Education Lawyer

Education Lawyer | Newcastle | Salary Competitive, DOE
PQE: 5+ Years

LHH Legal

About the Opportunity

A leading commercial law firm is seeking an experienced Education Lawyer to join its specialist Education team. The team advises a broad range of education sector clients across regional and national markets, providing support on both day-to-day legal matters and complex strategic projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious lawyer to work with a highly regarded sector-focused team, advising educational institutions on governance, regulatory and operational issues, as well as transformational projects.

The Role

The successful candidate will advise a variety of education-sector clients, including schools, academy trusts, further education providers and higher education institutions.

Key responsibilities are likely to include:

• Advising on academy conversion projects.
• Supporting merger, collaboration and re-brokerage transactions.
• Providing governance and regulatory advice to educational establishments.
• Advising on the legal structures and operational frameworks of schools, multi-academy trusts, and further and higher education institutions.
• Providing guidance on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) matters.
• Advising on exclusions and admissions issues.
• Handling SEND Tribunal matters.
• Advising on safeguarding obligations and compliance.
• Supporting clients with complaints management and dispute resolution.
• Delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice tailored to the education sector.

The role will also involve contributing to client relationship management, sector engagement and business development activities.

Candidate Profile

Applications are sought from qualified solicitors with at least 5 years' PQE and demonstrable experience advising education-sector clients.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong experience within education law.
• A thorough understanding of the regulatory and operational framework affecting education providers.
• Experience advising on academy conversions, mergers, restructures or similar projects.
• Knowledge of SEND, admissions, exclusions, safeguarding and tribunal matters.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• A collaborative attitude and commitment to teamwork.
• An interest in business development and sector engagement.

The Team

The Education team forms part of a larger sector-focused legal practice that advises clients across education, charities and other not-for-profit organisations.

The successful candidate will join an established and respected team known for delivering practical, high-quality advice on both routine matters and complex strategic projects. The team works collaboratively across offices and practice areas, providing excellent opportunities for professional growth and exposure to a diverse client base.

Employee Experience

The firm is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and engaging workplace. Employees have opportunities to participate in a range of wellbeing, social, environmental and community initiatives, alongside volunteering and charitable programmes that positively impact local communities.

The organisation has received multiple awards and accreditations recognising its commitment to employee engagement, workplace culture, wellbeing and responsible business practices.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Education Lawyer looking to join a respected and growing practice with a strong reputation in the sector. The role offers high-quality work, genuine career progression opportunities, flexible working arrangements and the chance to become part of a collaborative and forward-thinking legal team.