Surrey County Council
Education Lawyer
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The starting salary for this role is £48,698 per annum depending on experience and based on a 36-hour working week. This role is part of our Lawyers Career Scheme providing the opportunity to progress to £60,898 per annum. This salary is based on a 36-hour working week but we are willing to consider applications from candidates looking for part time hours (subject to a minimum commitment of 28 hours).
Are you looking for a new opportunity to develop your career in Education Law?
As an Education Lawyer, you will join a supportive, successful and Lexcel accredited in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council.
The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements which includes access to our offices in Reigate and Weybridge combined with remote or home working. We come together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week). The team are very approachable with regular catch ups when working remotely.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (pro rata for fixed term contracts)
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About The Role
As an Education Lawyer, you will be providing timely, clear and effective legal advice, representation and assistance to the County Council in order to enable the County Council to discharge their functions lawfully and effectively. In this role you will manage a full and varied caseload and deliver innovative solutions with appropriate supervision. As part of the role you will undertake advocacy where required.
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You will be expected to carry out a range of key responsibilities, which will include:
- Advising schools on a broad range of legal matters such as Data Protection, Complaints, and Equalities
- Providing advice on Education law matters (including advice in the area of special educational needs) to the Council in respect of its duties and responsibilities in this area
- Managing pre-action Judicial Review challenges to Council decision making in this area
- Clerking Independent Review Panels for Permanent Exclusion hearings
Our team culture is one which is friendly and engaged. If you are interested in developing and enhancing your existing skills whilst undertaking quality and varied work in the area of education, we’d love to hear from you.
Your application
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence that you are a qualified solicitor, barrister or FILEX with a minimum of two years post qualification experience in education law with an interest in developing this expertise further.
We recognise transferable skills and are willing to consider candidates with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in litigation who can demonstrate an interest and awareness of education law and wish to further develop their skills in this rewarding area.
In addition, your application should demonstrate how you align with our behaviours.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
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This advert closes at 23:59 on 13th September 2026 with interviews expected to take place in the week commencing 28th September 2026.
If you are looking for a role which is both varied and interesting with an opportunity to develop your existing skills and employment experience by working in local government, please click the apply button below to submit your application.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion please contact Julie Care via email at julie.care@surreycc.gov.uk.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
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