Education Regulatory/Compliance lawyers NQ - 1 & 3+ years' PQE BRISTOL

ZipRecruiter; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded private practice law firm in Bristol is seeking two Education Regulatory/Compliance lawyers. The successful candidates will work within a dedicated team, advising clients on various legal challenges in the Education sector, including admissions, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance. This dynamic role offers opportunities for both newly-qualified and experienced lawyers to contribute to significant legal matters affecting independent schools.

Qualifications

• 0-1 year PQE for junior role; 3+ years PQE for senior role.
• Familiarity with independent sector disputes and safeguarding.
• Strong interest in the Education sector encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Advise on admissions and exclusions, manage student behaviour.
• Handle safeguarding, SEN, and equality matters.
• Guide schools through inspections and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Advising on admissions

Managing student behaviour

Handling safeguarding issues

Regulatory compliance

Dispute resolution

Education

Qualified lawyer (PQE)

Completed seat in Education or Regulatory law

Job description

Job Description

Private practice law firm in Bristol, well-regarded for its work in Education law, is seeking to recruit two Education Regulatory/Compliance lawyers—one with 0 to 1 year of PQE and the other with 3 or more years' PQE. The firm has a dedicated Regulatory & Compliance team that guides Education clients through their regulatory frameworks and helps manage legal challenges. The work is driven by legal and political developments, making it a dynamic practice.

Working closely with the team lead for independent school practice, the successful candidates will advise on admissions and exclusions (including appeals), manage student behaviour and disciplinary issues, handle safeguarding, special educational needs (SEN), and equality matters. They will also handle complaints and claims (including tribunal work), and guide schools through inspections and regulatory compliance. Additionally, they will provide critical incident management and reputation protection services, which are key areas for independent schools.

For candidates already qualified, familiarity with issues such as disputes, parental complaints, and safeguarding obligations specific to the independent sector would be advantageous. For the more experienced role (3+ years), we seek an Education lawyer with experience in parent and student matters, as well as compliance with regulatory frameworks specific to independent schools. Broad expertise across contentious and non-contentious issues and experience advising independent schools, school groups, and governing bodies are preferred.

For newly-qualified candidates, consideration will be given to those who have completed a seat in Education or Regulatory law (any sector). Candidates with a strong interest in the Education sector are also encouraged to apply.