Solicitor - Education

Stone-King-LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Profit share scheme

Private medical insurance

Life assurance (4x salary)

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

CSR day

Flexible and hybrid working

Learning and development

Job summary

Stone King in Manchester is seeking a talented Education Solicitor to join our Education team, advising schools, colleges and trusts on governance, safeguarding, employment and regulatory matters. You will manage your own caseload, supervise junior colleagues, and collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality client service while pursuing ongoing professional development.

We offer a competitive salary and a supportive, inclusive culture with hybrid working and a strong commitment to learning

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with admission to the relevant professional body.
• Experience handling own caseload and managing matters independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support on complex and high‑value education matters, delivering high‑quality legal advice.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with education sector clients and contribute to business development.
• Collaborate across teams to deliver excellent client service and supervise junior colleagues.
• Maintain high professional and regulatory standards at all times.

Skills

Qualified solicitor

Caseload management

Independence & teamwork

Career development

Communication skills

Sensitive matters handling

Business development

Job description

About us

At Stone King, we're a purpose-driven law firm with a clear ambition: to deliver positive societal impact through the work we do with and for our clients. Since 1785, we've combined a proud heritage with a forward-looking approach, embracing change and investing in our future.

We work with many organisations and individuals who share our commitment to making a difference, including charities, social enterprises, faith-based organisations, educational institutions, businesses, public sector organisations and private individuals. We are nationally recognised for our expertise across the sectors we serve and are consistently ranked by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500. Many of our lawyers are recognised as leading practitioners in their fields, reflecting the depth of expertise, sector knowledge and client service we provide.

We foster an inclusive and supportive culture where different perspectives are valued, people are empowered to develop and thrive.

Our lawyers are more than legal advisers. They are trusted partners, problem-solvers and collaborators, helping clients navigate complex challenges, achieve their ambitions and create lasting positive impact in the communities they serve.

The team

Our Education team is recognised for its deep sector knowledge and its commitment to supporting educational institutions at every stage of their journey. From advising on academy conversions, trust mergers and governance reforms to supporting organisations through complex employment, safeguarding, property and regulatory matters, our people play a key role in helping clients overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Collectively, their work helps schools, colleges and trusts create strong foundations for learning, empowering education providers to deliver lasting benefits for current and future generations.

The opportunity

We are looking for a talented and motivated Solicitor to join our Education team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse client base, providing high-quality legal advice and building trusted relationships within one

You'll work alongside supportive and experienced colleagues, collaborating across teams to deliver excellent client service while continuing to develop your own skills and expertise.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Support on complex and high value legal matters within the Education sector, ensuring excellent outcomes for clients
• Build trusted, long-term relationships with clients, understanding their aims and supporting their success
• Work collaboratively across the team and wider firm to deliver a seamless and high-quality client experience
• Supervise, mentor and develop junior colleagues, supporting their growth and progression
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and high performing team culture
• Take an active role in business development, including networking, thought leadership and client engagement
• Identify opportunities to enhance client service, improve ways of working and support the continued development of the practice
• Manage matters effectively, ensuring work is delivered to a high standard, in a timely and efficient way, and with appropriate commercial awareness
• Maintain high professional and regulatory standards at all times
• Continue your own professional development, staying informed of legal and sector developments

We're interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate the skills, experience and behaviours required to succeed in this role.

Essential

• Qualified solicitor
• Prior experience handling own caseload
• Ability to work independently and as part of the team
• Commitment to career development and further professional development
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work on sensitive matters and ability to communicate effectively with these clients

Desirable

• Interest in Business Development
• Prior experience in providing legal advice to schools or clients in the education sector

Personal Attributes

Alongside the technical requirements, we're looking for someone who:

• Builds strong relationships and communicates effectively.
• Collaborates well with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Takes a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Manages priorities effectively and delivers high-quality work.
• Contributes positively to an inclusive and supportive team culture.

Why Join Stone King?

At Stone King, you'll be part of a purpose-driven firm where your work has a meaningful impact on clients, communities and society. We combine sector-leading expertise with a collaborative and inclusive culture, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to thrive.

Alongside meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, professional development and work-life balance, including:

• Competitive salary
• Profit Share Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• 28 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays. Enhanced leave provisions for key life events, supporting you through important moments both inside and outside of work.
• An additional paid day each year to support CSR and volunteering activities.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• A collaborative, inclusive and supportive culture
• Investment in learning, development and career progression
• The opportunity to work alongside market-leading sector specialists
• Meaningful work that delivers positive impact for clients, communities and society

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Stone King, we value individuality and are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to ensuring all employment decisions are made fairly and without discrimination. We are proud signatories of the Mindful Business Charter, Race Fairness Commitment and Age Friendly Employer Pledge, and are a Disability Confident Employer.

We aim to make our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible and will make reasonable adjustments where needed. As part of our Disability Confident commitment, we will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role, subject to any recruitment capacity constraints.