Education Partner (SEN)

Culver Law Ltd; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in London is seeking an experienced Education Law Partner (SEN) to lead their Special Educational Needs service. The ideal candidate will manage a complex caseload and contribute to business development initiatives. With a focus on supporting families, this role combines high-level legal work with team leadership. Competitive partner-level remuneration and hybrid working options are offered.

Benefits

Competitive partner-level remuneration

Hybrid working

Support from established operations teams

Qualifications

• 4+ years PQE in Education Law, especially in Special Educational Needs.
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience.
• Excellent advocacy and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of SEN and education-related matters.
• Provide legal advice to clients during challenging times.
• Oversee the development of the SEN service.

Skills

Education Law

Leadership

Advocacy

Negotiation

Client Communication

Job description

Overview

Welcome to Culver Law - not your ordinary law firm! We are seeking an experienced Education Law Partner (SEN) to lead and develop our new Special Educational Needs service within our established private client practice. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior solicitor to shape and grow a new area of work, complementing the firm’s existing expertise in Court of Protection and wider private client matters.

About the Role

As the Partner responsible for building and overseeing our SEN offering, you will advise parents, guardians, and young people on all aspects of special educational needs and disability law across England and Wales. You will manage a caseload of complex and sensitive matters, while also leading on the strategic growth and integration of the SEN service within the firm.

You will have the autonomy to shape the practice, develop procedures, and mentor colleagues who are transitioning into this field from Court of Protection work. The role combines high-quality client work with team leadership, business development, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to families navigating the education system.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of SEN and education-related matters, including:
  • Appeals to the SEND Tribunal concerning Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
  • Disputes over assessments, placements, and special educational provision
  • Judicial reviews relating to local authority decisions
  • Disability discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010
  • Advisory work for parents and carers regarding school and local authority obligations
• Providing clear, empathetic, and practical legal advice to clients, often at a challenging time for families
• Overseeing the development of the SEN service, including supervision, training, and mentoring of junior lawyers and support staff
• Working closely with colleagues across the firm’s private client and COP teams to ensure clients receive a seamless and holistic service
• Maintaining the highest standards of compliance, client care, and professional conduct

Business Development and Partnership Responsibilities

• Leading the growth and visibility of the firm’s SEN service, with responsibility for business development, marketing, and networking initiatives
• Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including educational psychologists, advocacy groups, schools, and other professionals working with children and families
• Representing the firm at sector events, conferences, and panels, enhancing the firm’s reputation in education and family-related legal services
• Contributing to thought leadership by writing articles, delivering webinars, and supporting client-focused campaigns
• Collaborating with other partners to shape the strategic direction and growth of the private client practice

About You

• 4+ years PQE in Education Law, with a strong focus on Special Educational Needs and a demonstrable record of success before the SEND Tribunal
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience
• Excellent advocacy, negotiation, and client communication skills
• A genuine passion for supporting children, young people, and families in achieving fair educational outcomes

What We Offer

• Competitive partner-level remuneration and performance-related incentives
• Hybrid working (typically 1–2 days per week in our London Temple office)
• The opportunity to build and shape a new SEN service within a leading private client firm
• Support from a well-established infrastructure, including marketing, operations, and client services teams
• A supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking firm culture that values integrity, expertise, and innovation

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA Number: 820401.

Any information on this website, whilst intended to be accurate, does not constitute legal advice.