Associate - Education at Hill Dickinson

The role

Hill Dickinson is seeking an Associate with 0-3 years of PQE for its Education team. This role focuses on litigation and regulatory matters within the education sector and is based in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, or Birmingham. The position offers the opportunity to work with experienced partners Luke Green and Joe Orme-Paul and gain significant client responsibility in a supportive team environment.

What you'll do

Advise on the development and application of statutory policies
Advise on the requirements of equality law, particularly in the context of special educational needs and Children and Families Act 2014 regime
Support clients with complaints, process management and outcomes
Provide advice and support with academy trust regulation including funding agreements, notices to improve, the application of the Academy Trust Handbook
Provide advice and support on decisions to exclude pupils/students, process and outcome
Provide admissions advice including oversubscription criteria development, local disputes and representations before the Schools Adjudicator
Provide advice and support on Freedom of Information and Data Protection requests
Provide governance advice for maintained schools and academy trusts, including drafting documents and liaising with the Department for Education
Conduct commercial contract reviews and advices
Provide procurement advice
Undertake academy transactional work
Conduct sector focussed litigation, including Judicial Review, SEND Tribunal, and County Court proceedings

What we're looking for

Qualified Solicitor (preferably NQ – 3 years PQE)

Demonstrable experience in supporting an education team

The ability and experience of managing a caseload providing sound commercial advice

Transactional support experience

Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and work under pressure

Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

The ability to work as part of a team and independently

Adheres to guidelines and procedures

An understanding of clients’ needs and expectations

Travel to clients and other offices

Flexibility in approach and a willingness to work outside normal office hours, if required

Benefits

Flexibility is an established part of our culture

Commitment to supporting colleagues to balance their work and home lives

Happy to consider flexible working opportunities

Hiring contacts

hrteam@hilldickinson.com

Associate - Education