Education Lawyer

3 Month Contract With A local Authority

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 Council’s values, policies, and professional standards, including equality, diversity, health and safety, and governance requirements.
  

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.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Flexible and hybrid working environment, including remote working and office attendance as required.
  


• Hours per Week: As per Council contract.
  


• Pay: Bi-weekly.