Senior/Principal Associate – Commercial Education
Location: Cambridge
Competitive Salary & Benefits
A story of growth, purpose and sector-leading impact.
A national firm with a genuine heartbeat in the education sector is searching for its next Senior or Principal Associate, someone who thrives on complex commercial work, values long-term client partnerships and wants to shape the future of education law. This is an opportunity to step into a team trusted by over 100 universities and world-leading education-focused corporates, delivering advice that influences institutions across the UK and internationally.
The Role – Where Your Expertise Meets Meaningful Work
This is not a typical commercial role. It sits at the centre of a thriving national education practice, advising on high-profile, strategically important projects that help universities and educational organisations grow, innovate and operate globally.
You will work on a diverse, stimulating caseload, including:
- Negotiating commercial agreements for overseas university branch campuses in India, China and Southeast Asia
- Advising on collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures
- Drafting nomination, validation and franchise agreements
- Handling a wide range of commercial contracts, including outsourcing arrangements
- You’ll collaborate closely with the national education sector team, as well as commercial and corporate colleagues across the firm joining a group that values shared success and collective expertise.
The Person – A Commercial LAWYER with Curiosity and Drive
The firm is seeking a commercial Solicitor with 6+ years’ PQE, ideally with experience advising education-sector clients—or a genuine enthusiasm to develop in this space.
You will bring:
- Strong commercial law experience and technical competence
- Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail
- The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative national team
- A proactive, client-focused mindset
- Confidence in delivering commercially focused, practical advice
- Willingness to support business development and client training
- Experience in charity law is advantageous, reflecting the nature of many education-sector clients
Why This Role Stands Out
This is a role for someone who wants to be part of a forward-thinking, people-centred firm, one that invests in its Lawyers and empowers them to achieve more.
The role offers:
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- A culture built on ambition, openness, care and collaboration
- Recognition as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and Platinum Investors in people firm
- The chance to work with a top-50 UK law firm that genuinely values its people and its purpose
- Here, you’re not just joining a team, you’re joining a firm that believes in achieving more, together
A Final Note
Applications may close early due to high interest. If this role speaks to your experience and ambition, early application is strongly encouraged.
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