At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate legal projects in the education sector, advising on mergers and acquisitions.
- Company: Award-winning firm with a strong focus on education and corporate law.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, bonus schemes, and generous leave.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with opportunities for professional development and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education by guiding schools through strategic growth and change.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE in corporate law with a passion for education and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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 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 legal work 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 bonus scheme, 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
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or giving talks on topics related to corporate law in education. This not only showcases your knowledge but also helps you establish yourself as a thought leader in the field. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by potential employers!
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights, engage with others in your field, and highlight your achievements. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and reflects your passion for the education sector. It’s all about making a memorable impression!
✨Apply Directly Through Us
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to stand out. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team, so take that leap!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate/Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Associate/Partner role. Highlight your corporate experience and any relevant work in the education 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 wins, 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 best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our award-winning 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 as it relates to the education sector. Familiarise yourself with recent cases and trends in mergers and acquisitions within schools. This will show that you're not just a legal expert but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in running transactions and managing client relationships. Be ready to explain how you've contributed to business development initiatives and how you can bring that expertise to their team.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders like Boards of Governors and school proprietors, practice building rapport during your interview. Use active listening and engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current projects and challenges.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a senior solicitor, you'll be expected to mentor junior colleagues. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully guided others in the past. Highlight your collaborative approach and enthusiasm for fostering a supportive team environment.
