SEN Lawyer - 05553

West Berkshire Council; Newbury; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

LGPS pension

Family-friendly policies

Employee wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Generous annual leave

Job summary

West Berkshire Council is seeking an SEN Lawyer to manage a varied caseload and provide high-quality legal advice across Special Educational Needs law. The role is based in Newbury with a hybrid working pattern and a clear career development path.

You will advise officers and members on duties, risks and best practice, conduct research, prepare notes and represent the Council at hearings and related proceedings. You will support decisions with timely legal input.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with current practising certificate.
• Experience advising on SEN law, ideally within a local authority.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on SEN matters, including appeals to tribunals.
• Advise officers and members on legal duties, risks and best practices.
• Conduct legal research and draft advice notes, agreements and documentation.
• Represent the Council at hearings and other proceedings.
• Collaborate with education services and stakeholders to support decisions.
• Contribute to SEN service policies and procedures improvements.

Skills

SEN law advisory

Local authority experience

Legal research

Job description

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.In return, 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

About the Role

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

About You

• 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

Location: Newbury

Salary: 43,149 - 55,224 per year

Employment: Full time

Category: Child Care Lawyer

Shape the future of children and young people with Special Educational Needs.

Why Join Us?

At West Berkshire Council, you'll be part of a supportive, collaborative and