This Lawyer or Senior Lawyer post sits in the Education team of HB Public Law, the shared legal service run from Harrow Council that also serves Barnet, Hounslow and Slough. Most of the work is SEND tribunal appeals, alongside judicial review, admissions, exclusions and complaints advice for councils and schools. The caseload can span up to four local authorities, with hybrid working where lawyers attend the office two days a week. Candidates need litigation practising rights as a solicitor, barrister or CILEX lawyer, and must carry a caseload from the outset.
What the job involves
- Advise and represent local authority and school clients on SEN tribunal appeals, the majority of the work
- Carry a full caseload from the outset
- Prepare advice and responses for the Tribunal
- Handle judicial review claims
- Advise on school admissions appeals
- Advise schools on suspensions and exclusions, including governing body and independent review panels
- Advise on complaints at all stages, including LGSCO responses
- Provide ad hoc advice on other education-related matters
- Advise panels from time to time
- Support and mentor junior colleagues, depending on experience
- Contribute to training initiatives and develop best practice across the team
- Possible opportunities to develop employment and adult social care work
Qualifications
- Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX lawyer
Registration & licences
- Litigation practising rights
Experience
- Experience of SEN tribunal cases
- Experience of general education law
Skills & knowledge
- Managing your own caseload and prioritising competing demands
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent client care skills
Other
- Motivated, collaborative and committed to delivering high-quality legal services
Nice to have
- Determination to learn
- Background in local government, private practice or another relevant environment
What's offered
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Learning and development, including career progression
- Cycle scheme
- Green car benefit scheme
- Civil Service Sports Council membership
- Staff discounts and wellbeing support initiatives
- Hybrid working, typically two days a week in the office
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
