At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal services for public sector clients, focusing on SEN and education law.
- Company: Join a supportive legal team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a top-notch pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentoring within a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your legal skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN law and strong management skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Working on a hybrid-remote basis from any of our offices; Huntingdon, Northampton or Shefford.
Contract: Permanent, Full time
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
- To work as part of a team in the provision of a professional legal service to a range of public sector and not for profit clients regarding SEN and education, ensuring awareness of and compliance with legal duties within client organisations and protecting their best interests.
- To manage a case load of complex cases, comprising mainly SEN Tribunal cases, with minimum supervision.
- To undertake advocacy in case management hearings and final hearings in the first tier SEND Tribunal and to instruct counsel as appropriate.
- To ensure the effective identification and awareness of risks associated with the relevant areas of legal practice.
- To attend client liaison meetings to discuss ongoing cases and provide reassurance of a high quality service.
- To act as a point of contact on a variety of cases, to include taking instructions and giving advice, carrying out research, preparing applications, drafting documents and correspondence, commissioning and instructing expert witnesses, liaising with witnesses, attending meetings and providing advice and representation in courts or tribunals.
- To develop, train and advise clients in legal skills and specific areas of law as appropriate.
- To support the Pathfinder Legal Services management team in building and maintaining effective working relationships with clients to ensure the delivery of a seamless and client focussed service.
- To support the Pathfinder Legal Services management team by complying with all SRA and practice management requirements including time recording, billing, Lexcel and other accreditation schemes.
- To support the Pathfinder Legal Services management team in developing and maintaining effective partnerships, networks and joint working arrangements to ensure the most effective provision of legal services to meet the needs and aspirations of clients.
- To make a positive contribution to the Litigation Team and contribute to the development, training or mentoring of colleagues where required.
- Manage the activities of the team to include performance, caseloads and productivity, motivation and development, recruitment and selection and appraisals.
- Supervise other members of the team in a line management capacity.
- To provide overall management of the team's complex and politically sensitive case load to ensure the provision of high quality, well researched and comprehensive legal advice within the timescales required by the client.
- Provide supervision and manage the work of the team to ensure that professional guidance is given, that expertise is employed and work is allocated appropriately within the team.
- To carry out other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope and purpose of the job description as required by the Director of Pathfinder Legal Services, Heads of Service or Principal Lawyers from time to time and which are commensurate with the grade of the post.
- To act as an authorised signatory for an appropriate shareholder client.
- To buddy, train and support colleagues.
Benefits
- Local Government Pensions Scheme – considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates.
- Flexible working arrangements – we offer flexible hours and hybrid working which allows for remote working but we also require regular office attendance with the aim to give everyone a balanced work/life ratio.
- Family Friendly policies including excellent Maternity, Paternity and Adoption entitlements.
- An exceptional Employee Assistance Program which helps supports employees with workplace changes as well as other work, family and personal issues.
- A generous minimum annual leave entitlement of 25 days, rising on 5 and 10 years service, plus public holidays. With the option to purchase more annual leave.
To apply for this position please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the Person Specification to recruitment@pathfinderlegal.co.uk. When applying, please quote reference 'LIT-059'. Closing date for applications: 5th June 2026 at 12:00pm. PLEASE NOTE: we will only accept applications where a supporting covering letter showing how you meet the person specification and a CV is submitted.
Senior Lawyer with management responsibilities (SEN) in Shefford employer: Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd
Pathfinder Legal Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to family-friendly policies, we empower our team to balance their personal and professional lives while providing high-quality legal services to public sector and not-for-profit clients. Our focus on mentorship and development ensures that every employee has the opportunity to thrive in their career.
Contact Details:
Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer with management responsibilities (SEN) in Shefford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work with SEN and education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at networking events or interviews, be ready to discuss your experience with complex cases and advocacy. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of legal duties and compliance in the public sector. We love candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of the challenges faced by our clients.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Pathfinder Legal Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer with management responsibilities (SEN) in Shefford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Lawyer role. Highlight your experience with SEN and education law, and don’t forget to showcase any management responsibilities you've had. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain how your skills and experiences align with the person specification. Be specific about your advocacy experience and how you’ve managed complex cases in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since this role involves working as part of a team, make sure to mention your collaborative experiences. Talk about how you've supported colleagues or contributed to team success. We value teamwork at StudySmarter!
Follow Application Instructions:Don’t forget to follow the application instructions carefully! Send your CV and cover letter to the specified email and include the reference 'LIT-059'. We appreciate attention to detail, so let’s get it right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and case law related to Special Educational Needs (SEN). Being able to discuss recent tribunal cases or changes in legal duties will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
Since this role involves management responsibilities, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams. Think of specific examples where you've motivated your team, managed caseloads, or handled performance issues. This will demonstrate your capability to manage effectively.
✨Prepare for Client Scenarios
Anticipate questions about how you would handle client liaison meetings or complex cases. Prepare a couple of scenarios where you successfully navigated tricky situations, ensuring you highlight your communication skills and ability to provide reassurance to clients.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how they measure success in their legal services. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
