The Role We are looking for an experienced Education Lawyer at Senior Associate level to join a growing and highly regarded Education team. This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor with 6+ years' PQE and strong experience within the higher education sector to advise universities, colleges and other education organisations on complex and often high-profile legal and regulatory matters. The role offers significant exposure to senior leadership teams and a varied caseload covering education regulation, governance, student matters, safeguarding, data protection and litigation**. Key Responsibilities - Advising universities, colleges and other education organisations on regulatory and governance obligations. - Advising international pathway providers on arrangements with universities and Office for Students registration. - Advising on complex safeguarding issues, investigations and related litigation. - Handling **data protection, Freedom of Information, data breaches and data-sharing** matters. - Advising on Freedom of Speech, no-platforming and related disputes or litigation. - Advising on student-related disputes, including matters involving students as consumers. - Advising on education-sector mergers and acquisitions, including transactions involving potential insolvency or distressed organisations. - Advising educational institutions and charities on safeguarding obligations and investigations. - Supporting senior leadership teams in responding to historic and current safeguarding concerns involving staff, students and volunteers. - Managing sensitive and high-profile matters involving senior stakeholders. - Developing strong client relationships and contributing to business development and sector-focused initiatives. - Contributing to thought leadership and keeping up to date with developments across the higher education sector. Skills & Experience - Qualified Solicitor with 6+ years' PQE or equivalent relevant qualification. - Strong experience advising universities, colleges or other education-sector organisations - Demonstrable knowledge of the higher education sector including current regulatory and policy developments. - Strong experience across areas such as governance, investigations, student matters, safeguarding and data protection - Experience handling sensitive, complex or high-profile matters involving senior stakeholders. - Experience of litigation and contentious matters would be highly desirable. - Strong commercial judgement and an ability to assess and manage legal and reputational risk. - Excellent communication and client management skills. Should you have any questions or wish to apply please do not hesitate to contact Clear Legal and Financial. Please Note: Due to the number of applications we receive we may be unable to respond to every application directly. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful