SEN Lawyer - 05553

West Berkshire Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Hybrid working (40% office attendance)

LGPS pension

Family-friendly policies

Wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Annual leave 29 days +5 after 5 years

Local government service focus

Job summary

West Berkshire Council is seeking a dedicated SEN Lawyer to manage a varied caseload and provide high-quality legal advice across Special Educational Needs law. You will work closely with education services and stakeholders to support effective decision-making and contribute to policy developments.

Responsibilities include advising on SEN law, representing the Council at hearings, and ensuring compliant advice notes and agreements.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor/Barrister/Chartered legal executive with current practising certificate or equivalent entitlement to practise.
• Experience advising on SEN law, ideally within local authority or similar complex organisation.
• Knowledge of Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act 2010.
• Excellent communicator who explains complex legal issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on SEN matters and appeals (First-tier Tribunal).
• Advise officers and members on legal duties, risks and best practice.
• Conduct legal research and prepare advice notes, legal agreements and documentation.
• Represent the Council at hearings and other proceedings.

Skills

SEN Law advisory

Legal research

Public service motivation

Communication

Stakeholder relations

Caseload management

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Qualified solicitor

Barrister

Chartered legal executive

Job description

As one of our SEN Lawyers, you will manage a varied and interesting caseload, providing high-quality legal advice and representation across all aspects of Special Educational Needs law.

Key responsibilities

• Providing expert legal advice on SEN matters, including appeals before the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability)
• Advising officers and members on legal duties, risks and best practice
• Conducting legal research and preparing advice notes, legal agreements and other documentation
• Representing the Council at hearings and other legal proceedings
• Working closely with education services and other stakeholders to support effective decision-making
• Contributing to the development of policies, procedures and service improvements within the SEN service area

We're looking for an enthusiastic and committed legal professional who combines strong technical expertise with a genuine passion for public service.

About the role

This is more than just a legal role. It's an opportunity to use your expertise to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities, helping them to access the services and support they need to thrive.

What you'll be:

Required qualifications and skills

• A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate (or equivalent entitlement to practise)
• Experienced in advising on SEN law, ideally within a local authority or similarly complex organisation
• Knowledgeable in relevant legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act 2010
• An excellent communicator, able to explain complex legal issues clearly and confidently
• Skilled at building positive relationships with colleagues, clients and external stakeholders
• Organised and resilient, with the ability to manage competing priorities and a varied caseload
• A collaborative team player who is committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and young people

If you’re looking for a role where your work has a tangible impact, while enjoying excellent flexibility, career development and a supportive team culture, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

At West Berkshire Council, you’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking legal team that values expertise, innovation and professional development. We are committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive, balancing rewarding work with flexibility and wellbeing.

We offer

• Flexible working arrangements between 7.00am and 9.00pm wherever possible
• Hybrid working, with only 40% office attendance required
• A generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Family-friendly policies that support work-life balance
• Employee wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• A range of local and national employee discounts
• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days plus public holidays, increasing by an additional five days after five years' service
• The opportunity to work for an organisation committed to improving the lives of local residents

Equal opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Political restrictions

This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council's Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.