£65,248 per annum

Starting Salary £65,248 | Employer Pension £14,220 | Market Supplement £6,991.80 | Total Reward £86,459 

Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.
Shape the Future of Education Law in a Modern Local Authority 

Devon County Council is embarking on a significant transformation as part of Local Government Reorganisation. Our vision is to build a modern, efficient and community‑focused authority that delivers outstanding services, strong leadership and exceptional value for money. 

This is your opportunity to join a forward‑thinking council at the heart of a thriving South West region — and to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of legal services across the education landscape. 

About the Role 
As Principal Lawyer (Education) at Devon County Council, you will lead a specialist legal team providing expert advice, representation and strategic leadership across all areas of education law. 

You will oversee complex, high‑profile matters including: 

• SEND law and the Children & Families Act 2014 
• Education Act responsibilities 
• School admissions and appeals 
• Exclusions and disciplinary processes 
• School governance and constitutional matters 
• Judicial review and complex litigation 
• Education‑related safeguarding and regulatory matters 

You will be responsible for planning, leading and managing a team of lawyers, Legal Proceedings and Penalty Notice Officers  and support staff, ensuring high‑quality, timely and effective legal support to the Council’s Education & Skills portfolio, schools, and wider children’s services. 

Working with senior leaders, headteachers, multi‑academy trusts, external lawyers, the judiciary and government bodies, you will influence policy, support major decision‑making, and ensure that governance, compliance and statutory duties are fulfilled at the highest standard. 

About You 
You will be an experienced solicitor, barrister (with rights to conduct litigation) or CILEX lawyer with litigation rights, with a strong track record advising on and managing complex education matters. 

You will bring: 

• Significant expertise in education law, particularly SEND, admissions, exclusions, school governance, and judicial review. 
• Leadership capability, with experience managing legal teams, coaching staff and ensuring consistent, high‑quality legal work. 
• Influencing and negotiation skills, with credibility when working with senior managers, councillors, external bodies and the judiciary. 
• Strategic insight, able to guide senior decision‑makers and anticipate legal, political and reputational risk. 
• Resilience and sound judgement, able to work in fast‑paced and sensitive environments where risks and public scrutiny are high. 
• Commitment to public service, supporting positive outcomes for children, families and educational communities across Devon. 

Why Join Devon County Council? 
Joining us means contributing to a modernising council committed to excellence, transformation and strong leadership. 

You will: 

• Shape legal practice and policy at a time of significant organisational and sector change. 
• Lead impactful work, influencing outcomes for children, families and schools across the county. 
• Work on complex, high‑profile cases, often with regional and national implications. 
• Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, a substantial pension and a competitive total reward package. 
• Be part of a supportive, collaborative legal service, with opportunities for innovation, professional development and leadership. 
• Join a service that values inclusion, continuous improvement and high professional standards. 

Devon County Council Strategic Plan 2025–2029  
Everything we do is guided by our vision for a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Devon.   

Our six strategic priorities are:  

• Positive futures for our young people  
• Supporting independence and dignity  
• Continuous improvement of services  
• A green Devon for future generations  
• Economic inclusion and local prosperity  
• Stronger communities and safer places  

For an informal discussion please contact Andrew Yendole andrew.yendole@devon.gov.uk 

How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed. 

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply. 

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages. 
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.  
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. 
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. 
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. 
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). 
• This role requires a DBS disclosure. 

Closing date: 16 March 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.