Education Lawyer in Surrey, Uk, Surrey

Job Title

PDP Lawyer

Department

Legal & Democratic Services

Reports To

Principal Lawyer

Grade

PS11

Role Purpose

Provide expert legal advice, representation, and advocacy to the County Council, ensuring services are delivered lawfully, efficiently, and in line with statutory requirements. Manage a complex legal caseload, support senior legal leadership, and contribute to the continuous improvement of Legal Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver timely, accurate legal advice and representation to the Council, Members, Officers, and Committees.
• Manage a varied and complex caseload with minimal supervision.
• Conduct advocacy in courts, tribunals, inquiries, and hearings where required.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documents, agreements, policies, and reports.
• Support the Monitoring Officer by identifying and advising on legal or procedural issues.
• Lead or contribute to major legal projects, service reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist the Principal Lawyer in managing workloads and deputise when required.
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and support staff where appropriate.
• Deliver legal training and guidance to Council officers and partner organisations.
• Maintain accurate electronic case records and work within Lexcel quality standards.
• Monitor legal expenditure and ensure effective use of external legal services.
• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and develop expertise across multiple areas of law.
• Attend meetings, hearings, and proceedings, including outside normal working hours where necessary.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of public sector and local government law.
• Excellent legal drafting, advocacy, negotiation, and advisory skills.
• Ability to manage complex legal matters independently.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Project management and service improvement experience.
• Leadership, coaching, and mentoring capabilities.
• Proficiency in electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practising certificate.
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Significant post-qualification legal experience managing complex cases.
• Experience of, or aptitude for, legal advocacy.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders within a public sector or similar complex organisation.
• Experience supervising or supporting legal teams is desirable.

Key Attributes

• High professional integrity and sound judgement.
• Customer-focused with strong relationship-building skills.
• Collaborative and adaptable approach.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and lead by example.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, health & safety, and the Council's values.

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