Senior Adult Social Care Lawyer

The salary range for this role is £63,823 to £70,009 per annum depending on experience. This salary is based on a 36-hour working week. Part time applications will also be considered (subject to a minimum commitment of 25 hours per week).

Are you a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or FILEX of England and Wales with a current practising certificate looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Adult Law?

As an Adult Social Care Senior Lawyer, you will join a supportive, successful in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council.

We offer hybrid working which allows for remote working but we also require regular office attendance with the aim to give everyone a balanced work/life ratio. You will be expected to attend a Surrey office a minimum of 40% of your working week, with the ability to access offices across Surrey's estate in Reigate, Weybridge and Woking. The team are very approachable so there will always be someone to provide you with support and discuss matters with.

This role is contractually based at Woodhatch Place, Reigate until 31st March 2027 however this vacancy is expected to transfer to West Surrey following Local Government Reorganisation (see below for more information).

Our Offer to You

26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

As an Adults Senior Lawyer, you will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities, which will include:

Managing a varied caseload of Court of Protection cases

Providing clear and practical advice on Ordinary Residence, MH Act s117 Aftercare, and NHS Continuing Health Care in a variety of contexts
Advising the Local Authority in the context of inter-agency disputes
Resolving and case managing any disputes
Instruct and manage suppliers of external legal services such as solicitors and barristers in accordance with client requirements
Running internal training and providing legal updates on relevant topics
Leading/contributing at client meetings
Advising Members and Senior Officers of the Council
Exemplary client care and organisational skills
Assisting with management and supervision of junior members of the team, including trainees and paralegals including ensuring the effective use of the Council's case management systems and work in accordance with the standards set out in the team's Lexcel manual and policies and procedures
Contribute to the development, training or mentoring of colleagues where required.

Your application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:

You are a skilled adult lawyer with substantial experience of the law and practice in this area

Experience of both contentious and non-contentious matters
The ability to work with clients at all levels and give clear, accurate and practical advice

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 30th September 2026 with interviews planned to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in…