£43,000 - £56,750 per annum

A fantastic opportunity to join an exciting, innovative law firm where you will be given the opportunity to learn and develop in your chosen field and excel in your career.

Pathfinder Legal Services Ltd is a true one of a kind. Established in 2015 as an ‘Alternative Business Structure’ (ABS) we are wholly owned by public bodies. We pride ourselves on serving our communities with resilience, enthusiasm and focus. Working for public sector and not for profit clients is our focus. A significant proportion of the work we carry out will be for local authorities, however, we have over recent years grown our client base to include more than one hundred organisations across the public and not-for profit sectors. Our clients include Integrated Care Boards, Foundation Trusts, Charities and Fire Services.

We have grown significantly in recent years and are rapidly expanding, with offices based in Huntingdon, Northampton and Shefford. With over 180 members of staff, our Firm is made up of qualified legal officers, administrative support and finance officers. We aim to develop our staff to enable them to reach their full potential and to find a career path suitable to each individual.

If the chance to play a part in this fast paced but increasingly interesting and challenging area of law interests you, we want to hear from you.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

• To provide a range of public sector and not for profit clients with a professional and innovative legal service predominantly regarding complex Special Educational Needs and education matters generally.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• To work as part of a team in the provision of a professional legal service to a range of public sector and not for profit clients regarding SEN and education, ensuring awareness of and compliance with legal duties within client organisations and protecting their best interests.
• To manage a case load of complex cases, comprising mainly SEN Tribunal cases, with minimum supervision.
• To undertake advocacy in case management hearings and final hearings in the first tier SEND Tribunal and to instruct counsel as appropriate.
• To ensure the effective identification and awareness of risks associated with the relevant areas of legal practice.
• To attend client liaison meetings to discuss ongoing cases and provide reassurance of a high quality service.
• To act as a point of contract on a variety of cases, to include taking instructions and giving advice, carrying out research, preparing applications, drafting documents and correspondence, commissioning and instructing expert witnesses, liaising with witnesses, attending meetings and providing advice and representation in courts or tribunals.
• To develop, train and advise clients in legal skills and specific areas of law as appropriate.
• To support the Pathfinder Legal Services management team in building and maintaining effective working relationships with clients to ensure the delivery of a seamless and client focussed service.
• To support the Pathfinder Legal Services management team by complying with all SRA and practice management requirements including time recording, billing, Lexcel and other accreditation schemes.
• To support the Pathfinder Legal Services management team in developing and maintaining effective partnerships, networks and joint working arrangements to ensure the most effective provision of legal services to meet the needs and aspirations of clients.
• To make a positive contribution to the Litigation Team and contribute to the development, training or mentoring of colleagues where required.
• To carry out other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope and purpose of the job description as required by the Director of Pathfinder Legal Services, Heads of Service or Principal Lawyers from time to time and which are commensurate with the grade of the post.
• To act as an authorised signatory for an appropriate shareholder client.
• To buddy, train and support colleagues.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with initiative, a proactive approach to problem solving and a real commitment to the job. In return for this we can offer you an excellent benefits package alongside a flexible, modern working environment equipped with the technology needed to enable you to balance the pressures of a busy role.

Pathfinder Legal Benefits

• Local Government Pensions Scheme – considered to be one of the best employer contribution rates.
• Flexible working arrangements – we offer flexible hours and hybrid working which allows for remote working but we also require regular office attendance with the aim to give everyone a balanced work/life ratio.
• Family Friendly policies including excellent Maternity, Paternity and Adoption entitlements.
• An exceptional Employee Assistance Program which helps supports employees with workplace changes as well as other work, family and personal issues.
• A generous minimum annual leave entitlement of 25 days, rising on 5 and 10 years service, plus public holidays. With the option to purchase more annual leave.

To apply for this position please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the Person Specification via the Enquire/Apply button.

For a copy of the full Job Description and Person Specification and details of our other vacancies, please visit our website www.pathfinderlegal.co.uk/careers.

Closing date: 22 September 2024 @ 12:00
Interview date: W/c 30 September 2024

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.