Senior Associate – Education Law

The Role We are looking for an experienced Education Lawyer at Senior Associate level to join a growing and highly regarded Education team. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor with 6+ years' PQE and strong experience within the higher education sector to advise universities, colleges and other education organisations on complex and often high‑profile legal and regulatory matters. The role offers significant exposure to senior leadership teams and a varied caseload covering education regulation, governance, student matters, safeguarding, data protection and litigation. Key Responsibilities Advising universities, colleges and other education organisations on regulatory and governance obligations. Advising international pathway providers on arrangements with universities and Office for Students registration. Advising on complex safeguarding issues, investigations and related litigation. Handling data protection, Freedom of Information, data breaches and data-sharing matters. Advising on Freedom of Speech, no-platforming and related disputes or litigation. Advising on student-related disputes, including matters involving students as consumers. Advising on education-sector mergers and acquisitions, including transactions involving potential insolvency or distressed organisations. Advising educational institutions and charities on safeguarding obligations and investigations. Supporting senior leadership teams in responding to historic and current safeguarding concerns involving staff, students and volunteers. Managing sensitive and high‑profile matters involving senior stakeholders. Developing strong client relationships and contributing to business development and sector‑focused initiatives. Contributing to thought leadership and keeping up to date with developments across the higher education sector. Skills