Senior SEN lawyer

We Do Social Work; Daventry; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

We Do Social Work in Daventry, England, is seeking a Senior SEN Lawyer to provide expert education-law guidance and representation on complex SEND matters. You will lead SEN cases, advise on statutory duties and EHCPs, and represent the organisation in tribunal proceedings.

You will mentor junior colleagues, help shape policy and practice, and work with education and children's services teams to ensure compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and related guidance, delivering

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX with education law experience.
• Extensive SEN/SEND advisory experience in public sector.
• Strong knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014 and EHCPs.
• Experience managing SEND Tribunal appeals.
• Excellent research, drafting, advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Ability to give clear, pragmatic legal advice to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage a varied caseload.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice on SEN and education law.
• Advise on EHCPs, statutory assessments, annual reviews and disputes.
• Manage complex SEN cases including Tribunal appeals.
• Represent the organisation at SEND Tribunal hearings and mediations.
• Advise senior officers on legal risks and compliance.
• Draft and review legal documents and witness statements.
• Collaborate with education and children's services teams to reduce legal risk.
• Support policy development to ensure compliance.
• Provide mentoring to junior colleagues.
• Keep up to date with changes in SEN law.

Skills

Education law

SEN SEND

Tribunal advocacy

Legal drafting

Policy advice

Education

Solicitor/Barrister/Chartered Legal Exec

Job description

Job Opportunity: Senior SEN Lawyer

Are you an experienced education law solicitor with a strong background in Special Educational Needs (SEN) and a passion for delivering high-quality legal advice?

We are seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Senior SEN Lawyer to provide expert legal advice and representation on complex education law matters, supporting the effective delivery of statutory duties relating to children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal professional to take a leading role in managing complex SEN matters, advising key stakeholders and supporting the organisation in meeting its statutory obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice on SEN and education law matters, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), statutory assessments, annual reviews and placement disputes.

• Advise on the legal framework governing SEND, including the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Code of Practice and relevant case law.

• Manage complex SEN cases, including appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).

• Represent the organisation at SEND Tribunal hearings, mediations and other formal proceedings where required.

• Advise senior officers and service managers on legal risks, statutory compliance and appropriate courses of action.

• Draft and review legal documents, witness statements, submissions, advice notes and formal correspondence.

• Work collaboratively with education, SEND and children's services teams to support effective decision-making and reduce legal risk.

• Support the development of policies, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and statutory guidance.

• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior legal colleagues and contribute to the wider development of the legal service.

• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, case law and best practice relating to SEN and education law.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualification as a solicitor, barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with relevant experience in education law.

• Substantial experience advising on SEN and SEND matters, ideally within a local authority or public sector legal environment.

• Strong knowledge of the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Code of Practice and the statutory framework governing EHCPs.

• Experience managing complex SEND Tribunal appeals and education law disputes.

• Excellent legal research, drafting, analytical and advocacy skills.

• The ability to provide clear, pragmatic and commercially aware legal advice to senior stakeholders.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise competing deadlines and work effectively under pressure.

• A proactive approach to problem-solving, risk management and continuous professional development.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to use your specialist legal expertise to influence decision-making, support statutory compliance and contribute to improved outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

If you are an experienced SEN lawyer looking for a senior role where you can apply your technical expertise, manage complex legal matters and support the development of high-quality public services, we would welcome your application.