Education (Equlity Law/Employment/Litigation) in Birmingham

We are working with a leading national law firm seeking an Education Associate to join its highly regarded and expanding Education team in Birmingham. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor looking to develop their career within one of the UK's most respected education practices, working alongside recognised experts advising clients across the sector.

The team acts for a broad range of education providers, including schools, academy trusts, further education institutions and universities, advising on complex regulatory, governance and contentious matters. The successful candidate will benefit from high levels of client exposure, quality work and excellent opportunities for career progression within a collaborative and supportive environment.

The Role

• Advise education sector clients on a broad range of regulatory, governance and compliance matters.
• Provide guidance on the development and implementation of statutory policies.
• Advise on equality law issues, including matters involving special educational needs and the Children and Families Act framework.
• Support clients with complaints handling, investigations and internal procedures.
• Advise academy trusts on governance and regulatory issues, including funding agreements and compliance obligations.
• Provide advice on pupil and student exclusions, admissions matters and proceedings before the Schools Adjudicator.
• Advise on Freedom of Information requests and data protection issues.
• Deliver governance support to maintained schools and academy trusts, including drafting documentation and liaising with relevant authorities.
• Review commercial contracts and advise on procurement matters.
• Assist with academy conversion projects and other education sector transactions.
• Conduct and support litigation, including Judicial Review proceedings, SEND Tribunal matters and County Court claims.
• Build strong client relationships and contribute to business development and profile-raising initiatives.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with experience in education law or a related public sector or regulatory practice area.
• Strong technical knowledge with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience advising schools, academy trusts, universities or other education sector organisations would be advantageous.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills with confidence in managing client relationships.
• Commercially aware with the ability to provide practical, solutions-focused advice.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.
• Collaborative and proactive approach with a genuine interest in developing a specialist education law practice.
• Enthusiasm for business development and long-term career progression.

Benefits

• Opportunity to join a nationally recognised and growing Education team.
• Exposure to high-quality advisory, governance and contentious work across the education sector.
• Significant responsibility and client contact from an early stage.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Clear opportunities for career development and progression.
• Competitive salary, bonus potential and comprehensive benefits package.
• Inclusive and supportive culture with a strong commitment to employee wellbeing.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor looking to establish or further develop a specialist career in education law within a leading national practice. For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Donna Jones at BCL Legal.