Senior Lawyer – Adults & Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Hybrid working.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Lawyer specialising in Adults and Special Educational Needs (SEN) to join a busy legal services team. This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional to provide high-quality, solution-focused advice on complex matters while contributing to strategic decision-making and service improvement.

The Role

As Senior Lawyer, you will provide expert legal advice and support across Adults and SEN, working closely with senior officers, service teams and key stakeholders to deliver effective, legally compliant outcomes.

You will manage a varied and complex caseload, provide robust legal guidance, and represent the organisation in contentious matters where required. You will also play an important role in identifying legal risks, improving working practices and supporting the development of colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, specialist legal advice to service teams, senior officers and stakeholders on Adults and SEN matters.

• Manage a substantial and complex caseload, ensuring effective case progression and compliance with statutory deadlines.

• Undertake advocacy and represent the organisation in court proceedings and contested legal matters, as appropriate.

• Identify legal risks and provide practical, commercially aware and solution-focused advice.

• Build strong working relationships with senior officers, legal colleagues, external solicitors and other stakeholders.

• Conduct legal research and advise on changes in legislation, case law, court procedures and relevant legal practice.

• Prepare legal briefings, deliver training and communicate the implications of legislative changes.

• Support committee meetings, working groups and other decision-making forums by providing timely and accurate legal advice.

• Contribute to service improvement, best practice and the development of effective legal processes.

• Mentor and support junior colleagues, sharing knowledge and promoting high professional standards.

• Maintain accurate case records, effective risk management and compliance with case management and time-recording requirements.

About You

The successful candidate will be a confident and proactive legal professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to manage complex matters independently.

You will demonstrate:

• Substantial experience providing legal advice in Adults and SEN.

• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and legal procedures within your specialist areas.

• Experience managing complex caseloads and handling contentious matters.

• Excellent analytical, research, drafting, negotiation and advocacy skills.

• The ability to assess legal risks, exercise sound judgement and recommend practical solutions.

• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, external legal representatives and challenging clients.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• A commitment to continuous improvement, professional development and collaborative working.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to take on a challenging and rewarding senior legal position, advising on complex matters that have a meaningful impact on adults, children, young people and the services that support them.

You will work collaboratively with experienced legal professionals and senior stakeholders, contribute to important organisational decisions, and help shape effective, innovative and legally sound service delivery.

If you are an experienced lawyer with expertise in Adults and SEN and are looking for your next career opportunity, we would welcome your application.