Senior SEN Lawyer — Shape Education Law & Policy

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

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.