Solicitor - Special Educational Needs

Clear IT Recruitment Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Boyes Turner in Reading is seeking an experienced Special Educational Needs Solicitor to join on a hybrid basis. You will manage a caseload of SEN matters, including SEND Tribunal appeals, while supporting the wider team on complex cases.

You will advise on EHCPs and related SEN issues, draft grounds of appeal, witness statements, and bundles for Tribunal proceedings, liaising with authorities, schools, and experts.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with experience in Special Educational Needs law.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of SEN matters including SEND Tribunal appeals.
• Deal with new enquiries and provide initial legal guidance to prospective clients.
• Advise clients on EHCPs, appeals and related SEN issues.
• Draft Grounds of Appeal, witness statements and other legal documentation.
• Prepare appeal bundles and supporting evidence for Tribunal proceedings.
• Proof EHCPs and prepare Working Documents.
• Liaise with clients, local authorities, schools, experts and the SEND Tribunal.
• Instruct and liaise with experts, including arranging assessments and managing expert evidence.
• Request and review SAR records from schools and local authorities.
• Draft correspondence to clients, schools, local authorities and experts.
• Prepare schedules of documents for appeals and expert review.
• Manage client finances, costs budgets and expert fees.
• Assist with marketing initiatives and events to help promote Boyes Turner as a brand.
• Write articles and legal updates for the company website.
• Support and mentor junior team members where appropriate.
• Undertake legal research as required.
• Ensure all work is maintained at a high level of quality to promote the reputation of the firm.

Skills

SEN law experience

SEND Tribunal appeals

Drafting & advocacy

Independent working

Verbal & written comms

Client care

Relationship management

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

MS Office

Excel

Education

Qualified Solicitor

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Job description

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Special Educational Needs Solicitor to join my clients team in their Reading, Berkshire offices on a hybrid basis.

Are you the right candidate for this opportunity Make sure to read the full description below.

Reporting to the Special Educational Needs Partner, you will manage your own caseload of SEN matters while also supporting the wider team on more complex cases. The role involves working closely with families, schools, local authorities, experts and Tribunals to provide high quality legal advice and representation across a broad range of Special Educational Needs matters.

Role & Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Special Educational Needs matters including SEND Tribunal appeals
• Deal with new enquiries and provide initial legal guidance to prospective clients
• Advise clients on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), appeals and related SEN issues
• Draft Grounds of Appeal, witness statements and other legal documentation
• Prepare appeal bundles and supporting evidence for Tribunal proceedings
• Proof EHCPs and prepare Working Documents
• Liaise with clients, local authorities, schools, experts and the SEND Tribunal
• Instruct and liaise with experts, including arranging assessments and managing expert evidence
• Request and review SAR records from schools and local authorities
• Draft correspondence to clients, schools, local authorities and experts
• Prepare schedules of documents for appeals and expert review
• Manage client finances, costs budgets and expert fees
• Assist with marketing initiatives and events to help promote Boyes Turner as a brand
• Write articles and legal updates for the company website
• Support and mentor junior team members where appropriate
• Undertake legal research as required
• Ensure all work is maintained at a high level of quality to promote the reputation of the firm

Skills, Attributes & Experience

• Qualified Solicitor with experience in Special Educational Needs law
• Experience managing SEN matters including SEND Tribunal appeals
• Strong drafting and advocacy preparation skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong client care and relationship management skills
• Good interpersonal and organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Strong IT skills with good knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment