Strong working knowledge of Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health legislation, and Care Act 2014. Experience of conducting court proceedings and managing litigation. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Excellent communication and advisory skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly. Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Desirable: Experience of remote working within a local authority setting. Experience dealing with urgent or high-risk safeguarding matters. Advocacy experience in the Court of Protection.

Working Arrangements: Full-time locum position. Remote working available, subject to service requirements. Initial office attendance required for onboarding and IT setup.