Senior Associate - Education

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP•Birmingham, IA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are currently looking for a Senior Associate specialising in education law to join our team. The successful candidate would be located in one of our UK offices. This role provides strategic legal advice to higher education institutions, colleges, and related organisations on a broad range of governance, student, regulatory, and data protection matters. The role requires a deep understanding of the education sector, supporting institutions through complex governance, safeguarding, and student-related challenges.

Requirements

Interest and knowledge in Higher Education policy, developments in the sector, sector news etc.
Minimum 6 years of post-qualification experience.
SRA qualified (or other relevant qualification)
Demonstrable track record advising higher education institutions, colleges, or other educational organisations.
Strong expertise in governance, investigations, student matters, and data protection.
Experience handling sensitive and high-profile matters involving senior stakeholders.
Strong commercial judgement and risk-management capability.
Can commute into the office 50% of the time (we have a 50% hybrid working policy)

Responsibilities

Support institutions in navigating regulatory and governance obligations affecting the education sector
Advising international pathway providers on (a) their arrangements with universities, (b) registration with the Office for Students
Safeguarding challenges and related litigation
Data protection work together with freedom of Information, breaches and data sharing
Advice around Freedom of Speech/No platforming and related litigation
Litigation from the student as a consumer
Regulatory advice on mergers and acquisitions of clients in the education sector including with potential insolvencies and stress purchases
Advise educational institutions and charities on safeguarding obligations and investigations.
Support leadership teams in responding to historic and current safeguarding concerns involving staff, students, and volunteers.
Contribute to sector thought leadership and client engagement initiatives