School Solicitor – Employment & Litigation

The School-Based Solicitor will provide high-quality, practical and commercially focused legal advice to the school on a broad range of employment and litigation matters.

The postholder will act as the school’s in-house legal representative, advising senior leaders and managers, managing disputes and litigation, and representing the school where appropriate. The role requires a solicitor with strong employment law expertise, excellent advocacy and case management skills, and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice in a busy educational environment.

Employment Law

• Provide day-to-day legal advice to the school on all aspects of employment law.
• Advise Trust Leaders and HR on complex and sensitive employment matters.
• Advise on disciplinary, grievance, capability, sickness absence, performance management and dismissal processes.
• Advise on redundancy, restructuring, TUPE and organisational change.
• Advise on discrimination, whistleblowing, equalities and protected characteristic issues.
• Review and advise on employment contracts, policies, procedures, settlement agreements and other employment documentation.
• Support the school in managing employment disputes and potential claims.
• Assess legal risk and recommend appropriate strategies to minimise exposure to claims.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Manage and conduct litigation and other contentious matters on behalf of the school.
• Represent the school in employment tribunals and, where appropriate, other courts, tribunals, hearings and formal proceedings.
• Prepare pleadings, statements, witness evidence, legal submissions and other documentation.
• Conduct negotiations, settlement discussions and mediations.
• Liaise with external solicitors, barristers, insurers and other professional advisers where specialist external representation is required.
• Maintain effective oversight of litigation strategy, deadlines, costs and risk.

Representation of the School

• Act as an authorised legal representative of the school in appropriate employment and litigation matters.
• Attend hearings, meetings, investigations, mediations and other proceedings on behalf of the school.
• Provide legal support and representation to senior leaders and managers where required.
• Ensure the school’s interests are properly protected throughout disputes and legal proceedings.
• Maintain professional and effective relationships with external legal representatives and other relevant organisations.

General Legal Support

• Identify legal risks arising from the school’s activities and provide practical recommendations.
• Advise on matters arising from the school’s policies, procedures and operational activities where these have an employment or litigation element.
• Work closely with Trust Leaders and HR as appropriate.
• Ensure legal advice is accurate, proportionate and understandable to non-lawyers.
• Maintain appropriate records of legal matters, advice and litigation.
• Keep up to date with relevant changes in employment law, case law and education-related legal requirements.
• Contribute to the development of robust governance, policies and procedures.

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