Senior Education Lawyer — Lead Governance & SEND (Hybrid)

Sellick Partnership; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Flexible working

34 days annual leave

Public sector pension

Career progression opportunities

Wellbeing initiatives

Discounts and perks

Job summary

Devon County Council is seeking an exceptional Principal Lawyer to lead its Education Law function within Legal and Democratic Services. This senior role involves managing a specialist legal team, advising on complex matters, and supporting services across education, safeguarding and governance.

You will work with senior leaders, elected Members, schools and partners to deliver pragmatic, high-quality legal solutions in a public sector context.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive with relevant litigation rights and substantial experience in education law.
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills.
• Confident advising at senior level and managing legal risk.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex education law cases and provide authoritative advice across governance, SEND, admissions, exclusions and safeguarding.
• Advise on legal risk and contribute to policy development for the council and education providers.
• Support strategic decision-making as a senior member of Legal Services Management Team.

Skills

Education law

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Litigation rights

Education

Qualified solicitor/barrister/legal executive with litigation rights

Job description

Devon County Council is seeking an exceptional Principal Lawyer to lead its Education Law function within Legal and Democratic Services. This senior role involves managing a specialist legal team, advising on complex matters, and supporting services across education, safeguarding and governance.

You will work with senior leaders, elected Members, schools and partners to deliver pragmatic, high-quality legal solutions in a public sector context.