Associate Solicitor

Stone King LLP; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Stone King LLP’s Education team is seeking an experienced Solicitor to advise independent schools and educational organisations on corporate transactions, mergers and transformational projects. You will work from a nationwide office, with hybrid working, delivering high-quality legal advice as part of a Tier 1 ranked Education practice.

You’ll combine technical excellence with commercial awareness, lead junior colleagues and contribute to growth through client relationships and strategic

Qualifications

• Experience advising on corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, or complex project work.
• Strong interest in the education sector and the challenges facing independent schools and educational organisations.
• Proven ability to generate opportunities and build lasting client relationships.
• Experience leading client meetings, managing projects independently and collaborating effectively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Leading complex projects, transactions and strategic initiatives while delivering exceptional client service and commercial outcomes.
• Advising independent schools and educational organisations on corporate transactions, mergers, acquisitions and transformational projects.
• Building and strengthening long-term client relationships while identifying opportunities to support growth and development.
• Working closely with colleagues across the Education, Charity and wider firm teams to deliver joined-up, sector-focused advice.
• Supervising, mentoring and developing junior colleagues, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
• Taking a leading role in business development activities, including networking events, seminars, workshops, pitches and tenders.
• Contributing to the strategic growth of the practice through identifying new opportunities, service offerings and innovative client solutions.
• Managing matters efficiently, ensuring strong financial management, budgeting and profitability.
• Maintaining the highest standards of client service, technical excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Staying at the forefront of legal, regulatory and market developments affecting the education sector.
• Contributing to the continued success and reputation of one of the UK's leading Education legal practices.

Job description

We are recruiting for a highly exciting and influential role within Stone King’s nationally renowned Education team, offering the opportunity to work on some of the most significant corporate, strategic and transformational projects across the education sector. As a Solicitor within our Education Projects team, you will play a key role in advising a prestigious client base of independent schools and educational organisations, helping them navigate complex transactions, organisational change and strategic growth opportunities.

If you're an experienced corporate lawyer with M&A or transactional experience and are looking to apply your expertise in a purpose-driven sector, this could be the perfect next step in your career. We're looking for someone who combines strong technical ability with commercial awareness, leadership potential and a genuine interest in supporting educational institutions through periods of development, challenge and change.

You’ll play a crucial role in delivering high-quality legal advice on complex projects and transactions while building long-term client relationships and contributing to the continued success of our Tier 1 ranked Education practice. Working alongside nationally recognised specialists, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your profile, broaden your expertise and become a trusted adviser to some of the UK's leading educational organisations.

Based from one of our nationwide offices, with hybrid working available, this role offers the opportunity to join a collaborative and ambitious team recognised by Chambers and Legal 500 for its exceptional client service and sector expertise.

Why This Role?

• Join a Tier 1 ranked Education team with a national reputation for excellence.
• Work on complex, high-profile projects and transactions for a prestigious education sector client base.
• Apply your corporate and M&A expertise within a specialist, purpose-driven sector.
• Develop your leadership skills through mentoring and supporting junior colleagues.
• Build your profile through networking, business development and thought leadership opportunities.
• Join a values-led firm where wellbeing, collaboration and professional development genuinely matter.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading complex projects, transactions and strategic initiatives while delivering exceptional client service and commercial outcomes.
• Advising independent schools and educational organisations on corporate transactions, mergers, acquisitions and transformational projects.
• Building and strengthening long-term client relationships while identifying opportunities to support growth and development.
• Working closely with colleagues across the Education, Charity and wider firm teams to deliver joined-up, sector-focused advice.
• Supervising, mentoring and developing junior colleagues, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration.
• Taking a leading role in business development activities, including networking events, seminars, workshops, pitches and tenders.
• Contributing to the strategic growth of the practice through identifying new opportunities, service offerings and innovative client solutions.
• Managing matters efficiently, ensuring strong financial management, budgeting and profitability.
• Maintaining the highest standards of client service, technical excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Staying at the forefront of legal, regulatory and market developments affecting the education sector.
• Contributing to the continued success and reputation of one of the UK's leading Education legal practices.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience advising on corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, or complex project work
• A strong interest in the education sector and the challenges facing independent schools and educational organisations
• A keen interest in developing your business development skills and a proven ability to generate opportunities and build lasting client relationships
• Experience leading client meetings, managing projects independently and collaborating effectively across teams
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills
• Strong organisational skills, commercial awareness and financial discipline
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach to delivering exceptional client service
• Experience working with education sector clients or independent schools
• Knowledge of Education Law or Charity Law
• Experience presenting at client seminars, workshops, conferences or networking events
• Experience contributing to pitches, tenders and strategic growth initiatives
• An established professional network within the education, charity or wider not-for-profit sectors
• Experience supervising, mentoring and developing junior team members

Why Stone King?

We’re a purpose-driven, people-first firm that values wellbeing, flexibility and professional growth. You'll join a nationally recognised team that combines market-leading expertise with a genuinely collaborative and supportive culture. We invest in our people, encourage innovation and provide opportunities to develop your career while undertaking meaningful work that has a positive impact on organisations and communities across the UK.

As signatories of the Mindful Business Charter, the Race Fairness Commitment and the Age Friendly Employer Pledge, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and be themselves.