Senior Lawyer - Adults and SEN

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality legal advice and representation across Adults Social Care and Special Educational Needs (SEN) matters, supporting the Council, senior officers and elected members in delivering legally compliant services and positive outcomes for residents.

The postholder will manage a complex caseload, provide expert legal advice on matters within their area of specialism, and support the Council in achieving its strategic objectives through innovative, solution-focused legal services. The role requires strong advocacy, case management and stakeholder engagement skills, together with the ability to manage sensitive and high-profile matters with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice across Adults Social Care and Special Educational Needs (SEN) matters.
• Manage a complex and varied caseload with minimal supervision.
• Act as a trusted legal advisor to officers, senior managers, directors and elected members.
• Provide practical, solution-focused legal advice to support service delivery and decision-making.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of legal documents and agreements.
• Conduct legal research and provide briefings on new legislation, case law and regulatory developments.
• Advise on legal risks and identify appropriate mitigation measures.
• Prepare and process legal casework efficiently, ensuring all deadlines and court timetables are achieved.
• Represent the Council in court proceedings, hearings and tribunals where required.
• Instruct and manage external counsel, experts and solicitors where appropriate.
• Attend committee meetings, working groups and stakeholder meetings to provide legal advice.
• Support complex corporate projects and cross-functional workstreams.
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal clients and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with legal practice standards, governance requirements and Council procedures.
• Assist in improving service delivery, legal processes and case management arrangements.
• Mentor and support junior legal colleagues where required.
• Maintain accurate records using legal case management systems and comply with time recording requirements.
• Support the Council in achieving its priorities through proactive legal input and strategic advice.

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
• Significant post-qualification experience within Adults Social Care and/or SEN law.
• Experience providing legal advice within a Local Government or Public Sector environment.
• Experience managing a substantial and complex legal caseload.
• Strong advocacy and litigation skills.
• Experience advising senior officers, directors and elected members.
• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to identify and manage legal, operational and reputational risks.
• Experience working independently and prioritising competing deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to provide clear, practical and commercially aware legal advice.
• Experience undertaking legal research and interpreting legislation, case law and statutory guidance.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience attending committees and governance meetings.
• Experience mentoring or supervising junior legal staff.
• Knowledge of Local Government governance frameworks.
• Advocacy experience within contested hearings and tribunal matters.
• Experience handling high-profile or politically sensitive matters.

Additional Information

• Location: 5 Pancras Square, London (2 Days Office / Remainder Remote)
• Hours Per Week: 36 Hours
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments