Senior Legal Assistant - Childcare
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £30,518 - £33,699 per annum
Starting Salary: £30,518 - £33,699
Employer Pension Contribution: £6,654 - £7,346
Total (Salary + Pension): £37,172 - £41,045
As a full-time permanent employee, you’ll enjoy 26 days of annual leave plus public and bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years’ continuous service. Additional leave purchase options and flexible working arrangements are available.
Develop Your Legal Career with Devon County Council
Devon County Council offers you a chance to develop your legal career within a supportive and dynamic local authority where you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children in Devon. We are seeking a motivated Senior Legal Assistant to join our Legal Services team. This role offers exposure to a wide range of legal work within our Childcare team.
About the role
As a Senior Legal Assistant working within the Childcare Team, you will provide practical support to lawyers in the team, ensuring the effective running of cases. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing a caseload with minimum supervision, covering areas such as care proceedings, adoption matters, child protection cases, placement orders, and other related legal processes.
- Preparing and drafting legal documents.
- Attending Public Law Outline meetings
- Using and maintaining the legal case management system.
- Undertaking any other tasks requested by lawyers to ensure the effective running of cases.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Educated to A’ level or equivalent, with progress towards an Institute of Legal Executives qualification (Advanced) or similar, or suitable experience in a legal environment.
- Experienced in office and legal work, with attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
- Organised, assertive, and able to prioritise and manage their own workload to meet changing deadlines.
- A confident communicator, able to develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels.
- ICT literate, able to use case management systems and other technology effectively.
- Committed to equality, professionalism, and the values of Devon County Council.
- Able to carry out the duties of the post with reasonable adjustments where necessary, and able to travel as required.
Why Devon?
At Devon County Council, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll discover a career with purpose. We offer:
- Structured Development: Comprehensive training and supervision to help you progress with confidence.
- Opportunities to Grow: Build expertise across childcare law, with clear pathways for professional development.
- A Council with Purpose: Be part of an organisation committed to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon.
- Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Work in a team that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration.
- Impact That Counts: Make a real difference to communities across Devon through meaningful legal work.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Joanne Davies Joanne.Davies@devon.gov.uk
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ009568
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationExeterDevon
- Work Postcode
EX2 4QD
- Reference
REQ009568
- Occupational GroupAdministrative, Secretarial & Office SupportLegal/Trading Standards
- Salary Details
£30,518 - £33,699 per annum
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
26/04/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes