Senior/Principal Associate – Commercial Education

Location: Cambridge

Competitive Salary & Benefits

A story of growth, purpose and sector-leading impact.

A national firm with a genuine heartbeat in the education sector is searching for its next Senior or Principal Associate, someone who thrives on complex commercial work, values long-term client partnerships and wants to shape the future of education law. This is an opportunity to step into a team trusted by over 100 universities and world-leading education-focused corporates, delivering advice that influences institutions across the UK and internationally.

The Role – Where Your Expertise Meets Meaningful Work

This is not a typical commercial role. It sits at the centre of a thriving national education practice, advising on high-profile, strategically important projects that help universities and educational organisations grow, innovate and operate globally.

You will work on a diverse, stimulating caseload, including:

• Negotiating commercial agreements for overseas university branch campuses in India, China and Southeast Asia
• Advising on collaborations, partnerships and joint ventures
• Drafting nomination, validation and franchise agreements
• Handling a wide range of commercial contracts, including outsourcing arrangements
• You’ll collaborate closely with the national education sector team, as well as commercial and corporate colleagues across the firm joining a group that values shared success and collective expertise.

The Person – A Commercial LAWYER with Curiosity and Drive

The firm is seeking a commercial Solicitor with 6+ years’ PQE, ideally with experience advising education-sector clients—or a genuine enthusiasm to develop in this space.

You will bring:

• Strong commercial law experience and technical competence
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail
• The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative national team
• A proactive, client-focused mindset
• Confidence in delivering commercially focused, practical advice
• Willingness to support business development and client training
• Experience in charity law is advantageous, reflecting the nature of many education-sector clients

Why This Role Stands Out

This is a role for someone who wants to be part of a forward-thinking, people-centred firm, one that invests in its Lawyers and empowers them to achieve more.

The role offers:

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• A culture built on ambition, openness, care and collaboration
• Recognition as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and Platinum Investors in people firm
• The chance to work with a top-50 UK law firm that genuinely values its people and its purpose
• Here, you’re not just joining a team, you’re joining a firm that believes in achieving more, together

A Final Note

Applications may close early due to high interest. If this role speaks to your experience and ambition, early application is strongly encouraged.

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