Education Lawyer

I wish the rest of the legal world could see how you are as a team. You'd be inundated with people wanting to work here! The support everyone shows each other is incredible.

Take a leaf from our recent locum's book and come and join our team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and able lawyer to join the in-house legal team at Warrington Borough Council. Based within the Legal Services Safeguarding Team you will work primarily in the area of Education law and from time to time you may also be expected to offer support and advice to councillors and officers in the area of adult social care work. The post involves advocacy in the Special Educational Needs Tribunal and other tribunals . Post-Covid these remain predominantly remote but there may, on occasions, be a requirement to attend in person.

The role

The key responsibilities of the role will be:

• To undertake the provision of legal advice, guidance and support on behalf of Warrington Borough Council (and its schools) in relation to and Education matters with some Adult Social Care work, some of which may be complex.
• To conduct advocacy at all levels with respect to the above matters before the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal, Appeal Panels and any other appropriate tribunal.
• To proactively advise and respond to all requests for legal advice. Advising on the proposed impact of any legislation as and when appropriate to the Client Departments taking into account novel applications of known techniques.
• To undertake all preparations in relation to Advocacy including preparation of bundles, skeleton arguments and statements ensuring full compliance with legislation and guidance, attendance at advocates meetings and to liaise with Counsel as and when required.
• To attend relevant meetings including where applicable Safeguarding Board meetings, Joint Partnership Groups, and Legal Gateway meetings.

We offer a hybrid working model and a supportive environment in a friendly and progressive team.

What's needed?

You will have excellent communication and team skills and the ability to interpret legislation in a common sense and practical manner, having due regard to the Council's legal responsibilities.

Advocacy is an absolute requirement.

As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:

• 26 days annual holiday - raising to 31 after 5 years of service (pro-rata)
• Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
• Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme

Key Dates & Further Information

For an informal discussion please contact Caroline Owen on .

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer

Warrington Borough Council Offices, 1 Time Square, Warrington, WA1 2NT