Senior SEN Lawyer

3 - 4 Month Contract With A Local Authority 

Job Purpose

To provide expert legal advice, representation and strategic support in relation to Special Educational Needs (SEN), Education Law and associated Children's Services matters, ensuring the Council meets its statutory duties and legal obligations.

The postholder will manage a complex caseload of SEN-related legal matters, including SEND Tribunal appeals, Judicial Reviews, Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) disputes and wider education law issues. The role will provide legal advice to senior officers, elected members and Children's Services teams, whilst supporting decision-making, managing legal risk and ensuring robust governance arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advice & Case Management

• Provide specialist legal advice on SEN and Education Law matters.
  
• Manage a complex caseload of SEND and education-related legal work.
  
• Advise Children's Services, SEND teams and senior officers on legal issues and risks.
  
• Provide legally compliant and practical solutions to support service delivery.
  
• Draft, review and negotiate legal documents, agreements and correspondence.
  
• Undertake legal research and provide advice on emerging legislation and case law.
  

SEND Tribunal & Litigation

• Manage SEND Tribunal cases from instruction through to conclusion.
  
• Advise officers on tribunal strategy and legal risk.
  
• Prepare legal submissions, statements, witness evidence and appeal documentation.
  
• Represent the Council at SEND Tribunal hearings where appropriate.
  
• Instruct and manage external Counsel when required.
  
• Support the management of Judicial Reviews and complex litigation matters.
  
• Advise on disputes relating to:
  • Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
    
  • School Placements
    
  • Special Educational Needs Provision
    
  • Transport Issues
    
  • Disability Discrimination Matters
    

Governance & Strategic Support

• Provide legal input into policy development and service improvement initiatives.
  
• Attend meetings with senior managers, stakeholders and elected members.
  
• Advise on statutory duties under education and SEND legislation.
  
• Support strategic decision-making and governance processes.
  
• Identify and manage legal, financial and reputational risks.
  

Partnership Working

• Build effective working relationships with:
  • SEND Teams
    
  • Children's Services
    
  • Schools and Academies
    
  • Health Partners
    
  • External Solicitors
    
  • Counsel
    
  • Tribunal Representatives
    
• Support collaborative and solution-focused approaches to dispute resolution.
  

Service Development

• Contribute to the development of legal practice and service improvements.
  
• Support training and development activities for officers and colleagues.
  
• Share legal knowledge and provide updates on legislative changes.
  
• Promote best practice across SEND and education law services.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
  
• Current practising certificate.
  
• Significant post-qualification experience in SEN and Education Law.
  
• Extensive experience managing SEND Tribunal appeals.
  
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Children and Families Act 2014
    
  • SEND Code of Practice
    
  • Education Act legislation
    
  • Equality Act 2010
    
  • Judicial Review processes
    
  • Administrative Law principles
    
• Experience advising Local Authorities, Children's Services or public sector organisations.
  
• Strong advocacy, legal drafting and negotiation skills.
  
• Experience managing complex and sensitive legal matters.
  
• Ability to provide clear legal advice to non-legal audiences.
  
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Strong organisational and case management abilities.
  

Desirable

• Local Government legal experience.
  
• Experience managing Judicial Reviews.
  
• Advocacy experience before SEND Tribunals.
  
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior legal staff.
  
• Knowledge of wider Children's Services legislation and practice.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Northampton
  
• Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments