Associate – Education Law – Bristol – 1+ Years’ PQE
Location: Bristol (Hybrid 2 days a week)
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: £55,000 to £85,000 (dependent on experience)

A leading national law firm is seeking a bright, empathetic and technically strong Education Lawyer to join its highly regarded Regulatory, Risk & Resolution team in Bristol. This is an outstanding opportunity to work within a top ranked practice, advising a wide range of education providers across a dynamic and fast moving sector.

The Role
You’ll work within a specialist regulatory and education team, handling a varied mix of contentious and non contentious matters for clients across the full education ecosystem, including:

• Early years providers
• Independent schools
• Academies and maintained schools
• Further and higher education institutions
• Special schools and online providers

Your caseload may include:

• Admissions, exclusions and appeals
• Student behaviour and disciplinary matters
• Safeguarding issues
• SEND and equality matters
• Complaints, claims and tribunal work
• Registration, inspection and regulatory compliance
• Critical incident management and reputation protection
• Specialist corporate support for education clients

This is a rare opportunity to specialise in a niche, evolving sector that offers rapid career progression and exposure to nationally recognised clients.

Candidate Requirements
Applications are welcomed from lawyers with 1+ years’ PQE, ideally at Associate or Senior Associate level, who can demonstrate:

• Strong experience in education law
• Public law expertise (highly desirable)
• Excellent communication, empathy and client handling skills
• Ability to manage a varied caseload with confidence
• Strong technical ability and commercial awareness
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions focused approach

You do not need experience in every area listed — the team is supportive and offers excellent training.

Benefits
The firm offers:

• High quality, varied and engaging work
• A friendly, supportive and collaborative culture
• Structured career level programmes through a dedicated Learning Academy
• Genuine opportunities for progression and profile raising
• Flexible and modern working arrangements
• A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and employee wellbeing
  
  

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you’d like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761

All enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence. The firm welcomes applications from all qualified candidates and can make adjustments to support individual needs.