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Salary
We are looking for the right person with the right attitude who wishes to become an accomplished education law practitioner. If you are that individual, we would strongly encourage you to contact Mr Leigh Middleton (Principal Lawyer) to discuss the exciting opportunity below.
Consistent with all local authorities, Lincolnshire has seen an increase in the number of appeals to the SEN Tribunal. We are seeking to appoint an Education Lawyer to primarily manage the appeals case load although there will also be an opportunity to provide assistance to colleagues providing general education law advice to schools and the local authority. The role will also provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to clerk School Admission Appeals and Independent Review Panels following a decision to permanently exclude a child.
You will need to have or wish to develop a keen interest in education law in general and special educational needs in particular. We have a collaborative working relationship with the SEND team and the post holder will be critical in terms of maintaining and developing that relationship.
The role will require a high level of organisational, time and case management skills and you must be able to demonstrate you can balance managing a number of cases and Tribunal deadlines simultaneously . The successful candidate will also be responsible for conducting advocacy in the SEN Tribunal and must therefore possess a confident level of advocacy skills.
Practice and Client
Legal Services Lincolnshire (LSL) is a Lexcel accredited shared legal service hosted by the county council, offering advice to the county council, to six of the county’s district and borough councils as well other public sector clients including a significant number of academies. There are 7 specialist legal teams all led by a Principal Lawyer and the successful candidate will sit within the Education, Employment and Prosecutions team.
About you
A qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive, with either experience in this area of law or enthusiasm to develop skills in this challenging and constantly changing area.
Although you may not have experience in the field of education law, if you feel you have the skills and enthusiasm required to embrace this exciting opportunity, please contact Mr Leigh Middleton to discuss whether you have the transferrable skills necessary to make this unique role a success.
Hybrid working
We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will eventually be a significant feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary with the minimum attendance of one day per week following successful completion of the probationary period. The successful candidate will be required to attend the office on a more frequent basis initially which is likely to be a minimum of 3 days a week for the first 6 months. Thereafter office attendance at your Lincoln base will be a minimum of 1 day a week or as required for attendance at meetings or other commitments.
Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.
Next steps
Potential applicants are encouraged to call Mr Leigh Middleton (Principal Lawyer) on 07825 357875 to discuss this great opportunity.
Closing Date: 15th April 2024
Interview Date: 30th April 2024
Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.
All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.
On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.
We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.
Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
