Education Lawyer

To provide timely accurate and effective legal advice representation and support to the County Council enabling it to discharge its functions lawfully and effectively. The role involves managing a varied and complex caseload providing specialist legal expertise across a range of legal disciplines undertaking advocacy where required and supporting the delivery of a high-quality legal service in accordance with professional and Lexcel standards.

• Provide expert legal advice and guidance to the County Council elected members officers and committees.
  
• Manage a full and complex caseload with minimal supervision delivering practical and innovative legal solutions.
  
• Represent the Council in legal proceedings hearings tribunals inquiries and advocacy matters as required.
  
• Support the Monitoring Officer in identifying and addressing issues of legality or procedural compliance.
  
• Draft review and negotiate legal documentation agreements reports and other legal correspondence.
  
• Analyse complex legal issues interpret legislation and provide clear recommendations to support decision-making.
  
• Contribute to the development of a flexible and multidisciplinary legal service by broadening expertise across different areas of law.
  
• Maintain accurate case records using electronic case management systems and operate effectively within a paper-light environment.
  
• Support the management and development of legal teams including supervising and mentoring colleagues where required.
  
• Assist with budget management and demonstrate awareness of legal expenditure including the commissioning of external legal advice and representation.
  
• Deliver training and legal updates to Council officers members and partner organisations.
  
• Lead or contribute to service improvement initiatives projects and reviews to enhance service delivery.
  
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Promote and uphold the Councils values policies and professional standards including equality diversity health and safety and governance requirements.
  

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor Barrister or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales.
  
• Current practising certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority or eligibility to obtain one.
  
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification or significant relevant vocational experience.
  

Knowledge & Experience

• Extensive knowledge of legal principles practices procedures and relevant legislation.
  
• Experience managing a varied and complex legal caseload.
  
• Experience providing legal advice to senior stakeholders committees or public sector organisations.
  
• Experience of advocacy or a demonstrated aptitude and willingness to undertake advocacy.
  
• Experience supporting or managing legal teams and developing colleagues.
  
• Understanding of local government law and public sector governance (desirable).
  
• Experience working within a Lexcel-accredited or quality-assured legal environment (desirable).
  

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong negotiation influencing and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide practical solution-focused advice.
  
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions.
  
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
  
• Ability to lead projects reviews and service improvement initiatives.
  
• Strong IT skills and experience using electronic case management systems.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively while exercising professional judgement and autonomy.
  

• Location: Flexible and hybrid working environment including remote working and office attendance as required.
  
• Hours per Week: As per Council contract.
  
• Pay: Bi-weekly.