Job Description

A little bit about us:

EMG Solicitors is an award winning Legal 500 law firm with offices across the North but acting nationally, specialising in Court of Protection, Deputyships, Mental Health Law, Family Law and Mediation, Residential Conveyancing, Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Education Law and Wills, Trusts & Probate services.


Our mission is to provide the legal support our clients require in order to achieve anything from their basic needs to their wildest dreams and everything in between.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced solicitor specialising in Education Law to handle a range of matters related to SEN, EHCPs, admissions, exclusions, and education related disputes. The successful candidate will bring existing casework or a client following. Demonstrate strong expertise in advising parents, students, or education providers.

Where will you be based?

This role offers flexibility to be based at any of our UK offices or to work remotely. You may be required to travel to other locations from time to time.

How many hours will you be working?

This role is offered on a full-time basis of 35 hours per week, but at EMG Solicitors we work flexibly. Its not a strict 9 to 5, and were open to discussing part-time arrangements. What matters most is that the work gets done, with hours shaped around you, your Team Leader, and the needs of your clients.

A brief overview of the role:

This role sits within the Court of Protection, Health and Welfare team. You will take responsibility for a varied caseload, managing matters from initial instruction through to resolution. The role offers autonomy, client contact, and the opportunity to further develop and grow our Education Law offering. You will also be required to give business development input in securing work.

What will we expect from you:

Generating work

Your work will come from a mixture of delegation and work you will generate for yourself.


We encourage all our team members to win work, which can be achieved in a variety of ways, including:

Becoming known as a go-to specialist in a field, including writing articles and speaking at events, both external and internal. Attending networking events and flying the EMG Solicitors flag. Developing relationships on a one-to-one basis.

Each of these methods is equally valid and we will support you in not only making a plan which works for you and the firm but also providing you with any additional training you may need to help you with this aspect of your role.

Undertaking work

You should be passionate about providing:

Support to your colleagues. To undertake your duties professionally and with the utmost skill and care. To always put clients first and respect their confidentiality at all times.

We take the view we stand and fall as a team you will need to work both on your own and as part of a team.

Getting paid for the work you do.

In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that your work contributes directly to the profitability and success of the department. This will involve:

Taking client instructions and providing clear, practical, and empathetic legal advice across a range of education law matters, including Special Educational Needs (SEN), Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), admissions, exclusions, bullying, and discrimination. Representing clients at SEND Tribunal hearings and other proceedings, undertaking advocacy and instructing Counsel where appropriate. Ensuring client needs are met promptly and effectively, maintaining high professional standards and strong client relationships. Maintaining accurate financial control, including recording time appropriately, managing billing, and taking monies on account of fees and disbursements where required. Agreeing fees with clients in advance of billing, whether through fixed fees or hourly rates with clear estimates where applicable. Working collaboratively within the team and across departments to ensure seamless client service and promote cross-referrals. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records in compliance with SRA standards and firm policies. Identifying any complex or high-risk matters and escalate these to senior colleagues or the Head of Department when appropriate.

To be able to perform this job you will need.

You will be a qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 35 years PQE, with demonstrable experience in Education Law. You will have experience advising clients on a broad range of education law matters, including SEN, EHCPs, admissions and exclusions, and discrimination. Experience representing clients and advising in SEND Tribunal proceedings. with strong advocacy, negotiation, and drafting skills. Excellent client care skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and empathetically to parents, students, and education providers. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy and varied caseload independently while maintaining attention to detail. A proactive approach to business development, with a willingness to attend networking events, build professional relationships, and contribute to the growth of the Education Law department. Effective team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills, contributing positively to team culture and collaboration across the firm. A commitment to continuous professional development and an enthusiasm for expanding your expertise within Education Law. Commitment to maintaining compliance with SRA standards, firm policies, and client confidentiality at all times.

A little bit about the colleague were looking for:

Were looking for a colleague who aligns with our core values of:

Cooperation

- we proactively support our clients and each other.

Courage

- we are ambitious and think big.

Excellence

- we deliver excellence.

Integrity

- we are open and transparent.

Kindness

- we value people, communities, having fun and being happy.

We want someone who will work proactively to deliver exceptional client service through the knowledge and skills they bring to the role. We want someone who will go the extra mile for both their clients and their colleagues, so we can all achieve anything from our basic needs to our wildest dreams and everything in between.

What you can expect from us:

Firm wide annual bonus scheme, in addition to a competitive salary. 4% Pension employer contributions offered through Standard Life. 25 days holiday entitlement per year (FTE) with an additional three days off at Christmas. 5 extra days paid leave on your 5-year anniversary (and every 5 years thereafter). Life Assurance providing your loved ones with a 3x salary death in service benefit. Employee Assistance Program a Freephone number you can call 24/7 for personal, legal and financial issues; to arrange counselling and a GP helpline. Free annual flu injection. EMG Rewards Vivup well-being & Tastecard apps offering discounts across a large number of retailers & restaurants. 50 Gift card on your birthday as well as a late start or early finish. 50 Gift card at Christmas plus Christmas closure (subject to variation). Cycle to work scheme. Salary Sacrifice Electric Car scheme. Fruit and refreshments in each office. If you want to take the family or friends out, we have two passes for Beamish open air museum which you can book out and take up to 10 people. Opportunity to join EMG working groups, such as our Green Team, Better Health at Work Team, Justice, Empowerment, Diversity and Inclusion Team (JEDI) & our Community Team. Regular surveys to understand issues our team care about. Includes regular guest speakers on a wide range of topics.

EMG Solicitors are an equal opportunities employer

To apply for this role you must have the right to work within the UK