About this role
Senior/Principal Associate – Commercial Education
Location: Cambridge
Competitive Salary & Benefits
A story of growth, purpose and sector-leading impact.
A national firm with a genuine heartbeat in the education sector is searching for its next Senior or Principal Associate, someone who thrives on complex commercial work, values long-term client partnerships and wants to shape the future of education law. This is an opportunity to step into a team trusted by over 100 universities and world-leading education-focused corporates, delivering advice that influences institutions across the UK and internationally.
The Role – Where Your Expertise Meets Meaningful Work
This is not a typical commercial role. It sits at the centre of a thriving national education practice, advising on high-profile, strategically important projects that help universities and educational organisations grow, innovate and operate globally.
You will work on a diverse, stimulating caseload, including:
Negotiating commercial agreements for overseas university branch campuses in India, China and Southeast AsiaAdvising on collaborations, partnerships and joint venturesDrafting nomination, validation and franchise agreementsHandling a wide range of commercial contracts, including outsourcing arrangementsYou’ll collaborate closely with the national education sector team, as well as commercial and corporate colleagues across the firm joining a group that values shared success and collective expertise. The Person – A Commercial LAWYER with Curiosity and Drive
The firm is seeking a commercial Solicitor with 6+ years’ PQE, ideally with experience advising education-sector clients—or a genuine enthusiasm to develop in this space.
You will bring:
Strong commercial law experience and technical competenceExcellent drafting skills and attention to detailThe ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative national teamA proactive, client-focused mindsetConfidence in delivering commercially focused, practical adviceWillingness to support business development and client trainingExperience in charity law is advantageous, reflecting the nature of many education-sector clients Why This Role Stands Out
This is a role for someone who wants to be part of a forward-thinking, people-centred firm, one that invests in its Lawyers and empowers them to achieve more.
The role offers:
A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits packageA culture built on ambition, openness, care and collaborationRecognition as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work and Platinum Investors in people firmThe chance to work with a top-50 UK law firm that genuinely values its people and its purposeHere, you’re not just joining a team, you’re joining a firm that believes in achieving more, together A Final Note
Applications may close early due to high interest. If this role speaks to your experience and ambition, early application is strongly encouraged.
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