At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the state funded schools practice and advise on public law matters.
- Company: Top-ranked national education practice with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for leadership.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while shaping future leaders.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in education law and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
A leading national education practice is seeking an experienced senior education lawyer to take on a strategic leadership role within its Regulatory, Risk & Resolution team. This is a rare opportunity to lead the state funded schools offering, advising academies, multi academy trusts and maintained schools on complex public law matters.
As the State Funded Schools Lead, you will act as a senior figure within the Bristol based education team, providing high level advice on public law issues affecting academies and state schools. Responsibilities include:
- Leading the state funded schools (AMS) practice
- Advising MATs, SATs and state schools on a broad range of public law matters
- Handling registration and inspection issues, admissions and appeals, governance and complaints
- Advising on SEND, discrimination, pupil discipline and safeguarding
- Managing investigations, decision making processes, civil claims and judicial reviews
- Supporting clients through critical incidents and risk management
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across regulatory, commercial and litigation teams
- Taking on a visible leadership role within a growing and dynamic national practice
This role is suited to a senior education specialist with:
- Significant experience advising state funded schools, MATs and SATs
- Strong grounding in public law issues relevant to the education sector
- Expertise across key areas including:
- Registration and inspection
- Admissions and appeals
- Governance and complaints
- SEND and discrimination
- Pupil discipline and safeguarding
- Investigations and decision making
- Civil claims and judicial review
- Critical incident management
- An established sector reputation and strong professional network
- Excellent communication, leadership and relationship building skills
- Experience managing complex matters and working collaboratively across teams
- A following would be highly beneficial
The successful candidate will join:
- A top ranked national education practice with a strong reputation across the sector
- A well established client base spanning the full education ecosystem
- A collaborative, non hierarchical culture with a genuine focus on people and relationships
- A dynamic team recognised in legal directories and sector publications
- A supportive environment with opportunities for visible leadership and strategic influence
Working Pattern
- Hybrid working model
- Expectation of 2-3 days per week in the Bristol office
- Flexibility around working arrangements to support work life balance
Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds. Adjustments can be made throughout the recruitment process to support individual needs. At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace.
Education Partner - State Funded Schools Lead (Bristol) employer: Chadwick Nott
Chadwick Nott is an exceptional employer that prioritises both professional growth and a supportive work culture. As a Private Client Partner in Dorset, you will enjoy the autonomy to manage your own caseload while receiving mentorship opportunities to develop junior lawyers, all within a diverse and inclusive environment that values high-quality client service.
