Education Law Senior Associate - Hybrid UK

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is seeking a Senior Associate specialising in education law to join our team in the UK. The role involves providing strategic governance, regulatory and data protection advice to higher education institutions and colleges.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of six years post-qualification experience, be SRA qualified, and capable of handling sensitive matters with senior stakeholders. Hybrid working with 50% office presence is available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of post-qualification experience.
• SRA qualified (or equivalent).
• Proven track record advising HEI, colleges, or educational bodies.
• Strong governance, investigations and data protection expertise.

Responsibilities

• Navigate regulatory and governance obligations affecting the education sector.
• Advise international pathway providers on arrangements with universities and registration with the Office for Students.
• Handle safeguarding challenges and related litigation.
• Deliver data protection work with FOI, data breaches and data sharing.
• Advise around Freedom of Speech/No platforming and related litigation.
• Manage litigation from students as consumers.
• Provide regulatory guidance on mergers and acquisitions for education clients, including insolvencies and stress purchases.
• Advise educational institutions and charities on safeguarding obligations and investigations.
• Support leadership teams in safeguarding concerns involving staff, students, and volunteers.
• Contribute to sector thought leadership and client engagement initiatives.

Skills

Governance

Data protection

Higher Education policy

Investigations

Student matters

Commercial judgement

Stakeholder management

Job description

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is seeking a Senior Associate specialising in education law to join our team in the UK. The role involves providing strategic governance, regulatory and data protection advice to higher education institutions and colleges.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of six years post-qualification experience, be SRA qualified, and capable of handling sensitive matters with senior stakeholders. Hybrid working with 50% office presence is available.