At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities matters.
- Company: Join West Northants Council, a modern and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentoring, coaching, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with experience in complex legal matters, ideally in SEND law.
The predicted salary is between 51224 - 54605 £ per year.
At West Northants Council, we believe every child and young person should have the opportunity to achieve their potential. As a Senior Lawyer (SEND), you’ll play a key role in supporting the Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services, helping to ensure children, young people and families receive fair, legally robust and high-quality support.
Working within our Law, Governance and Regulatory Services team, you’ll provide specialist legal advice on a broad range of SEND matters, supporting colleagues across the organisation while helping to shape policy, practice and decision-making. This is an exciting opportunity to join one of England’s newest and largest unitary councils and contribute to a modern, ambitious legal service where your expertise will make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families across West Northamptonshire.
Whether you are already working in local government, looking to move from private practice or seeking a fresh challenge in a highly rewarding area of law, you’ll find a supportive environment where you can continue to develop your career and professional expertise.
What will you be doing?
- You’ll manage a varied and complex caseload relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, providing expert legal advice and representation across a range of matters.
- Your work will include advising on SEND law, policy and procedure, conducting SEND Tribunal proceedings, supporting Judicial Review cases and providing guidance to officers, Members and services across the Council.
- You’ll work closely with colleagues, external partners and professional experts to support the delivery of effective services and positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Alongside your casework, you’ll contribute to major projects, support the development of legal services and help ensure the organisation remains up to date with legislative and policy developments.
- As a senior member of the team, you’ll also provide supervision, training and guidance to junior colleagues, helping to develop capability and share best practice across the service.
About You
You’re a qualified Solicitor or legal professional with significant experience of providing legal advice and representation in complex matters. Ideally, you’ll have experience in SEND law or a closely related area and be passionate about supporting children, young people and families. You bring excellent communication, advocacy and relationship-building skills, along with the ability to interpret complex legislation and provide practical, solution-focused advice. You’re confident managing a demanding caseload, working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and supporting the development of colleagues within the team.
West Northants is a great place to build your career. We are committed to helping our people thrive through mentoring, coaching, development opportunities and a supportive culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. Above all, you’ll share our THRIVE values and our commitment to delivering high-quality legal services that make a positive difference to our communities.
Our benefits: you can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site.
About Us
At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people. Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality.
Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services. We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential.
We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.
If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so we recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
West Northants Council, where careers thrive.
Senior Lawyer (SEN) in Northampton employer: The Guildhall Northampton
At West Northamptonshire Council, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where our employees can thrive. As a School Attendance Support Officer, you will be part of a passionate team committed to improving educational outcomes for children and young people, with access to flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and robust professional development opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a culture that values trust, respect, and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Lawyer (SEN) in Northampton
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
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✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer (SEN) in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at The Guildhall Northampton, 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 The Guildhall Northampton and the specific role of Senior Lawyer (SEN). 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 The Guildhall Northampton’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Guildhall Northampton
✨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 The Guildhall Northampton.
✨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 The Guildhall Northampton.
