At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload of Special Educational Needs matters and support complex cases.
- Company: Join a friendly, fast-paced team at Boyes Turner in Reading.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and involvement in business development initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with experience in Special Educational Needs law.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Solicitor or Senior Associate to join our friendly and fast-paced Special Educational Needs team in Reading. This is a permanent position working 5 days per week, although we are open to considering part-time hours across 4 or 5 days, as well as flexible working arrangements, for the right candidate. This role offers a clear pathway for progression, alongside the chance to play an active part in business development initiatives.
Reporting to the Special Educational Needs Partner, you will manage your own caseload of SEN matters while also supporting the wider team on more complex cases. The role involves working closely with families, schools, local authorities, experts and Tribunals to provide high quality legal advice and representation across a broad range of Special Educational Needs matters.
Experience/Attributes required:
- Qualified Solicitor with experience in Special Educational Needs law
- Experience managing SEN matters including SEND Tribunal appeals
- Strong drafting and advocacy preparation skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong client care and relationship management skills
- Good interpersonal and organisational skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Strong IT skills with good knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment
Work type:
- Manage a caseload of Special Educational Needs matters including SEND Tribunal appeals
- Deal with new enquiries and provide initial legal guidance to prospective clients
- Advise clients on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), appeals and related SEN issues
- Draft Grounds of Appeal, witness statements and other legal documentation
- Prepare appeal bundles and supporting evidence for Tribunal proceedings
- Proof EHCPs and prepare Working Documents
- Liaise with clients, local authorities, schools, experts and the SEND Tribunal
- Instruct and liaise with experts, including arranging assessments and managing expert evidence
- Request and review SAR records from schools and local authorities
- Draft correspondence to clients, schools, local authorities and experts
- Prepare schedules of documents for appeals and expert review
- Manage client finances, costs budgets and expert fees
- Assist with marketing initiatives and events to help promote Boyes Turner as a brand
- Write articles and legal updates for the company website
- Support and mentor junior team members where appropriate
- Undertake legal research as required
- Ensure all work is maintained at a high level of quality to promote the reputation of the firm
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday
- Pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution and the employee pays 4%
- Life Assurance - 5 x final salary
- Private medical cover for employee
- An additional days holiday for your birthday
- A weekly wellbeing hour
- 8 hours per annum charity work
- Cycle to work scheme
- Bring your dog to work
- Social committee events
- Season ticket travel loan
- Eligible to purchase an additional five days holiday
Solicitor - Special Educational Needs in Reading employer: Boyes Turner
Join our dynamic Special Educational Needs team in Reading, where we prioritise a supportive work culture and offer flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle. As a valued member of our firm, you'll benefit from a clear pathway for career progression, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like bringing your dog to work and participating in charity initiatives, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of families and children.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solicitor - Special Educational Needs in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work with Special Educational Needs. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your SEN knowledge and recent case law. We want you to shine when discussing your experience managing SEN matters and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your advocacy skills! If you have the chance, participate in mock tribunals or legal discussions. This will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor - Special Educational Needs in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Solicitor role. Highlight your experience in Special Educational Needs law and any relevant cases you've managed. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves working closely with families, schools, and local authorities, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent verbal and written communication skills. Use clear examples in your application to show how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We love a team player! Make sure to mention any experiences where you've worked collaboratively with others, especially in fast-paced environments. This will show us that you can thrive both independently and as part of our friendly team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Special Educational Needs team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Boyes Turner
✨Know Your SEN Law
Brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs law before the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent changes in legislation and how they impact your work. This shows your passion for the field and that you’re up-to-date with current practices.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your advocacy experience, especially related to SEND Tribunal appeals. Think about specific cases where you made a significant impact. This will demonstrate your ability to manage complex cases and represent clients effectively.
✨Demonstrate Client Care
Be ready to talk about how you build relationships with clients, schools, and local authorities. Share instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improved client satisfaction. This is crucial for a role that involves working closely with families and various stakeholders.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, business development initiatives, and opportunities for progression within the firm. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
