Senior Associate Solicitor - Education in Manchester

About Us

Stone King is an ambitious and purpose-driven firm. Our collaborative culture and core values are intertwined with our ethos of doing the right thing by our clients, communities, and our people. Our passion for the sectors we work in and the purpose-driven work we do with our clients has resulted in SK being recognised as national leaders in our specialist fields across the country.

The opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Associate to join Stone King's nationally recognised Education team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on some of the most significant corporate, strategic and transformational projects across the education sector, advising a prestigious client base of independent schools and educational organisations. Working within our Tier 1 ranked Education team, you will provide expert legal advice on complex transactions and projects, build strong client relationships, and support the development of junior colleagues. The role is ideally suited to an experienced corporate lawyer with M&A experience who combines strong technical expertise, commercial awareness and leadership skills with a genuine interest in supporting purpose-driven organisations through periods of change and growth. Based in one of our nationwide offices, with hybrid working available, this position offers the opportunity to work alongside leading sector specialists, enhance your professional profile and become a trusted adviser to some of the UK's leading educational institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects, transactions and strategic initiatives, ensuring exceptional client service, commercial outcomes and effective matter management.
• Meet or exceed expectations for recording chargeable and non-chargeable time, monitoring performance, managing budgets and driving profitability and efficiency.
• Build, maintain and strengthen long-term client relationships, generating new business and identifying opportunities for further support and growth.
• Advise education sector clients on corporate transactions, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic projects, while supporting a broad range of education and charity sector work.
• Supervise, mentor, develop and effectively delegate to junior colleagues, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration and high performance.
• Work collaboratively across teams and the wider Firm to deliver integrated, sector-focused advice and services.
• Take a leading role in business development activities, including networking, thought leadership, marketing initiatives, seminars, workshops, pitches and tenders.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the practice by identifying new markets, service lines, opportunities and innovative client solutions.
• Communicate promptly, professionally and effectively with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Maintain the highest standards of client service and technical excellence, in line with the Firm's values, procedures and quality expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legal and professional standards.
• Stay abreast of legal, regulatory and market developments through continuous professional development, contributing to the ongoing success and reputation of the Firm's leading Education practice.

Requirements

Essential

• The ideal candidate will have relevant experience working on corporate or education M&A transactions and have an interest in Education law and Independent Schools.
• Experience of supervision and development of other team members is essential.
• Previous experience of pro-active business development and marketing; ability to demonstrate generation of new revenue streams and be able to promote the firm and cross-sell other specialisms internally and externally.
• Candidates should be well-organised, technically proficient and a leader.
• Have excellent communication skills, addressing any potentially difficult conversations promptly and with skill.
• Proven experience in independently managing projects and cross-team working, demonstrating strong organisational skills and good financial hygiene (e.g. accurate time recording, billing discipline, and cost awareness).

Desirable

• Experience in Education and Charity Law would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and confidence to challenge constructively and offer alternative approaches.
• Solutions focused approach with drive to improve processes and outcomes.
• Strong organisation skills, taking full ownership of tasks and ensuring delivery within agreed deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas and influence decision-making effectively.
• Adaptable approach in managing workload and supporting others.
• Ability to work collaboratively and team-first attitude.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Individual differences are embraced at Stone King, and we strive to create an environment in which people feel supported and able to be themselves. We are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment that supports the growth and development for all. We are proud to be signatories of the Mindful Business Charter, the Race Fairness Commitment, and the Age Friendly Employer Pledge, and we are a Disability Confident Employer. Stone King LLP is committed to offering an interview to any job applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role as defined by the job description and person specification. A full copy of the person specification and job description can be provided by contacting our Recruitment team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Profit Share Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life assurance (4 x salary)
• Pension scheme
• 31 days holiday (in addition to statutory UK holidays)
• Additional day allocated for CSR activities per annum

Closing date 17 July 2026. Adverts normally close at midday on the closing date, however vacancies may close early if sufficient applications have been received. Therefore we would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.