At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on child protection and education law, supporting SEND matters.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council, dedicated to improving community lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive with experience in education law.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and community welfare.
The predicted salary is between 36800 - 41000 £ per year.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives.
Salary: Lawyer £42,839 - £46,142 per annum; Senior Lawyer £47,181 - £51,356 per annum depending on experience.
Following a successful growth bid for Legal Services we are seeking to attract and recruit to a number of posts including the developing and exciting areas of Court of Protection and Deprivation of Liberty (Children & Adults); Special Educational Needs and Tribunal work (SEND) general safeguarding and a Legal Officer to support these areas with opportunities for further development. We also have an opportunity for a Lawyer and a Legal Officer in the area of child protection.
Applications are invited from candidates who are either a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (conditions apply for Chartered Legal Executive as to Advocacy Certificates). While we are interested in experienced candidates from a local government background, if you are qualified with raw talent but little or no PQE experience then one of these roles might just be for you. As a progressive Council we are committed to investing in staff and to support individuals to fulfil their full potential.
The team provides legal advice to the Council mainly in relation to child and adult protection, education and employment. You will require a comprehensive knowledge of the work practices, processes, procedures and policies relating to the service area.
The applicant will need to have experience in a variety of matters relating to education law (ideally within a Local Authority) including but not limited to:
- Supporting the Council to fulfil statutory duties relating to EHCP and SEND matters;
- Conducting SEND Tribunal cases;
- Advising on law, policy, strategy and procedure relating to SEND issues;
- Advising on claims for Judicial Review;
- Providing guidance and support to junior members of the team.
Condition of this post if a Chartered Legal Executive is to have Civil Proceedings Certificate: For County Courts (except family), Magistrates' Courts, Tribunals, and Coroners' Courts.
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Rachel O'Sullivan, Service Manager - Legal Services (Adults, Children & Education), Rachel_Osullivan@BATHNES.GOV.UK or call +441225395120.
Interview date: 23rd February - 27th February.
No Agencies Please. Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.
Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.
We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. We are a Disability Confident Employer; applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.
Lawyer/Senior Lawyer for SEND in Keynsham employer: BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer/Senior Lawyer for SEND in Keynsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with SEND or local government roles. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Bath & North East Somerset Council's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team and the community they serve.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common legal interview questions, especially those related to SEND law and child protection. We want to see your expertise shine through, so be ready to share your knowledge!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer/Senior Lawyer for SEND in Keynsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in education law and SEND matters. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about working with Bath & North East Somerset Council. Share your enthusiasm for improving lives through legal services, especially in areas like child protection and SEND. A bit of personality goes a long way!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Given the high demand, we recommend applying as soon as possible through our website. This not only shows your eagerness but also ensures you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) law. Familiarise yourself with the latest policies, procedures, and case law relevant to the role. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about real-life situations you've encountered in your previous roles or during your studies. Prepare clear examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and how you’ve navigated complex legal issues, especially in child protection and education law.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves providing guidance to junior members, be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring or collaborating with others. Highlight any instances where you’ve worked as part of a team to achieve positive outcomes, particularly in legal settings related to children and adults.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the Council’s approach to safeguarding. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.