At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic Education and SEND legal team while managing complex casework.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a forward-thinking authority with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive environment for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education law and shape the future of our legal services.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with experience in Education law and SEND matters.
- Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and offer guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced senior lawyer to be a subject matter expert and principal solicitor in our Education and SEND team. This is an exciting opportunity to grow and develop the team while helping to shape its future direction. You will oversee the delivery of legal services within the team and provide complex legal and procurement advice across all Council departments. We are a forward-thinking, modern authority known for our strong financial management. We are ambitious and encourage our employees to be bold and innovative in their work. Our legal department consists of 100 dedicated lawyers and support staff. We offer a diverse and rewarding caseload that allows you to apply your expertise in managing a range of complex legal matters.
Main Responsibilities
- Providing complex legal advice to the internal client on various matters but especially focussed on SEND issues.
- Leading, mentoring, and developing the existing Education and SEND team to ensure ongoing high performance and expertise in this area.
- Responding to and managing a caseload of education related judicial review and other complex matters.
The Ideal Candidate
- We are looking for you to be a qualified Chartered Legal Executive (with practice/advocacy rights), Solicitor or Barrister with proven experience in Education law and particular specialism in SEND matters.
- Significant experience in a legal environment, with the ability to manage complex casework.
- Strong mentoring and training qualities to support the progression and development of junior members of staff and professional growth.
- Excellent communication skills, able to engage clearly and confidently across verbal, written, and digital platforms.
- Ability to draft complex legal documents and provide accurate, high-quality advice.
Interviews will be held: week commencing 2 February 2026. We would also be happy to consider flexible working. Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role please contact Robin Longhurst, Deputy Legal Services Manager at: robin.longhurst@staffordshire.gov.uk
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council: Our Values: The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy. We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.
Our benefits: We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire.
Our recruitment process: As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities. As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Principal Lawyer - Education in Stafford employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lawyer - Education in Stafford
✨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 brushing up on your SEND knowledge and recent legal developments. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for education law, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our ambitious team at Staffordshire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lawyer - Education in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in Education law and SEND matters. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically – we love a well-organised application!
Highlight Your Mentoring Experience: As a principal lawyer, you’ll be leading and developing a team. Share examples of how you’ve mentored others in the past, as this will show us you’re ready to take on that responsibility with confidence.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re keen to join our forward-thinking team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Education law and SEND matters. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and legislation that could come up during the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Lawyer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed others in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your guidance made a difference, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating complex legal concepts in a straightforward manner. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure you can engage clearly across different platforms.
✨Embrace the Values
Familiarise yourself with Staffordshire County Council's values and think about how they align with your own. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how you can contribute to their ambitious goals. This will demonstrate your commitment to the organisation's mission.
