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- Tasks: Lead a skilled legal team supporting vulnerable adults and ensuring compliance with statutory duties.
- Company: Join Devon County Council, a forward-thinking organisation transforming local government legal services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a substantial employer pension contribution.
- Why this job: Shape the future of legal services while making a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Experienced solicitor or barrister with expertise in adult social care law and team leadership.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment that values inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 65248 - 65248 £ per year.
Grade L8 Starting Salary £65,248
Employer Pension £14,220
Market Supplement £6,991.80
Total Reward £86,459
12 month fixed term
Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.
Devon County Council is embarking on an exciting transformation as part of Local Government Reorganisation. Our vision is to create a modern, efficient, and locally focused authority that delivers better services, stronger leadership, and greater value for money. This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking council at the heart of a thriving South West region, where your expertise will help shape the future of legal services and local government.
As Principal Lawyer in Adult Social Care at Devon County Council, you will lead a highly skilled legal team dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults and ensuring statutory duties are met. This senior role involves providing expert legal advice and representation on complex cases under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, adult safeguarding, deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS), and judicial reviews. You will be responsible for planning, leading and managing the adult social team of lawyers and support staff and representing the Council at meetings with the judiciary, while driving strategic and operational leadership across the team. Working closely with social care professionals, you’ll help shape policies, contracts, and compliance frameworks that protect individuals’ rights and promote independence.
You’ll be an experienced solicitor, barrister with rights to conduct litigation or CILEX lawyer with litigation rights, with a proven track record leading and managing a team of staff, significant experience in adult social care law and in driving improvement in the adult social care arena. You thrive in high-pressure environments and can confidently represent the Council in court or tribunals. Your ability to provide clear, persuasive advice and deliver strategic solutions will set you apart.
- Expertise: Significant knowledge in local government adult social care law and judicial review, knowledge of debt collection is desirable but not essential.
- Collaboration: A leader who builds strong relationships across services, influencing outcomes and supporting colleagues to develop robust legal approaches.
- Values: Committed to public service, safeguarding vulnerable people, and contributing to efficient, cost-effective legal solutions that make a real difference to the citizens of Devon.
- Personal Attributes: Resilient, proactive, and adaptable, with excellent communication skills and a passion for continuous improvement.
Joining Devon County Council means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to transformation, excellence, and public service. You will:
- Shape the future of local government and legal services during a time of significant change.
- Work on cases that matter, with strategic impact across the county and beyond.
- Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous leave, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package—including a substantial employer pension contribution and market supplement.
- Be part of a team that values inclusion, collaboration, and professional development, offering opportunities to lead, innovate, and make a real difference.
- Benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and knowledge transfer.
Everything we do is guided by our vision for a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon. Our six strategic priorities are:
- Positive futures for our young people
- Supporting independence and dignity
- Continuous improvement of services
- A green Devon for future generations
- Economic inclusion and local prosperity
- Stronger communities and safer places.
For an informal discussion please contact Andrew Yendole
Closing date: 25 January 2026
Principal Lawyer - Adult Social Care employer: Devon County Council
Contact Detail:
Devon County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Adult Social Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in adult social care. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to adult social care law. We recommend role-playing with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled complex cases or led a team. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities at Devon County Council right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Adult Social Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in adult social care law. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced outcomes in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Devon County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This role is all about driving improvement, so highlight your strategic thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
Devon County Council values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships across services. Share instances where your influence led to positive outcomes, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to adult social care law. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills. This will help you demonstrate your ability to provide clear, persuasive advice under pressure.
