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Role Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Solicitor or Senior Associate to join our friendly and fast-paced Special Educational Needs team in Reading. This is a permanent position working 5 days per week, although we are open to considering part-time hours across 4 or 5 days, as well as flexible working arrangements, for the right candidate.

This role offers a clear pathway for progression, alongside the chance to play an active part in business development initiatives.

Reporting to the Special Educational Needs Partner, you will manage your own caseload of SEN matters while also supporting the wider team on more complex cases. The role involves working closely with families, schools, local authorities, experts and Tribunals to provide high quality legal advice and representation across a broad range of Special Educational Needs matters.

Experience/ Attributes required

  • Qualified Solicitor with experience in Special Educational Needs law
  • Experience managing SEN matters including SEND Tribunal appeals
  • Strong drafting and advocacy preparation skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong client care and relationship management skills
  • Good interpersonal and organisational skills
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
  • Strong IT skills with good knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment

Work type

  • Manage a caseload of Special Educational Needs matters including SEND Tribunal appeals
  • Deal with new enquiries and provide initial legal guidance to prospective clients
  • Advise clients on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), appeals and related SEN issues
  • Draft Grounds of Appeal, witness statements and other legal documentation
  • Prepare appeal bundles and supporting evidence for Tribunal proceedings
  • Proof EHCPs and prepare Working Documents
  • Liaise with clients, local authorities, schools, experts and the SEND Tribunal
  • Instruct and liaise with experts, including arranging assessments and managing expert evidence
  • Request and review SAR records from schools and local authorities
  • Draft correspondence to clients, schools, local authorities and experts
  • Prepare schedules of documents for appeals and expert review
  • Manage client finances, costs budgets and expert fees
  • Assist with marketing initiatives and events to help promote Boyes Turner as a brand
  • Write articles and legal updates for the company website
  • Support and mentor junior team members where appropriate
  • Undertake legal research as required
  • Ensure all work is maintained at a high level of quality to promote the reputation of the firm

Benefits

  • 25 days holiday
  • Pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution and the employee pays 4%
  • Life Assurance - 5 x final salary
  • Private medical cover for employee
  • Flexible Hybrid working
  • An additional days holiday for your birthday 
  • A weekly wellbeing hour 
  • 8 hour per annum charity work 
  • Cycle to work scheme 
  • Bring your dog to work 
  • Social committee events
  • Season ticket travel loan
  • Eligible to purchase an additional five days holiday

Team structure

  • 2 x Partners
  • 2 x Solicitors/fee earners
  • 2 x Senior Paralegals
  • 2 x Paralegals

Other information

Boyes Turner’s Education team is ranked nationally at Band 2 in Chambers and Partners. Laxmi Patel is ranked Band 1 and others in the team are ranked Star Associate/Associates to Watch.

Boyes Turner is a highly regarded law firm, recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. The expertise our teams have is vast, spanning both the corporate world and technology sector whilst also supporting private clients.

We pride ourselves on providing excellent working conditions, a forward-thinking and friendly team environment, and the flexibility of hybrid working.

Apply for this role

At Boyes Turner, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative workplace where talented individuals can thrive. We offer excellent career development opportunities, a friendly and inclusive culture, and the chance to work.

Apply for the role