Job Title: Senior Education Lawyer
Council: South East England Local Authority
Working Pattern: Full-time – Hybrid (1 day office attendance per fortnight)
Rate: £60-65 per hour (umbrella)
Duration: 6 months+ (potential for extension)
 
Venn Group’s public sector legal team is working with a South East England Local Authority, who are seeking an experienced Senior Education Lawyer to join their legal team on a locum basis. This role is ideal for a solicitor with strong expertise in education law, particularly in Special Education Needs (SEN), and a proven ability to conduct advocacy at SEND Tribunals.
 
Job Overview:
The successful candidate will provide high-quality legal support in education law, focusing on Special Educational Needs (SEN), SEN appeals, and SEND Tribunal advocacy. The role will involve managing a caseload of complex education law matters and offering strategic advice to senior council officers and education professionals.
 
Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct advocacy at SEND Tribunals for Special Education Needs (SEN) appeals, representing the council in complex cases
• Provide expert legal advice on all aspects of education law, particularly in relation to SEN, including drafting and reviewing relevant documentation
• Manage a caseload of SEN appeals and other education law matters, ensuring legal compliance with relevant education legislation
• Prepare and review reports for Council committees and senior decision-makers, attending meetings as required
• Work closely with education professionals and council teams to ensure the council’s compliance with education regulations and relevant case law
 
Requirements:
• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or FILEx Legal Executive with extensive experience in education law, particularly in SEN appeals and SEND Tribunals
• Strong knowledge of education legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND regulations
• Experience conducting advocacy at SEND Tribunals and advising on complex SEN cases
• Ability to provide strategic legal advice to education professionals and senior council officers
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, with experience handling complex and high-risk education cases
This role is ideal for a Senior Education Lawyer with a solid background in SEN law, looking for a hybrid working arrangement in a South East Local Authority, where you can work on impactful cases and contribute to the council's legal strategy in education.
 
Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates. All salaries and PQE ranges stated serve only as a guide, and all applicants will be considered on their individual merits.
 
How to Apply:
For further details, please contact John Smith at Venn Group:
07441 916 456
john.smith@venngroup.com / southeastlegal@venngroup.com