Education Law Assistant (SEND & Appeals)

Cheshire East Council; Crewe; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34 days annual leave

Hybrid/remote working where possible

Green car salary sacrifice

Job summary

Cheshire East Council's Education/SEND Legal Team is seeking an Assistant Lawyer/Paralegal to deliver high‑quality advice across education law matters, support senior colleagues, and draft standard proceedings and routine agreements to ensure decisions are legally sound. You will work alongside other legal staff, handle contentious and non-contentious work, and seek career progression within the team.

The role offers a supportive, forward‑thinking environment with opportunities to advance while

Qualifications

• Degree or related Legal qualification or equivalent
• At least two years' experience in Education law including SEND case and school admission appeals
• Awareness of legal procedures, court procedures and tribunal documents
• Knowledge of legislation and statutory and non-statutory guidance
• Experience coordinating with Counsel and external lawyers in cases
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment with changing deadlines and priorities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with good prioritisation
• Ambition for career progression within the legal team

Responsibilities

• Support the Education/SEND Legal Team to deliver a range of legal matters to protect and advance the Council's interests
• Provide high-quality legal advice to internal and external services, and draft standard proceedings and routine agreements
• Support managers and lawyers in delivering an efficient and high-quality service, including administration and paralegal tasks
• Undertake contentious and/or non-contentious work to meet service objectives within deadlines
• Provide guidance to junior staff and administration on legal matters to ensure effective service delivery

Skills

Education Law

SEND

Legal Advice

Time Management

Education

Law Degree or equivalent

Job description

Cheshire East Council's Education/SEND Legal Team is seeking an Assistant Lawyer/Paralegal to deliver high‑quality advice across education law matters, support senior colleagues, and draft standard proceedings and routine agreements to ensure decisions are legally sound. You will work alongside other legal staff, handle contentious and non-contentious work, and seek career progression within the team.

The role offers a supportive, forward‑thinking environment with opportunities to advance while