Associate

About us

Stone King is an ambitious and genuinely purpose-driven firm specialising in the Public, Charity, Education, Faith, and Private Client sectors. We also work in the Business & Social Enterprise sector, particularly where those entities are themselves mission led. This firm puts public interest at the heart of all it does and joining Stone King means your working life will make a difference. 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

This is a rare opportunity to work very closely with a Band 1, nationally recognised public law specialist at a genuinely exciting point in our journey. You’ll gain hands‑on experience across a rich and meaningful portfolio of work. Our clients span core public bodies, national charities, faith-based organisations, professional and other regulators, and the education sector, reflecting the breadth and societal importance of the issues we tackle every day. If you’re driven by purposeful work, this role offers the chance to make a real and measurable difference to communities, public bodies and the wider sector.

In this role, you’ll support clients across the public and regulatory landscape, whether that means helping them uphold robust governance and lawful decision-making, or acting for individuals and organisations seeking to challenge those systems. You’ll contribute to impactful, high-profile matters in the Tribunals and the Courts, with the opportunity to influence better outcomes for communities and causes that matter. Apart from its public sector clients, our team is also trusted by many well-known charities and third-sector organisations, and we’re proud to support their campaigning objectives.

Location

The role can be based in any of our six offices (Bath, Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, London, or Manchester) and hybrid working will be available.

Reasons to apply

• Consistent exposure to high‑quality, meaningful and impactful public & regulatory work, while developing legal expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Clear, structured career development pathway and support.
• Excellent benefits for our people, with a focus on wellbeing and development at the forefront.
• To be part of an ambitious and collaborative national firm where our culture and values are at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on a wide range of Public and regulatory law matters including Human Rights, Freedom of Information and EIR work.
• Judicial review and statutory appeals.
• Advising on investigation and statutory and non-statutory inquiries.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including other legal professionals to deliver comprehensive legal services to clients.
• Supervision of team members and providing guidance/support on matters where required.
• Effectively manage an individual caseload.
• Attend to clients of the Firm in the office or elsewhere if needed.
• Work in a collegiate and collaborative way within an immediate Team and wider Firm environment.
• Communicate promptly and effectively both internally to colleagues and externally to clients.
• Maintain your continuing professional development requirements and take an active interest in furthering your knowledge within the field of law.
• To actively get involved in BD & Marketing initiatives.
• To carry out your work for both colleagues and clients to the highest possible standard, having regard to the Firm’s standards, procedures and core values.
• To regularly attend and be involved in preparation for team meetings.

Requirements

Essential

• A Qualified Solicitor or Barrister.
• Track record of commitment to or work in the public & regulatory advisory and litigation sphere.

Desirable

• A degree with a 2:1 classification or equivalent is preferred. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse educational backgrounds who can demonstrate relevant skills or experience.
• Previous experience working for or in relation to the functions of public bodies (this could include work re central or local government, NDPBs, quasi-public bodies or the third sector).
• Judicial review experience.
• Previous experience in Business Development activities and initiatives.

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.
• 28 days holiday (in addition to statutory UK holidays).
• Additional day allocated for CSR activities per annum.

Closing date: 22 February 2025.