Senior Education Lawyer

Service Care Solutions; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected local authority in Devon seeks a Senior Education Lawyer to manage Tribunal appeals regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN). This role requires a Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive (CILEX) with expertise in education law and experience in Local Authority SEN legal teams. The position offers hybrid/remote working and flexible hours, and will be compensated at an hourly rate of £50-£55 Umbrella or £44.10-£48.44 PAYE. The contract length is 3 months ongoing.

Benefits

Hybrid/remote working

Weekly pay

Flexible hours

Qualifications

• Must have strong expertise in education law and SEN legislation.
• Experience working within a Local Authority SEN legal team is essential.
• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive required due to litigation involvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage all Tribunal appeals regarding SEN statutory decisions.
• Prepare cases and represent the Council at SENDIST hearings.
• Maintain systems supporting statutory SEN appeal processes.
• Represent the Authority during mediation.

Skills

Expertise in education law

Knowledge of SEN legislation

Litigation experience

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive (CILEX)

Job description

Service Care Solutions is working with a respected Local Authority, based in Devon, which is seeking an experienced Senior Education Lawyer to undertake the full responsibilities of the Senior SEN Tribunal Officer role. This position is central to ensuring the council meets its statutory duties in relation to Special Educational Needs (SEN) for children and young people aged 0–25.

Role

Senior Education Lawyer (SEN Tribunal Lead)

Location

Devon – remote

Rate

Umbrella Rate: £50-£55 per hour

PAYE Inc. Rate: £44.10 – £48.44 per hour

Contract Length

3 months ongoing

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all Tribunal appeals relating to SEN statutory decisions, including assessment decisions and the content of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Prepare cases, coordinate documentation, and represent the Council at SENDIST hearings.
• Maintain and update systems supporting statutory SEN appeal processes.
• Represent the Authority at mediation whilst adhering to statutory processes.

Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive (CILEX) – essential due to litigation and representation requirements.
• Strong expertise in education law and SEN legislation.
• Experience working within a Local Authority SEN legal team.

Benefits

• Hybrid/remote working.
• Weekly pay – the rate offered will depend on experience and interview performance.
• Flexible hours.

How to Apply

If this Senior Education Lawyer role sounds like an opportunity of interest for you or someone you know, please reach out to Hugh Barnes by phone or email (contact details omitted).

We also welcome referrals for this position, where a successful recommendation would be worth £250.