At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice in education law and support special educational needs teams.
- Company: Join Stockport Council, awarded MJ Local Authority of the Year 2025.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education law while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in education law.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 51356 £ per year.
Job reference: 001670
Salary: £45,091 – £51,356
Closing date: 04/12/2025
Department: Corporate and Support Services
Location: Stockport Town Hall
Division: Legal
Hours Per Week: 37
Application Deadline: 11:59pm 4 December 2025
Please be aware that we may close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Your Role
We are looking for a highly motivated Education lawyer who is a confident team player, with a problem-solving approach. You will work closely with the Education and Special Educational Needs teams, providing expert legal and strategic advice and support in all areas, including SEN related advice and Tribunal claims, general Education law advice, complaints and judicial review. You will offer clear, strategic guidance to a diverse range of stakeholders, including schools.
About You
You will have a strong working knowledge and practical application of key education legislation, with experience in handling special education needs appeals and conducting advocacy at SEND Tribunals. You will be able to support Education Welfare in respect of non-attendance at school, albeit the bulk of cases are dealt with by the client team. You will be able to perform effectively under pressure, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality legal support with minimal supervision. You will have strong advocacy skills and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. You should hold a current practising certificate, qualifying you to practice in England as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
About Us
We are a friendly, supportive team that values collaboration and positivity. We pride ourselves on having a strong commitment to wellbeing and investing in our people. The team has grown in recent years which reflects our ambition and the demand for our services. At Stockport Council we are one ambitious team on a mission to create opportunities for everyone who lives, works and spends time in the borough. We’re keen to recruit people with the right values and behaviours that can help us ensure our workplace values are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognised under the Good Employment Charter as an organisation committed to the wellbeing of our colleagues.
If you would like to find out more about the role please contact Michelle Dodds on michelle.dodds@stockport.gov.uk or 0161 4743257 for an informal discussion about the role.
This post is politically restricted under the terms of the 1989 Local Government and Housing Act. This dictates that you must seek the council’s permission before taking up any additional appointments or positions.
Stockport Council holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not currently qualify. Please note that we have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers and ex-military personnel. As part of the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme you will therefore be guaranteed to be shortlisted for Assessment if you meet both the criteria for the scheme and the essential job role criteria.
Stockport Council is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce culture – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to join our workforce. We want our employees to have a good work life balance and in many job roles we can offer a range of flexible/hybrid working arrangements. We also have inclusive employment policies and staff engagement forums to support our diverse workforce.
Education Lawyer in Stockport employer: North West Legal Consortium
Contact Detail:
North West Legal Consortium Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Lawyer in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in education law. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to education law and your advocacy skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education law during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in this area, especially around SEN appeals or tribunal claims. Authenticity is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team at Stockport Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Lawyer in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you in your application! Avoid using AI tools to write your application. Instead, let your personality and passion shine through in your words.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with education law and special educational needs. Show us how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills: Since strong advocacy skills are key for this role, share specific examples of your experience in handling SEND Tribunal cases or similar situations. We love a good story!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! We might close the vacancy early if we get a lot of applications. Get your application in as soon as you can through our website to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at North West Legal Consortium
✨Know Your Education Law
Brush up on key education legislation and recent changes in the law. Be prepared to discuss how your knowledge applies to special educational needs and tribunal claims, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your advocacy experience, especially in SEND Tribunals. Highlight specific cases where you successfully represented clients, demonstrating your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you've tackled complex legal issues or provided strategic advice. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you approach problem-solving under pressure, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, share experiences that showcase your teamwork skills. Discuss how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment and supported colleagues in achieving common goals.