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- Tasks: Lead a team providing legal advice on Special Educational Needs and Education Law.
- Company: Join a Local Authority known for its commitment to public service and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education law while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a 10+ PQE Solicitor, Barrister, or CILEX with strong SEN law knowledge.
- Other info: Previous local authority experience is essential; flexibility to travel is required.
The predicted salary is between 49153 - 61500 £ per year.
We are working with a Local Authority in the Northern Home Counties region looking for a Principal SEN Lawyer from upwards of 10+ PQE to join their department on a 15-18 month FTC basis.
This is an excellent opportunity to lead and manage a team of lawyers providing a range of public sector clients with exceptional legal service predominantly in respect of SEN Education Law.
The role offers a salary of £59,193.75 - £73,861.50 DOE and an excellent benefits package. This is a full-time position with the council operating in a flexible working environment.
About the position:
- Provide comprehensive specialist legal advice to clients whilst managing a complex caseload in relation to the areas around Special Educational Needs and Education matters.
- Contribute to the development, training or mentoring of colleagues within the team when required whilst supervising and managing the work of the team to ensure that professional guidance is given.
- Provide overall management of the team’s complex and politically sensitive caseload to ensure the provision of high quality, well-researched and comprehensive legal advice within the timescales required by the client.
- Actively seek out new business development opportunities and raise the profile of shared legal service with both existing client base and potential new clients.
- Attend courts and tribunals undertaking advocacy where required and represent clients in negotiations and discussions with third parties in matters regarding the areas of legal practice relevant to the post.
About you:
The successful Principal SEN Lawyer will be a 10+ PQE admitted Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX of England and Wales with a current practising certificate. Good knowledge of SEN Education law and practices are essential.
Previous managerial and advocacy experience is essential.
You must have a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others, anticipate challenges and deal with them proactively. You must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to a diverse range of individuals/organisations. You must also be enthusiastic and driven by delivering a high-quality service with a positive attitude towards building relationships with the team members. You must have the ability to evaluate information in complex situations and confidently make decisions independently.
You must also be flexible to travel to other office locations when necessary.
It is important that anyone joining the council is committed to these areas of law and can demonstrate the importance of health and safety as well as having the awareness and understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behaviour, physical, social and welfare needs.
The ability to work under pressure is imperative, be self-motivated, and able to work to deadlines.
Previous local authority experience is essential.
Principal SEN Lawyer employer: Law Absolute Limited
Contact Detail:
Law Absolute Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal SEN Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the SEN Education Law field. Attend relevant legal seminars, workshops, or local authority meetings to connect with potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can help you gain insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and changes in SEN Education Law. Subscribe to legal journals, follow relevant blogs, and participate in online forums. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising your advocacy skills. Since the role involves representing clients in negotiations and discussions, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently is crucial. Consider mock interviews with peers to refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific Local Authority you are applying to. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and challenges they face in SEN Education Law. Tailoring your discussion points to align with their goals can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal SEN Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in SEN Education Law and any managerial roles you've held. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and achievements in this area.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Discuss your understanding of the challenges in SEN law and how your background equips you to address them effectively.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your ability to lead and motivate a team. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed complex caseloads and contributed to the development of colleagues in previous roles.
Highlight Advocacy Experience: Since advocacy is a key part of the role, detail your experience in representing clients in negotiations and court settings. Mention any specific cases or outcomes that showcase your skills in this area.
How to prepare for a job interview at Law Absolute Limited
✨Showcase Your Expertise in SEN Law
Make sure to highlight your extensive knowledge and experience in Special Educational Needs law during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and how your legal advice has positively impacted clients.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Principal SEN Lawyer, you'll be expected to lead a team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored colleagues in the past, focusing on your ability to motivate and guide others through complex legal challenges.
✨Prepare for Advocacy Scenarios
Since the role involves attending courts and tribunals, practice articulating your advocacy skills. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiations and how you represent clients effectively in sensitive situations.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The ability to evaluate complex information and make decisions independently is crucial. Prepare to discuss instances where you've proactively addressed challenges and delivered high-quality legal services under pressure.
