Date: 16 Jul 2026
Location: Taunton, GB, TA1 4DY
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Company: Somerset Council
Closing date: 20 July 2026
Salary: Grade 8, £58,282 per annum (inclusive of a time limited £9,000 recruitment allowance until 30/06/2029)
Are you a specialist SEND Lawyer looking to make a real difference?
At Somerset Council, you'll provide expert legal advice and representation on complex SEND and education law matters, helping to shape outcomes for children and young people across Somerset. Working closely with Children's Services and Education teams, you'll lead on tribunal cases, support strategic decision-making and ensure the Council meets its statutory responsibilities.
We're looking for a lawyer with substantial SEND and education law experience, including advocacy in tribunal and/or court proceedings.
Role Summary
As our Senior Lawyer (SEND & Education), you will provide specialist legal advice, representation and support across a wide range of SEND and education law matters. Managing a complex caseload, you will help ensure the Council meets its statutory duties, delivers legally robust decision-making and secures positive outcomes for children and young people across Somerset.
What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities
Manage a complex caseload of SEND and education law matters, providing expert legal advice and guidance with minimal supervision.
Advise on all aspects of SEND legislation, including Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments, plans and placement decisions.
Represent the Council in SEND Tribunal proceedings, including preparing case statements, witness evidence, hearing bundles and advocacy.
Provide legal advice on judicial reviews, Ombudsman complaints and other legal challenges affecting SEND and education services.
Support the Council in meeting its statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 and related legislation.
Draft, review and negotiate legal documents, including agreements, policies, guidance and other formal documentation.
Deliver legal training, updates and practical guidance to Council officers, schools and elected Members.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with client departments, stakeholders and partner organisations.
Support the Principal Lawyer and Deputy Principal Lawyer in supervising, mentoring and developing junior colleagues.
Contribute to service improvement, continuous learning and the delivery of a high-quality legal service.
What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills
Strong knowledge of local government law and practice, with a clear understanding of the wider public sector context. You will be able to demonstrate experience of researching complex areas of law and presenting clear, practical advice to clients.
Significant post-qualification experience as a Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive, with experience of handling complex legal matters and supporting or supervising colleagues.
Qualified as a Solicitor, Barrister (Supreme Court of England and Wales/English Bar), Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (FCILEx), or hold an equivalent relevant qualification supported by relevant professional experience.
Excellent analytical, drafting and advocacy skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality legal, transactional and formal documentation.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal and technical information clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences.
Proven ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise competing demands and consistently meet deadlines, objectives and targets while working under pressure.
Demonstrable experience of negotiating complex, high-value and/or high-risk matters, with the ability to identify, assess and manage risks, enabling timely and effective action.
Ability to organise and manage the work of others, monitor progress and ensure quality standards are consistently achieved.
A positive and adaptable approach to change, with the ability to support, implement and drive continuous improvements in ways of working.
Desirable
Knowledge of a specialist area of law relevant to the Council’s functions.
Experience of working in local government or the public sector.
Experience of delivering training or service improvement projects.
Additional Information
Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week)
33 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays)
Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
Relocation package up to £8,000 for those moving to Somerset.
Grade 8 salary of £58,282 per annum (inclusive of a time limited £9,000 recruitment allowance until 30/06/2029)
We’re able to offer Skilled Worker sponsorship for this role if you are already residing in the UK. We can also proceed with candidates who already have sponsorship and wish to transfer it.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Jenny Caprio, Head of Legal, via email:
[email protected]
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request via
[email protected] , quoting reference 1024/WS
