Adult Services Lawyer

Adult Services Lawyer

Job Ref: Halton 123507

Pay Rate: £55 per hour PAYE

Hours per week: 37 Monday - Friday, normal working hours

Duration: 5 months assignment

Location: Widnes WA8 7QF

Flexible/Hybrid: yes

DBS: Enhanced required

Monthly car allowance, Car leasing scheme.

What the candidate must have to apply

Applicants must have a solid background in Adult Social Care law, including safeguarding and mental capacity work, with proven experience providing clear legal advice in a local authority or similar setting. They need strong advocacy skills for court and tribunal work, the ability to draft accurate legal documentation under pressure, and confidence advising officers, panels, and senior stakeholders. Strong negotiation and communication skills are essential, along with good IT capability. A recognised legal qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive is required, and a driving licence with access to a vehicle is necessary due to travel demands.

The role

The Council is seeking a legal professional able to provide high quality, timely advice across adult services, litigation, and governance matters. You will work closely with officers, panels, and partner agencies, providing clear guidance, strong advocacy, and reliable case management. The role involves both contentious and non-contentious work, including court representation, drafting, and supporting strategic decision making.

Key accountabilities

• Lead on adult social care legal matters including advocacy, advice, litigation, and statutory decision support.
• Manage a varied caseload, including court work, tribunals, statutory appeals, and complex advisory matters across Adults Services.
• Provide and implement legal advice, guidance, and training to Members, Officers, committees, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure legal compliance, high quality service delivery, and adherence to Practice Standards across Legal Services.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with internal departments and external partners to support effective service outcomes.

Requirements / key criteria

• Proven experience delivering legal services in adult social care, safeguarding, mental capacity, or similar public sector areas.
• Demonstrated experience of court advocacy, drafting complex legal documents, and handling urgent instructions.
• Strong background advising officers, committees, and senior stakeholders in a local authority or comparable setting.
• Strong negotiation, advocacy, and analytical skills with the ability to produce accurate advice under pressure.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate across services and partner bodies.
• Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with a recognised legal qualification.
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle due to travel requirements.

How to Apply

• Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application.
• Submit your CV in Word format.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis-early submission is recommended.

We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles.

If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us.

Qualification details and any other experience/skills relevant to the role to help support your application should be clearly shown in your CV.