Principal Lawyer – Education
Permanent | Full Time | 37 hours per week
Salary: £67,401 Market Supplement: £7,222.53 Location: Hybrid working, office presence based on business need.
Relocation packages available for exceptional candidates.
Lead legal excellence in Education Law. Do it for Devon.
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Principal Lawyer to lead our Education Law function and provide expert legal advice on a wide range of complex and high-profile education matters.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the Council's commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. You will work closely with senior leaders, elected members, schools, academies and multi-agency partners, providing strategic legal guidance that helps shape and deliver educational services across the authority.
What you'll be doing
As Principal Lawyer, you will lead and manage a specialist education law team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused legal services. You will advise on a broad range of education-related matters, including:
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) law and the Children & Families Act 2014
- School admissions
- School non-attendance
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Judicial reviews
- Academy conversions and school governance
- Complaints, investigations and statutory appeals
- Policy development and legislative compliance
You will manage complex and sensitive caseloads, represent the Council in legal proceedings where required, and build strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation.
What we're looking for
You will be a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) with significant post-qualification experience in education law and local government practice.
You will also have:
- Extensive knowledge of education legislation and public law
- Experience managing complex legal casework and litigation
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent communication and influencing abilities
- A proven ability to provide strategic legal advice to senior stakeholders
- A commitment to delivering high-quality, outcome-focused legal services
What we offer
Working for Devon County Council (DCC) has all the benefits that you can expect from a large employer.
In return for the vital contribution that you make, we offer:
- 34 days annual leave per year plus Bank Holidays effective from 1 April 2024.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme – more information can be found on the Peninsula Pensions website
- Access to our confidential Employee Assistant Programme – available 24/7 to support you with personal and work life.
- Flexible working opportunities, including homeworking (subject to the needs of the role).
- Discounts from local and high street retailers through the Devon Discounts scheme
Why Devon?
Everything we do is guided by our vision for a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon.
Our six strategic priorities are:
- Positive futures for our young people
- Supporting independence and dignity
- Continuous improvement of services
- A green Devon for future generations
- Economic inclusion and local prosperity
- Stronger communities and safer places
Find out more about our strategic priorities at Devon County Council's Strategic Plan 2025-2029
For an informal discussion please contact Hazel Union hazel.union@devon.gov.uk
Closing date: 16th November 2026
Principal Lawyer – Education employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional development. As a Lead Approved Mental Health Professional, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on mental health services while benefiting from a strong commitment to employee growth and well-being in a vibrant community setting.
