Education Solicitor

London

Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Ltd): Regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority, Duncan Lewis Solicitors was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in the City of London (Fenchurch Street EC3M), with offices nationwide. We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK independent legal directories as a top-tier law firm in all of our key practice areas - "a diligent and professional team that is prepared to go the extra mile for its clients". A paperless law firm with over 500 personnel that embraces hybrid-working, we service both corporate entities and private individuals in over 25 areas of law across 60 languages. We give people a voice - that is our ethos.

Choosing a career with Duncan Lewis is choosing a law firm that is the largest provider of publicly funded (legal aid) legal services in the country and has a growing private client practice. We have been Investors in People Gold Standard accredited for over 15 years and are continuously applauded nationally for the work that it does.

Having demonstrated unparalleled legal expertise and a commitment to justice, we were awarded Law Firm of the Year at both the 2024 Lexis Nexis Awards and 2023 Modern Law Awards. We are named as one of the Times 200 Best Law Firms. In 2021 we were celebrated by the Chambers Europe Award as an 'outstanding firm’ for diversity and inclusion. In previous years we have been awarded a number of awards, including the Law Society Excellence Award for Large Law Firm of the Year in 2020, Access to Justice at the UK Legal Diversity Awards in 2019 and the Family Law Firm of the Year at the 2015 Family Law Awards, to name just a few. Duncan Lewis is Law Society Lexcel, Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001 Information Management accredited.

We look to recruit dedicated and talented employees in both legal and non-legal capacities, and we are always interested to receive applications from quality candidates. Training and diversity are at the heart of Duncan Lewis, and we remain proud of our diverse and inclusive workforce. If you can demonstrate a strong commitment to the areas of law provided by the firm, and you are keen to build a career with us, please apply online with your details and CV.

Education Law Department Background: Education law can be very complex and difficult to work through and to know what the right approach and solution for your child is. Our specialist advisors offer comprehensive legal advice and support as well as one-off urgent legal advice to deal with an immediate crisis and deal with associated social care issues.

The department works with guardian and parents to find the right solutions for their child to ensure they receive the education and educational support appropriate for them. This includes assisting children who have been unfairly excluded from school or college providing valuable advice and assistance throughout the process. We also advise and assist institutions and individuals on Academy conversions, Academy company secretarial services, Health and safety, Parental disputes and Safeguarding. We are dedicated to our clients and support family members and advocates in educational and social needs.

Main Responsibilities of the Role: Report directly to Department Director

Professional pro-active approach, strong client care skills and a sensitive and sympathetic understanding of clients’ needs

Responsible for all aspects of Education Law matters and on occasions, where appropriate providing technical expertise and guidance to other team members

Assisting with Education Law matters including Special Education Needs matters (SEN), School admission appeals, some adult social care issues, social care judicial review

Academy conversions, Academy company secretarial services, Health and safety, Parental disputes and Safeguarding

Ability to manage appropriate caseload types and complexities

Maintaining accurate time costing procedures

Ensuring compliance with file management.

Key Skills Required: Must have a clean, valid Practicing Certificate at the time of applying

Committed team player and adapt well to new challenges

Previous proven supervisory experience and working to key performance indicators

Professional with a pro-active approach; excellent client care skills and ability to deal with client matters in a sensitive manner and resolve complicated practicalities

Excellent networking and communication skills with the ability to successfully market the Company and generate new business

Ability to use own initiative and sound judgment

Clear understanding and application of Education Law specifically Special Education Needs matters (SEN), School admission appeals

Essential that candidates have previous experience in the areas of education and adult social services l

Excellent IT Skills -familiar with Microsoft Office applications and document management skills

The recruitment process will fully comply with GDPR and other applicable laws. Background checks including CRB / DBS checks will establish your eligibility to work in the UK and suitability to the role.

Equal Opportunities: Duncan Lewis is committed to Equal Opportunities and embraces diversity of its staff. The Company strives to ensure that our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, which is reflective at all levels within our workforce. We guarantee an interview for candidates that disclose a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post. Please provide additional details in your covering letter if this applies.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THE ABOVE VACANCY