At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate education projects, advising schools on mergers and strategic collaborations.
- Company: Award-winning legal firm with a focus on the education sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, bonus scheme, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and mentor junior colleagues while growing your professional network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in corporate law with strong transactional experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Our award‑winning Education team is continuing to expand its corporate offering, and we are looking to recruit a senior solicitor (8+ PQE) to play a key role in the next phase of the team’s growth. This is a strategic hire – the successful candidate will work closely with the Partner leading the corporate education practice, supporting the delivery of high‑quality work while also helping to drive the practice forward through business development and client relationship growth.
Education plays a vital role in everyone’s life, and advising schools on their long‑term future – through mergers, acquisitions and strategic collaborations – is both fascinating and highly rewarding. This role offers the opportunity to combine high‑quality transactional work with genuine sector specialism and a visible external profile.
- Sales and acquisitions of independent schools and commercial school groups
- Charitable mergers, restructurings and collaborations
- Strategic projects supporting long‑term sustainability and growth
- Corporate governance and constitutional matters
- Collaborate with partners and colleagues across the wider sector team to deliver seamless client service
- Help grow the practice by getting involved with business development initiatives and build strong referral relationships externally and internally
- Contribute to the team’s sector profile, including events, thought leadership and client training
- Take ownership of client relationships and help mentor more junior team members
You will regularly work with Boards of Governors, trustees, Heads, Bursars, school proprietors and directors, building trusted relationships and providing pragmatic, commercially focused advice tailored to the realities of the education sector.
About you:
- Strong corporate experience at Legal Director or Partner level
- A solid grounding in transactions, with confidence running matters day‑to‑day
- Experience of, or a genuine interest in, the education and/or charity sector
- Confidence going out to win work, develop contacts and convert opportunities
- Excellent technical ability and drafting skills
- Strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic mindset
- A collaborative leadership style and enthusiasm for mentoring junior colleagues
Benefits:
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Sight tests / Glasses discounts
- Bonus scheme
- Electric vehicle scheme
- Scottish Widows Pension Scheme
- 28 days annual leave (plus public holidays)
- Happy People / Perks at Work benefits portal
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Life Assurance
- 1/3 gym membership contribution
- Flu vaccinations
HCR is an equal opportunities employer and is an armed forces‑friendly organisation.
Senior Associate/Partner in Cheltenham employer: PT group
Join our award-winning Education team in Cheltenham, where we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that values professional growth and development. As a Senior Associate/Partner, you will not only engage in high-quality corporate transactions but also have the opportunity to mentor junior colleagues and contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of education. With a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and a generous leave policy, we are committed to ensuring our employees thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate/Partner in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Consider writing articles or giving talks on topics related to corporate law in education. This not only boosts your profile but also demonstrates your passion and knowledge in the field, making you more attractive to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search. Instead of waiting for roles to be advertised, reach out directly to firms you admire. Express your interest in their work and see if they have any upcoming opportunities. We love seeing candidates take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to leverage our website! We regularly post openings that might not be listed elsewhere. Keep an eye on our listings and apply directly through us to increase your chances of landing that dream role in the education sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate/Partner in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that align with the Senior Associate/Partner role. Highlight your corporate experience and any relevant work in the education or charity sector to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the education sector and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's successful transactions or business development initiatives, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing Education team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PT group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your corporate law knowledge, especially in the education sector. Familiarise yourself with recent trends, key cases, and any relevant legislation that could impact schools and charities. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific transactions you've handled, particularly those involving mergers or acquisitions in the education sector. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges faced, and how you navigated them. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in running matters day-to-day.
✨Build Rapport
Since you'll be working closely with various stakeholders like Boards of Governors and school proprietors, practice building rapport. Think of examples where you've successfully developed client relationships and how you can apply that to this role. A friendly, approachable attitude goes a long way!
✨Business Development Mindset
Be prepared to discuss your ideas for business development initiatives. Think about how you can contribute to growing the practice and building strong referral relationships. Showing that you have a proactive approach to winning work will set you apart from other candidates.
