Education Associate NQ-3

Associate Solicitor - Education Law | NQ - 3 Years PQE Are you a recently qualified solicitor or an early-career lawyer looking to develop your expertise within a leading Education Law practice? Our client, a highly regarded international law firm, is seeking an ambitious Associate Solicitor (NQ - 3 Years PQE) to join its growing Education team. This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside recognised specialists advising a diverse portfolio of educational institutions, including schools, academy trusts, further education colleges and universities across the UK. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive team, gaining significant client exposure while working on a broad range of complex and rewarding matters within the education sector. The Opportunity This role offers exposure to a varied caseload spanning education regulation, governance, compliance, commercial matters and sector-specific litigation. You will have the opportunity to develop your technical expertise while building strong client relationships with organisations operating across the education sector. You will work closely with experienced lawyers who are recognised for delivering practical, commercially focused advice to educational institutions nationwide. Key Responsibilities - Education law and regulatory compliance matters - Development, review and implementation of statutory policies - Equality Act obligations and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) issues - Complaints management and resolution processes - Academy trust governance and regulatory requirements - Funding agreements, notices to improve and compliance frameworks - School admissions and exclusions - Freedom of Information (FOI) and Data Protection matters - Governance arrangements for maintained schools and academy trusts - Commercial contracts and procurement projects - Academy conversions and other education sector transactions - Education-related disputes and litigation, including Judicial Review, SEND Tribunal and County Court proceedings Applications are welcomed from qualified solicitors with between NQ and 3 years' PQE who can demonstrate: - Experience within Education Law or supporting an education-focused legal team - Strong case management and organisational skills - Experience supporting transactional matters - Flexibility to travel to client sites and office locations when required Candidates with transferable experience from related public sector, regulatory, employment or governance practices are also encouraged to apply. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking national law firm with an established reputation in the education sector. The firm offers genuine career progression, high-quality work, excellent mentoring and a flexible working environment designed to support professional and personal development. If you are an Education Solicitor, Regulatory Solicitor, Public Sector Solicitor or newly qualified lawyer seeking to build your career within a leading Education Law team, we would be delighted to hear from you. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please submit your CV or contact Nicola O'Hanlon at BCL Legal for further information. BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.