Solicitor – Civil Litigation / Education (SEND) Law

Reports to: Department Manager
Salary: Dependent on experience
Office base: Wigan, WN3 5BA - You need to be able to comfortably commute to this location several times a week. Hybrid working will be in place after a period of onboarding. 
Hours: 35 hours per week

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Are you an experienced and motivated Solicitor looking to build your career within a supportive, forward‑thinking legal team?
Do you thrive when advocating for clients in Education (SEND) matters and challenging decisions made by public authorities?
If you’re ready for a varied and rewarding role with genuine opportunities for development, we’d love to hear from you!

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The Role

As a Solicitor in our Civil Litigation and Education (SEND) team at Stephensons, you’ll provide expert advice, assistance, and representation in both SEND Tribunal matters and civil claims against public authorities.

Your work will involve supporting a wide range of clients—including families navigating the SEND Tribunal process and individuals pursuing complaints or compensation claims against public bodies such as the Police, Local Authorities, and government departments.

You’ll manage your own Education/SEND caseload while also assisting senior solicitors with established civil litigation matters. From drafting Tribunal and Court documents to undertaking advocacy, you’ll play a key role in ensuring clients receive clear, robust, and effective legal representation.

Click here to read more about the team. Click here to meet Maria Chadwick, Partner and Head of Discrimination, Civil Liberties & Education Law

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What You’ll Be Doing

• Managing a mixed caseload of Education Law (SEND) disputes and civil litigation against public authorities.
• Conducting full and ongoing risk assessments and guiding clients through Tribunal and/or Court processes.
• Meeting with clients, preparing clear and thorough attendance notes, and drafting written legal advice.
• Preparing and managing Tribunal/Court documentation, including instructions to Counsel and compliance with regulations and deadlines.
• Carrying out active case management, including case plans, risk assessment, and effective delegation where appropriate.
• Representing clients before Tribunals/Courts where suitable or attending with Counsel.
• Maintaining strong communication with clients, experts, colleagues, and funders to progress files efficiently.
• Managing your caseload profitably, monitoring WIP, maximising payments on account, and overseeing disbursements and debtors.
• Keeping up to date with legal developments through training and ensuring compliance with SRA standards.
• Playing an active role in business development—building relationships, seeking referrals, and promoting the Stephensons brand.

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About You

You’re a confident, proactive, and organised legal professional with a genuine passion for Education Law, civil liberties, and access to justice. You thrive in a busy working environment and pride yourself on your ability to support clients navigating often challenging and stressful situations. You’re a strong communicator, an effective problem‑solver, and someone who is committed to delivering the highest standards of client care.

Essential

• Qualified Solicitor (2+ PQE) with a current practising certificate.
• Experience managing your own caseload.
• Knowledge and experience of civil litigation and/or SEND Tribunal practice.
• Experience in County Court litigation or SEND Tribunal work.
• Strong understanding of Solicitors Accounts Rules and Professional Conduct Rules.
• Good IT skills and experience with case management systems.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to analyse legal issues and identify key points quickly.
• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work under pressure.
• Effective team player capable of working independently when delegated tasks.
• Discreet and able to handle sensitive information confidently.
• Business‑minded with an understanding of profitability and financial management.
• Professional, approachable, patient, and confident in dealing with challenging situations.

Desirable

• Further course completion, training or qualifications in relevant areas of law.
• Advocacy experience.
• Strong computer literacy across a range of programs.

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Our Values

At Stephensons, we’re proud to be approachable, flexible, inclusive, resilient, and supportive. We want people who not only bring strong technical expertise but who also share our commitment to making a positive impact for the clients and communities we serve.

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Why Stephensons?

Stephensons is an award‑winning, top 150 law firm committed to growth, innovation, and employee wellbeing. We are ambitious yet down‑to‑earth, offering a friendly workplace where your career can truly thrive.

We value work–life balance and flexibility, and we understand the importance of supporting your life outside of work. Our hybrid/agile working model gives you control over where you work best—whether from home or from our modern Wigan office.

Why not click here to see why you should come and work for us and here’s a brief insight from our Managing Partner, Sean Joyce, into what we’re all about at Stephensons.

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What We Offer

• Agile/hybrid working
• Generous annual leave, increasing with service
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Early monthly pay scheme
• Life Assurance
• Holiday sale & purchase scheme*
• Wellbeing package (financial, physical, and mental health support)
• Free parking
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay*
• Will writing service*
• Season ticket & travel support
• Payroll giving scheme
• Social events & clubs
• Reward and recognition schemes
• Internal referral scheme
• Retail vouchers/cashback
• Free eye tests
• Cycle to Work scheme

(*subject to eligibility)