SEN Lawyer - 05553

Location

NewburySalary: 43,149 - 55,224 per yearEmployment: Full timeCategory: Child Care LawyerPosted: 2026-09-21Valid to: 2026-11-13Apply: https://ce1000li.webitrent.com/ce1000li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VACANCY_ID=1739021sL7&WVID=252486050l&LANG=USAEmployer: West Berkshire CouncilShape the future of children and young people with Special Educational Needs.Are you an experienced lawyer looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work that genuinely changes lives? West Berkshire Council is seeking a talented and motivated SEN Lawyer to join our highly regarded Legal Services team. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in supporting some of our most vulnerable children and young people, helping to ensure they receive the education, support and opportunities they deserve.Working alongside education professionals, senior officers and key stakeholders, you will provide expert legal advice on a wide range of Special Educational Needs matters, making a real difference to outcomes for children, families and the wider community.Why Join Us?At West Berkshire Council, you'll be part of a supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking legal team that values expertise, innovation and professional development.

We are committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive, balancing rewarding work with flexibility and wellbeing.In return, we offer:Flexible working arrangements between 7.00am and 9.00pm wherever possibleHybrid working, with only 40% office attendance requiredA generous Local Government Pension SchemeFamily-friendly policies that support work-life balanceEmployee wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance ProgrammeA range of local and national employee discountsGenerous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days plus public holidays, increasing by an additional five days after five years' serviceThe opportunity to work for an organisation committed to improving the lives of local residentsAbout the RoleAs one of our SEN Lawyers, you will manage a varied and interesting caseload, providing high-quality legal advice and representation across all aspects of Special Educational Needs law.Key responsibilities include:Providing expert legal advice on SEN matters, including appeals before the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability)Advising officers and members on legal duties, risks and best practiceConducting legal research and preparing advice notes, legal agreements and other documentationRepresenting the Council at hearings and other legal proceedingsWorking closely with education services and other stakeholders to support effective decision-makingContributing to the development of policies, procedures and service improvements within the SEN service areaAbout YouWe're looking for an enthusiastic and committed legal professional who combines strong technical expertise with a genuine passion for public service.You will be:A qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with a current practising certificate (or equivalent entitlement to practise)Experienced in advising on SEN law, ideally within a local authority or similarly complex organisationKnowledgeable in relevant legislation, including the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act 2010An excellent communicator, able to explain complex legal issues clearly and confidentlySkilled at building positive relationships with colleagues, clients and external stakeholdersOrganised and resilient, with the ability to manage competing priorities and a varied caseloadA collaborative team player who is committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and young peopleBe Part of Something That MattersThis is more than just a legal role. It's an opportunity to use your expertise to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities, helping them to access the services and support they need to thrive.If you're looking for a role where your work has a tangible impact, while enjoying excellent flexibility, career development and a supportive team culture, we'd love to hear from you.Please take a look at our Legal team candidate pack to learn more about what it's like to work with us.Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. Early application is therefore encouraged.This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities.

In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council's Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Laura Knowles on 01635 519431 or email laura.knowles1@westberks.gov.uk.

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career. Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with UsEqual OpportunitiesThe Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. How to applyPlease now complete a short online application form.

You will then be able to upload your CV. This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies. This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our dedicated and supportive team at West Berkshire Council.