At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a diverse caseload in Education/SEN law and provide high-quality legal advice.
- Company: Join North Northamptonshire Council, a vibrant and innovative workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to improving local communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with experience in Education/SEN law and advocacy.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Here at North Northamptonshire Council, we’re transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create the best life for our local people. You’ll find that we have a wide range of careers that may be more surprising than you think!
Why choose us? We offer a vibrant working environment with:
- a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council.
- generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days.
- hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work-life balance.
We provide a range of great benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, an Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, as well as supporting a range of active Employee Network Groups.
About the role
Join our People Team as an Education/SEN Lawyer. North Northamptonshire Council is an ambitious, exciting, innovative and supportive place to work. The Council is committed to focused service delivery to improve the lives of our residents. Are you a qualified lawyer looking for a career where your work makes a real difference to people's lives and communities? Join our Legal Services People Team as an Education/SEN Lawyer and play a key role in supporting the delivery of vital public services across our local authority.
As an SEN/Education Lawyer within our in-house legal team, you will work on a diverse and rewarding caseload, providing high-quality legal advice to the client service and stakeholders whilst managing risk, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with the law. As a member of the team, you will be supported at a senior level and by your peers in a growing and developing team of professionals. The team’s focus is on enabling service delivery, to achieve this we adopt a partnering model with our clients, supporting them to deliver an ambitious agenda for North Northamptonshire.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for a Lawyer specialising in Education/SEN to join our in-house legal team. The role will require you to undertake a caseload of work including:
- Manage a varied caseload of legal matters, ranging in complexity according to experience and under appropriate supervision or direction.
- Draft and review a wide range of legal documents, utilising standard service templates and adapting them as necessary to meet client requirements and expectations.
- Represent the Council at routine hearings, committees, tribunals, and other relevant proceedings.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within the case management system, including full time recording, billing and file administration.
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of legal templates, precedents, processes, and working practices, promoting their effective adoption across the service.
- Support governance, enforcement, and project-based work, including the design and delivery of training to client departments where required.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards, and Council policies.
- Provide general and specialist Education/SEN advice on behalf of the Council to clients, colleagues and elected members and senior officers.
- Advising on policy, strategy and procedures relating to Education/SEN issues.
- Manage a caseload in relation to the full range of Education/SEN work.
About you
You will:
- Have evidence of continuing professional development.
- Have experience in the specialist area of Education/SEN.
- Have experience representing clients in courts/tribunals/hearings/committees.
- Experience in the following areas of work:
- Providing general and specialist Education/SEN legal advice.
- Advocacy in courts and tribunals, pre-action and Judicial Review matters.
- School admissions appeals and exclusion appeals processes.
- Advising on law, policy, strategy and procedure relating to Education/SEN issues.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of Essential and Desirable skills, qualifications and experience required for this role.
About us
Our Values and Behaviours: Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive, Trustworthy.
Our key commitments help ensure that the priorities we make, now and in the future, maintain the necessary breadth of focus in those areas that we believe matter most.
Disability Confident Employer: We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. The council obtained the Gold status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Education/SEN Lawyer - People Team in Corby employer: North Northamptonshire Council
North Northamptonshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where legal professionals can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture, this role provides unique opportunities for growth and collaboration within a dedicated team focused on public service.
Contact Details:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education/SEN Lawyer - People Team in Corby
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
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If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at North Northamptonshire Council, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in North Northamptonshire Council and the specific role of Education/SEN Lawyer - People Team. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for North Northamptonshire Council’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire Council
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at North Northamptonshire Council.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at North Northamptonshire Council.
