Education Solicitor – Schools & Universities (Leeds)

William James Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus

Flexible and hybrid working

Company pension

Generous annual leave + bank holidays

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

William James Recruitment is assisting a leading Legal 500 regional law firm in recruiting an Education Solicitor for Leeds or Bradford. You will advise academies, schools and universities on a broad education law spectrum, developing sector expertise while supporting the Education Director and progressively managing your own caseload.

The role offers hybrid working, a collaborative environment and clear progression within a prestigious education practice.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor with at least 2 years' PQE.
• Experience in education law or a Corporate, Commercial, Real Estate or Charity law background.
• Strong drafting and technical legal skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident managing client relationships and providing pragmatic legal advice.
• Commercially minded with a genuine interest in developing a specialist education practice.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build long-term client relationships.
• Enthusiastic about business development and contributing to the growth of the team.
• Ambitious, proactive and keen to develop within a highly regarded Legal 500 firm.

Responsibilities

• Advise schools and academies on academy conversions, trust transfers and governance matters.
• Support clients on education law matters including admissions, exclusions, safeguarding and SEN provision.
• Liaise with the Department for Education on funding agreements and regulatory matters.
• Draft and advise on articles of association, constitutional documents and governance procedures.
• Assist with commercial contracts including service level agreements and grant funding arrangements.
• Support the Education Director on complex matters while progressively leading your own caseload.
• Contribute to business development initiatives across the education sector, including independent schools, colleges and universities.
• Deliver practical, commercially focused advice within a collaborative and supportive team.

Skills

Drafting

Client relationships

Attention to detail

Commercial mindset

Education

Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years PQE

Job description

William James Recruitment is assisting a leading Legal 500 regional law firm in recruiting an Education Solicitor for Leeds or Bradford. You will advise academies, schools and universities on a broad education law spectrum, developing sector expertise while supporting the Education Director and progressively managing your own caseload.

The role offers hybrid working, a collaborative environment and clear progression within a prestigious education practice.