School Solicitor

The Westgate School; Chalvey; Presencial; GBP 26.000 - 42.000; A tiempo parcial

Descripción de la vacante

The Westgate School is seeking a School Solicitor to act as the in-house legal representative, advising senior leaders and managers on employment law, disputes and litigation. The role requires a solicitor with strong employment law expertise, excellent advocacy and case management skills, and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice in a busy educational environment.

The post is 2.5 days per week or equivalent hours.

Formación

• Solicitor with strong employment law expertise.
• Excellent advocacy and case management skills.
• Ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice in a busy educational environment.
• Experience advising on disciplinary, redundancy and TUPE matters is beneficial.

Responsabilidades

• Provide day-to-day employment law advice to school leadership and HR.
• Manage and conduct litigation and represent the school at tribunals.
• Review contracts, policies and settlement agreements.
• Liaise with external solicitors and advisers when needed.

Conocimientos

Employment law

Litigation

Dispute resolution

Advice to senior leaders

Educación

Qualified solicitor

Descripción del empleo

School Solicitor - Employment & Litigation

2.5 days per week or equivalent hours

The postholder will act as the school’s in-house legal representative, advising senior leaders and managers, managing disputes and litigation, and representing the school where appropriate. The role requires a solicitor with strong employment law expertise, excellent advocacy and case management skills, and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice in a busy educational environment.

Employment Law
Provide day-to-day legal advice to the school on all aspects of employment law.
Advise Trust Leaders and HR on complex and sensitive employment matters.
Advise on disciplinary, grievance, capability, sickness absence, performance management and dismissal processes.
Advise on redundancy, restructuring, TUPE and organisational change.
Advise on discrimination, whistleblowing, equalities and protected characteristic issues.
Review and advise on employment contracts, policies, procedures, settlement agreements and other employment documentation.
Support the school in managing employment disputes and potential claims.
Assess legal risk and recommend appropriate strategies to minimise exposure to claims.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Manage and conduct litigation and other contentious matters on behalf of the school.
Represent the school in employment tribunals and, where appropriate, other courts, tribunals, hearings and formal proceedings.
Prepare pleadings, statements, witness evidence, legal submissions and other documentation.
Conduct negotiations, settlement discussions and mediations.
Liaise with external solicitors, barristers, insurers and other professional advisers where specialist external representation is required.

Maintain effective oversight of litigation strategy, deadlines, costs and risk.

Representation of the School

Act as an authorised legal representative of the school in appropriate employment and litigation matters.
Attend hearings, meetings, investigations, mediations and other proceedings on behalf of the school.
Provide legal support and representation to senior leaders and managers where required.
Ensure the school’s interests are properly protected throughout disputes and legal proceedings.
Maintain professional and effective relationships with external legal representatives and other relevant organisations.

Tours of the school are welcome.

What To Know Before Applying:

• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Holiday pay included in all salaries.
• We reserve the right to interview as suitable applications are received.
• The Westgate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• All staff are expected to be aware of and follow the 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' advice and guidance.

The Westgate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must be willing to undertake child protection screening, including an Enhanced DBS check, Children's Barred List check, online and past employer checks. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. We are an equal opportunities employer under the provision of the Equality Act 2010. The school reserves the right to withdraw this vacancy should the anticipated staffing vacancy not arise.