Senior/Principal Associate in Belsize Park

We are hiring an experienced Commercial Solicitor with a specialism within the Education sector to join our growing, leading national team.

The role offers an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated commercial lawyer to join our dynamic and growing commercial education team. We are a leading national law firm with a market‐leading reputation in the education sector, acting as trusted adviser to universities, corporates focusing on the sector, schools and educational charities, nationally and internationally. We are committed to providing high‐quality, practical legal advice that supports our clients' missions and values. Our clients include over 100 universities and many world‐leading sector‐focused corporates.

This role will ideally be located in either our Leeds, Cambridge, Birmingham or Manchester office.

The person will have a strong background within commercial law, with 6+ years PQE, and either solid past experience of acting for clients in the education sector or an enthusiasm and willingness to advise such clients. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to work either within a team or independently.

Depending on your PQE you will be expected to perform (or develop your skills) as follows:

• Client service
  • Deliver outstanding client service to both internal and external clients to encourage client retention and referrals.
  • Have a sound understanding of clients' legal, commercial and service requirements.
  • Have effective client relationship and client service skills.
  • Willingness to take initiative and to participate in marketing activities.
  • Organisation and prioritisation – keen to support colleagues and work as part of a supportive team, including collaborating with colleagues across our thriving sectors.
  • Able to cope with the demands that tight timescales can bring and thrive in a busy and dynamic environment.
• Technical excellence
  • Have strong technical competence, experience and legal knowledge in charity law.
  • Deliver high quality and commercially focused advice.
  • Have excellent drafting and written communication skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Deliver training to clients and target clients.

The activities will suit ambitious commercial lawyers who have experience and/or a keen interest in advising clients operating in the education sector on high‐profile and interesting projects, and who want to be part of a truly collaborative and forward‐thinking firm.

You will be involved in a wide range of matters, such as:

• Advising on and negotiating the suite of commercial agreements required for university overseas branch campuses in locations such as India, China and Southeast Asia;
• Advising on all forms of collaboration, partnership and joint venture agreements;
• Advising on nomination, validation and franchise agreements;
• Advising on a wide range of commercial agreements (including outsourcing agreements) on behalf of sector clients.

You will work closely with our national education sector team and with colleagues in our commercial and corporate teams in particular.

We offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Submit your application as early as possible.

Office locations: Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, Manchester.