Senior Associate Education

We are currently looking for a Senior Associate specialising in education law to join our team. The successful candidate would be located in one of our UK offices

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

1. Support institutions in navigating regulatory and governance obligations affecting the education sector
2. Advising international pathway providers on (a) their arrangements with universities (b) registration with the Office for Students
3. Safeguarding challenges and related litigation
4. Data protection work together with freedom of Information data breaches and data sharing
5. Advice around Freedom of Speech/No platforming and related litigation
6. Litigation from the student as a consumer
7. Regulatory advice on mergers and acquisitions of clients in the education sector including with potential insolvencies and stress purchases
8. Advise educational institutions and charities on safeguarding obligations and investigations.
9. Support leadership teams in responding to historic and current safeguarding concerns involving staff students and volunteers.
10. Contribute to sector thought leadership and client engagement initiatives

1. Interest and knowledge in Higher Education policy developments in the sector sector news etc.
2. Minimum 6 years of post-qualification experience.
3. SRA qualified (or other relevant qualification)
4. Demonstrable track record advising higher education institutions colleges or other educational organisations.
5. Strong expertise ingovernance investigations student matters and data protection.
6. Experience handling sensitive and high-profile matters involving senior stakeholders.
7. Strong commercial judgement and risk-management capability.
8. Can commute into the office 50% of the time (we have a 50% hybrid working policy)

At our firm Diversity Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firms commitment initiatives and Pennclusion committeeshere.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees at all stages of the recruitment process and employment regardless of age gender reassignment marriage or civil partnership pregnancy and maternity disability race (including colour nationality ethnic or national origin) religion or belief sex sexual orientation gender identity gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment please contact