Solicitor (Litigation) at Education Authority Northern Ireland

Dundonald, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

30 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

30 Jan, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Public Law, Legal Advice, Legal Representation, Drafting Pleadings, Settlement Negotiations, Legal Research, Case Management, Advocacy, Judicial Review, Tribunal Representation, Contract Law, Procurement Law, Expert Opinion Instruction, Interlocutory Matters

Industry

Education Administration Programs

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal Solicitor (Claims and Insurance) JOB PURPOSE: The post holder will be required to carry out professional duties as a qualified solicitor providing legal advice and representation in relation to an assigned case load with particular emphasis on civil litigation matters but also dealing with employment law, public law matters and other matters set out below for the Education Authority and other public bodies to whom the Education Authority Solicitors provides a service. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The Education Authority (“EA”) was established under the Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 and became operational on 1 April 2015. It is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Education and the Department for the Economy. EA is responsible for ensuring that high quality nursery, primary and secondary education services are available to meet the needs of children and young people as well as the provision of efficient and effective youth services. These services were previously delivered by five Education and Library Boards (ELBs). The organisation employs over 40,000 people across Northern Ireland in a wide variety of roles including teachers in controlled schools, school-based support staff and staff in administrative headquarters. The organisation is responsible for a budget of approximately £1.5 billion recurrent, £300 million capital, £100 million annually managed expenditure and for services to over 1000 schools. EA also has responsibility for the funding of the Voluntary Grammar School / Grant- Maintained Integrated sector. The work EA does impacts the lives of tens of thousands of children, young people and their families every day. The services EA provides are essential in supporting, encouraging and facilitating learning within our communities to develop generations of young people who are equipped to succeed in life and work in the modern world. As a public sector organisation, EA must continue to deliver these vital services in a challenging environment of increasing financial pressure and under intense public scrutiny. EDUCATION AUTHORITY SOLICITORS The Education Authority Solicitors seeks to provide high quality and efficient legal services to enable the Education Authority and other clients to operate effectively within law, maximise the value of legal services provided, minimise legal risk and achieve best legal outcomes. The unit was originally set up in 1973 when the five former education and library boards were established. It has currently a complement of 12 solicitors (full time and part time) and 8 administrative staff and is based in Dundonald. EA Solicitors also provides legal advice and representation to LibrariesNI and the majority of Grant Maintained Integrated schools (both primary and secondary). THE ROLE OF THE LITIGATION SOLICITOR The appointee will provide legal advice and representation in relation to an assigned litigation case load to EA and other public bodies to whom we provide a service. The appointee may also deal with employment law, education law and other matters. Working for EA’s in house legal team offers a different perspective and intellectual stimulus. As Litigation Solicitor the appointee will have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to EA as we continue the process of transformation and seeks fundamentally to transform education services for the benefit of future generations of children and young people. SUMMARY OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Carry out professional duties as a qualified Solicitor in connection with an assigned caseload primarily relating to the matters set out below. Undertake as directed civil litigation matters (both Plaintiff and Defendant) including carriage of Plaintiff and Defendant claims arising from contract, provision of education, property, procurement and other civil matters. Assist and undertake as directed the defence of claims for unfair dismissal, unlawful discrimination and other employment matters before Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunals, including such personal advocacy as may be required. Assist and undertake as directed the defence of Judicial Review applications as well as applications to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal for Northern Ireland (‘SENDIST’). In undertaking the above matters: all relevant processes including taking witness statements, instructing and assessing expert opinion and other relevant evidence, drafting pleadings and other Court / Tribunal documentation, attending consultations, conduct of interlocutory matters, researching the law, undertaking settlement negotiations within authorised limits and either appearing personally to present evidence and legal arguments to the Court or Tribunal, or when appropriate instructing Counsel to do so. Provide accurate and timely legal advice on matters relating to the functions and exercise of the powers and duties of the Education Authority. Interpret legislation and the requirements of administrative law to Education Authority officers, and other bodies and to draft associated reports. Carry out all the foregoing duties in a proactive manner, complying with all relevant time limits and Rules of Court. Assist and/or provide such training on legal matters to Education Authority officers and other bodies as may be required. Undertake such continuing legal education and/or professional development courses as may be required. Undertake such other duties relevant to EA Solicitors as may be required from time to time. Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the Education Authority. This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here. PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant. 2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise. 3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. 4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. 5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. 6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria. Section 1 - Essential Criteria The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Professional Membership Be a qualified Solicitor entitled to practice in Northern Ireland and hold a practising certificate issued by the Law Society of NI or be in a position to do so by 1 April 2026 AND Hold a bachelor’s degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification Shortlisting by Application Form Experience Have a minimum of three years’ demonstrable post qualification experience in a legal practice in civil litigation matters (i.e. over 75%25 of own caseload) before both the County Court and High Court, including taking a significant leading role in High Court cases Shortlisting by Application Form Other Demonstrable commitment to continuing professional development to ensure competence to practice as a Solicitor in Northern Ireland The successful candidate will be required: to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; OR be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion. Shortlisting by Application Form Section 2 - Essential Criteria The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Knowledge Demonstrable, comprehensive and up to date knowledge of the following areas: The practice and procedure associated with High Court / County Court civil litigation in Northern Ireland The requirements of and issues arising from UKGDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 Interview Skills/ Abilities In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of: Evidence of excellent analytical and problem resolution skills to ensure legal/statutory compliance and limit organisational exposure The ability and skills to operate as an effective and resilient advocate in Courts and Tribunals Evidence of excellent relationship management and team skills Evidence of highly effective oral communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills Proven ability to provide clear, concise, well researched written legal advice Effective negotiating skills Well-developed personal organisational and case management skills to enable a demanding caseload to be dealt with in a timely and effective manner Interview Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here. Interview Section 3 - Desirable Criteria Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Experience Have a minimum of three years’ post qualification demonstrable experience in a legal practice in employment law, and/or education law, including taking a significant leading role in employment law and/or education law related litigation Have a minimum of one year’s demonstrable experience of providing legal advice and representation in civil litigation or employment law to a public body or a large employer (i.e. 100 or more employees) Shortlisting by Application Form Qualifications Hold a post graduate qualification in one of the following areas relevant to the work of the Education Authority Solicitors (e.g. education law, employment law, public law, commercial law or human rights) Shortlisting by Application Form Our Values Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice. APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Responsibilities

The role involves carrying out professional duties as a qualified solicitor, providing legal advice and representation for an assigned caseload primarily focused on civil litigation matters for the Education Authority and other public bodies. Key duties include handling claims arising from contract, education provision, property, and procurement, as well as assisting with employment and judicial review defense.