Special Educational Needs Solicitor | Top Tier Legal 500 Powerhouse in Reading

I’m currently working with a highly regarded Reading law firm that is looking to strengthen its friendly and fast paced Special Educational Needs team with the appointment of a Solicitor or Senior Associate. This is a really good opportunity for an experienced SEN lawyer looking for a role where they can take ownership of their own caseload, work on interesting and complex matters and have genuine scope to develop their career.

The role is based in Reading and is ideally 5 days per week, although the firm is open to discussing 4 or 5 day part time arrangements and flexible working for the right person.

You’ll manage your own caseload of SEN matters, including SEND Tribunal appeals, while working closely with the SEN Partner and wider team on more complex cases. There is plenty of client contact, with the role involving regular interaction with families, schools, local authorities, experts and the SEND Tribunal. You’ll be involved across the full range of SEN work, including:

• Advising families on EHCPs, appeals and wider SEN issues
• Managing SEND Tribunal appeals from initial instruction through to conclusion
• Drafting Grounds of Appeal, witness statements and other legal documents
• Preparing appeal bundles, working documents and supporting evidence
• Liaising with local authorities, schools, experts and the Tribunal
• Instructing and managing expert evidence
• Reviewing SAR records and relevant documentation
• Handling new enquiries and providing initial legal guidance
• Managing client finances, costs budgets and expert fees
• Supporting junior members of the team where appropriate
• Contributing to articles, legal updates, marketing initiatives and events

There is also genuine opportunity to get involved in business development, with the firm keen for the successful person to play an active role in helping develop the team and its profile.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified Solicitor with solid experience in Special Educational Needs law, including SEND Tribunal work. You’ll need strong drafting skills, good advocacy preparation experience and the ability to manage your own caseload with a high degree of autonomy. Just as importantly, this is a client facing role, so strong communication, organisation and client care skills are essential.

This is a well established and highly regarded firm, recognised in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, with a reputation for providing high quality legal advice alongside a genuinely friendly and forward thinking working environment. The SEN team is supportive and collaborative, but there is also plenty of scope to develop your own profile and progress within the team.

Benefits include:

• 25 days’ holiday
• Birthday day off
• Flexible hybrid working
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance at 5 x final salary
• Pension
• Medicash and retail discounts
• Weekly wellbeing hour
• 8 hours paid charity leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket travel loan
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional holiday days
• Dog friendly office
• Regular social events

This would suit someone who wants high quality SEN work, genuine progression and flexibility, within a well regarded regional firm where they can build a long term career.