Senior Associate - Education Law




Location: London or Oxford




Salary: London £90,000-£120,000 | Oxford £75,000-£90,000, depending on experience




Working arrangement: Hybrid - 50% remote working




Experience: 6+ years' PQE



Our client, a highly regarded UK law firm, is seeking a Senior Associate to join its established Education team in London or Oxford.



You will advise universities, colleges and other education organisations on complex governance, regulatory, safeguarding and student-related matters. The role offers varied, high-quality work and close involvement with senior leadership teams across the higher education sector.




The role

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising education institutions on governance and regulatory obligations.


• Supporting international pathway providers with university arrangements and Office for Students registration.


• Advising on safeguarding obligations, investigations and related litigation, including historic and current concerns involving staff, students and volunteers.


• Handling data protection, freedom of information, data breaches and data-sharing matters.


• Advising on freedom of speech, no-platforming and associated disputes.


• Managing student-related litigation, including consumer claims.


• Providing regulatory advice on education-sector mergers, acquisitions and distressed transactions.


• Contributing to client relationships, thought leadership and wider business development.

About you

You will be a qualified solicitor, or hold an equivalent relevant qualification, with at least six years' post-qualification experience and a strong track record advising higher education institutions, colleges or other education organisations.



You will bring expertise in governance, investigations, student matters and data protection, alongside sound commercial judgement and confidence handling sensitive matters involving senior stakeholders. An interest in higher education policy and developments across the sector is essential.




Location and flexibility

The position can be based in London or Oxford, with 50% remote working and the remaining time spent in your chosen office.