Solicitor / Senior Associate – Special Educational Needs
Location: Reading (Hybrid)
Salary: Competitive DOE
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, life assurance (5x salary), flexible hybrid working, birthday leave, weekly wellbeing hour, charity leave, cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, option to purchase additional annual leave, dog-friendly office and regular social events.
About the Company
A nationally recognised law firm is seeking to appoint a Solicitor or Senior Associate to join its award-winning Special Educational Needs team. Consistently ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, the firm is recognised for delivering outstanding legal advice to individuals and families while fostering a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking working environment.
The Education team is widely regarded as one of the leading specialist practices in the country, acting on complex and often high-profile Special Educational Needs matters. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team offering exceptional quality work, genuine career progression and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families.
Role Summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a Solicitor or Senior Associate with experience in Special Educational Needs law to join a highly respected specialist team. You’ll manage your own caseload of SEN matters while supporting colleagues on more complex cases, working closely with families, schools, local authorities and expert professionals.
The role offers excellent exposure to SEND Tribunal work, advocacy preparation and complex Education, Health and Care Plan matters, alongside the opportunity to contribute to business development and help shape the continued growth of the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a varied caseload of Special Educational Needs matters from initial instruction through to conclusion.
- Advise families on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), school placements, annual reviews and wider SEN issues.
- Represent clients in SEND Tribunal appeals, preparing comprehensive appeal strategies and supporting documentation.
- Draft Grounds of Appeal, witness statements, correspondence and other legal documents.
- Prepare tribunal bundles, working documents and supporting evidence.
- Liaise with clients, schools, local authorities, experts and the SEND Tribunal throughout proceedings.
- Instruct and manage independent experts, including arranging specialist assessments and reviewing expert evidence.
- Request and review disclosure and education records from schools and local authorities.
- Manage client matters efficiently, including costs, expert fees and financial administration.
- Contribute to legal updates, articles, networking and business development initiatives.
- Support and mentor junior members of the team where appropriate.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor with experience in Special Educational Needs law.
- Experience managing SEND Tribunal appeals and wider SEN matters.
- Strong understanding of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the SEND legal framework.
- Excellent drafting, case preparation and organisational skills.
- Strong client care and relationship management abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage a busy caseload independently while working collaboratively within a specialist team.
- High attention to detail and strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the country’s leading specialist Education law teams, working on complex and rewarding cases that have a genuine impact on the lives of children and families.
You’ll benefit from high-quality work, close collaboration with nationally recognised specialists and a clear pathway for career progression. The firm combines technical excellence with a supportive culture, offering hybrid working, outstanding wellbeing initiatives and a genuine commitment to professional development.
Whether you’re looking to build on your existing SEN experience or take the next step in your career within a nationally recognised practice, this role offers an exceptional platform for long-term success.
If this role isn’t quite right, it’s still worth speaking to one of our specialist team – we may be working on something that hasn’t yet reached the market.
Related Job Titles: Special Educational Needs Solicitor, Education Solicitor, SEND Solicitor, Education Law Associate, SEN Lawyer
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