Solicitor/Lawyer (Adults Social Care & Education)

About the Service

We’re looking for talented Solicitors/Lawyers and Principal Solicitors/Lawyers to join our forward‑thinking local authority legal team. This is your opportunity to work at the heart of public service, using your skills to protect communities, support vital services, and influence decisions that shape the lives of thousands.

Why join us?

Meaningful, varied work — From safeguarding and governance to contracts, property, and regulatory matters, every day brings new challenges that genuinely impact the public good. Professional respect and autonomy — You’ll be trusted to lead on complex cases, advise senior leaders, and shape policy with your legal insight. Supportive, collaborative culture — We work proactively and collaboratively in a friendly and supportive environment to achieve the best outcomes, and to support opportunities for training and development. Clear progression pathways — Whether you’re an experienced solicitor ready for your next step or a principal solicitor seeking strategic influence, we offer room to grow. Work–life balance — Flexible working arrangements and a strong commitment to wellbeing mean you can excel professionally without compromising your life outside work.

Who we’re looking for:

Solicitors/Lawyers with strong technical skills, sound judgement, and a commitment to public service. Principal Solicitors/Lawyers ready to lead, mentor, and drive high‑quality legal practice across the authority.

Qualifications

Qualified as a solicitor, barrister or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (with litigation rights and preferably advocacy rights).

Adult Social Care & Education Team

The team advises and represents the Adult Social Care department on all aspects of Adult Social Care law and practice including advice and representation in Court of Protection proceedings, and providing advice on e.g. Care Act duties, Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty, Ordinary Residence queries/disputes, Mental Health Act queries and Safeguarding.

The team also advises and represents the Education department on all aspects of education law and practice e.g. school admissions and exclusions, admissions appeals, policies, parental disputes relating to Education Health Care Plans, and representation in appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Tribunal.

Contact

If you’d like to learn more, you’re welcome to contact samantha.vickery@blackburn.gov.uk, who will be happy to arrange a convenient time for a telephone conversation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.