Education Senior Associate 6 years+ PQE Solicitor NEW

Our client is seeking a Senior Associate specialising in education law to join their team. The successful candidate would be located in one of our client’s UK offices.

The Opportunity

This role provides strategic legal advice to higher education institutions, colleges and related organisations on a broad range of governance, student, regulatory, and data protection matters. The role requires a deep understanding of the education sector, supporting institutions through complex governance, safeguarding, and student-related challenges.

Responsibilities would include

• Supporting institutions in navigating regulatory and governance obligations affecting the education sector;
• Advising international pathway providers on (a) their arrangements with universities, (b) registration with the Office for Students;
• Safeguarding challenges and related litigation;
• Data protection work together with freedom of Information, data breaches and data sharing
• Advice around Freedom of Speech/No platforming and related litigation;
• Litigation from the student as a consumer;
• Regulatory advice on mergers and acquisitions of clients in the education sector including with potential insolvencies and stress purchases;
• Advising educational institutions and charities on safeguarding obligations and investigations.

The Candidate

• Minimum 6 years’ post-qualification experience as a solicitor in England & Wales (or other relevant qualification).
• Interest and knowledge in Higher Education policy, developments in the sector, sector news.
• Demonstrable track record advising higher education institutions, colleges, or other educational organisations.
• Strong expertise in governance, investigations, student matters, and data protection.
• Experience handling sensitive and high-profile matters involving senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial judgement and risk-management capability.

Our client offers a competitive package and a 50% hybrid working policy.