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Senior Solicitor/Head of Project (Education Law Unit)

  • Full time
  • £40,000 – £44,000
  • On site: Glasgow
  • Closing 29th January 2025


  • Advertised from 8th January 2025

Role

Are you passionate about advocating for children's rights and tackling discrimination within the education system? Govan Law Centre’s Education Law Unit (ELU) is seeking a dedicated and experienced senior solicitor to lead the team. This full-time role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, with job-share options available for the right candidates.

About Us: The ELU represents children and young people across Scotland who face challenges due to Additional Support Needs (ASN). We fight for fair treatment and work tirelessly to secure suitable educational provisions for those who have been marginalised or discriminated against. Our work often involves complex cases where legal expertise can change lives.

Our Policy and Strategic Litigation project collaborates closely with the Scottish Government and key advocacy groups to shape and implement impactful legislation. ELU members actively participate in national forums, ensuring that the voices of our client group are heard and that critical issues are addressed.

Currently, our Education Law Unit delivers the Let’s Talk ASN Scotland project - an initiative that provides legal representation to families of children with ASN. Through this project, we assist parents and carers in navigating the often-complex processes of securing appropriate educational support. GLC are awaiting the outcome of a tendering process to continue providing this service.

The Role: This role is ideal for a solicitor with experience in court and tribunal advocacy, particularly in cases involving education law and discrimination. You will be joining a progressive community law centre committed to expanding these nationally recognised projects. Based in Govan, Orkney Street, the position will require some travel within Scotland, but GLC offers a blended working model with flexible home/remote working options.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Advocacy & Representation: Provide expert legal representation for children, young people, and their families at tribunals and court hearings, focusing on additional support needs and discrimination.
  • Advice & Support: Offer comprehensive legal advice and support to pupils and their parents, through various communication channels including telephone, email, and in-person consultations.
  • Training & Development: Deliver training sessions aligned with ELU’s strategic objectives, enhancing awareness and understanding of education law issues among stakeholders.
  • Policy Influence: Contribute to our policy work by identifying and addressing systemic issues within the education system, helping to drive meaningful legislative change.
  • Funders: To work closely and report to funders of the service and to report areas of concern in the provision of education
  • Stakeholders: To work closely with all stakeholders and enhance knowledge through participation in working groups, training sessions etc.
  • Teamwork: To be responsible for supervision and support of the legal and casework team

Person Specification:

  • Essential
    • Degree in Scots law
    • Diploma in Legal Practice
    • Full Law Society of Scotland practicing certificate
    • Strong communication and presentation skills
    • Excellent research and analytical abilities
    • Ability to work efficiently with minimum supervision and meet deadlines
    • Genuine commitment to children's rights and social justice
  • Desirable:
    • Experience with issues related to discrimination in education
    • Background in working directly with children and young people

Why Join Us? At Govan Law Centre, you’ll be part of a team that values justice, compassion, and community. We offer a supportive environment where your contributions will directly affect the lives of vulnerable individuals across Scotland. If you are driven by a commitment to social justice and have the legal expertise to make a difference, we encourage you to apply.

Application notes

If you believe you have the skills and passion to excel in this role, please submit your CV along with a cover letter detailing your suitability and motivation for the position to

Candy Walker, Govan Law Centre, Orkney Street Enterprise Centre, 18-20 Orkney Street, Glasgow G51 2BX or by e-mail to cwalker@govanlc.com by 12 NOON ON WEDNESDAY 29TH JANUARY 2025.

Any applications received after the deadline will not be considered.