Location: Camden, London
Pay Rate: £59.73 per hour (Umbrella)
Sector: Local Authority / Legal Services
About the Role
We are currently recruiting an experienced Senior Lawyer – Adults and Special Educational Needs (SEN) to join a busy local authority legal services team in Camden.
This is an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable and solution-focused legal professional to provide high-quality legal advice and representation across adult social care and special educational needs matters. You will work closely with senior officers, service directorates, elected members and colleagues across Legal Services to support effective decision-making and ensure the Council operates within the law.
The successful candidate will manage a varied and demanding caseload, provide expert legal guidance on complex and potentially contentious matters, and develop innovative, practical solutions that support the Council's priorities.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide comprehensive, high-quality legal advice on matters relating to Adults and Special Educational Needs (SEN).
* Advise senior officers, service managers and other stakeholders on legal risks, statutory obligations and appropriate courses of action.
* Manage a substantial caseload, ensuring all deadlines, procedural requirements and statutory time limits are met.
* Prepare legal documents, conduct legal research and advise on new legislation, case law, court procedures and regulatory developments.
* Represent the Council in court proceedings and contested matters, undertaking advocacy where appropriate.
* Assess legal risks, make sound decisions on case progression and identify politically sensitive or high-profile matters requiring escalation.
* Build effective working relationships with internal departments, external solicitors, counsel, clients and elected members.
* Support committee meetings, working groups and other Council meetings by preparing reports and providing legal advice.
* Negotiate with external parties and develop practical, proportionate solutions to complex legal issues.
* Work collaboratively with Senior Lawyers, Principal Lawyers and the Head of Legal Services to maintain high standards of legal practice and compliance.
* Provide guidance, mentoring and support to junior colleagues where required.
* Maintain accurate case management records and comply with file management, time recording and risk management procedures.
* Identify opportunities to improve working practices, deliver efficiencies and provide a proactive, customer-focused legal service.
Essential Skills and Experience
* A recognised legal qualification and appropriate professional standing to practise as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
* Significant experience providing legal advice within a local authority or public sector environment.
* Strong knowledge and experience of adult social care law and/or Special Educational Needs (SEN) law.
* Experience managing complex legal casework, contentious matters and competing deadlines.
* Excellent legal research, drafting, analytical and advocacy skills.
* The ability to provide clear, commercially aware and solution-focused advice to senior stakeholders.
* Experience identifying legal risks and advising on appropriate mitigation strategies.
* Strong negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills.
* The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative legal team.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a proactive and confident Senior Lawyer who can balance robust legal advice with a practical, outcomes-focused approach. You will be comfortable handling challenging discussions, advising on sensitive or high-profile matters, and working with senior stakeholders to achieve the Council's objectives lawfully and effectively.
You will demonstrate sound professional judgement, political awareness, strong organisational skills and a commitment to continuous improvement and best practice within public sector legal services.
Pay Rate and Opportunity
* £59.73 per hour (Umbrella).
* Opportunity to work within a local authority legal services team in Camden.
* Exposure to complex and meaningful Adults and SEN legal matters.
* Collaborative working with senior officers and multidisciplinary teams.
* An opportunity to contribute to effective public services and support the Council's wider priorities.
Mandatory: Must have a UK Passport or a Full Right to Work in the UK
Apply Today
If you are an experienced Senior Lawyer with expertise in Adults and SEN law and a strong background in public sector legal services, we would welcome your application.
Apply now to be considered for this Senior Lawyer – Adults and SEN opportunity in Camden, London.
For more information, contact Natasha Haddon
Salary description
£59.73 - £59.73 per hour