Senior Associate Litigation | Public Law

Job description
Job Description

Job Title: Senior Associate – Public Law Disputes
Location: Sevenoaks Area
Salary: £60,000 - £75,000 per annum
PQE: 6 years+

About Our Client:

Our Client is a full-service UK Top 50 law firm. With more than 700 legal professionals across several offices, they provide exceptional legal services to businesses, government entities, public sector organisations, and individuals both domestically and internationally.

The role:

The Public Law Litigation Team focuses on a wide range of disputes involving public bodies. Areas of expertise include:
• Education Disputes for universities, colleges, and schools
• Disability/SEN advice and SEND Tribunal advocacy
• Safeguarding issues and investigations
• Disciplinary issues, including suspensions and exclusions
• Judicial reviews and disputes
• Commercial challenges against government decisions

Purpose of the Job:

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, market-leading team dealing with prestigious clients and high-quality work. We are seeking a Senior Associate to manage and supervise Student Issues and Education Disputes work, especially in Disability, SEN, and SEND Tribunal matters. While this will be the primary focus, the successful candidate will also engage in a broad range of work across the department, providing support and supervision to the entire team.

Key Responsibilities:
• Manage files and supervise junior lawyers, trainees, and paralegals as necessary
• Provide SEN advice and handle SEND Tribunal cases, including advocacy
• Engage in High Court litigation and mediation
• Offer strategic advice and support on larger, complex matters
• Interact directly with clients, managing their expectations and needs
• Oversee budgets and fees, ensuring effective management
• Contribute to business development, marketing, and networking initiatives

Qualifications and Experience:
• Senior Associate with 6+ years PQE gained in a strong regional or City firm, or a specialist practice
• Excellent client service and communication skills
• High attention to detail and ability to produce consistently high-quality documentation
• Experience in SEND work, High Court litigation, and relevant legal areas
• Flexible approach to work, ensuring client deadlines are met and communication remains clear and regular
• Proven aptitude for business development

What's on Offer:

Our Client values its employees and offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• 30 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Long Service holiday award (1 extra week every 10 years)
• Private Healthcare (after probation)
• Pension scheme (5% employer / 5% employee)
• Life Assurance (4x salary) and Permanent Health Insurance
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• Agile working policy and dress for your day policy
• Additional perks such as a gym membership and an electric car scheme

Equal Opportunities:

Our Client is committed to equal opportunity recruitment, treating all applications fairly and without discrimination based on ****** orientation, race, disability, religious beliefs, or any other protected characteristic.

How to Apply:

If you are a qualified Senior Associate with a passion for Public Law Disputes, we invite you to apply with your CV detailing your relevant experience.