School Solicitor

2.5 days per week or equivalent hours

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.

Tours of the school are welcome.

What To Know Before Applying:

• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Holiday pay included in all salaries.
• We reserve the right to interview as suitable applications are received.
• The Westgate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• All staff are expected to be aware of and follow the 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' advice and guidance.

The Westgate School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must be willing to undertake child protection screening, including an Enhanced DBS check, Children's Barred List check, online and past employer checks. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. We are an equal opportunities employer under the provision of the Equality Act 2010. The school reserves the right to withdraw this vacancy should the anticipated staffing vacancy not arise.