Corporate Solicitor / Legal Director (Education Sector)

About the role

We are seeking a Corporate Solicitor (Legal Director) with 8+ years PQE to join our education team in Cheltenham. The role involves advising independent schools, education groups, charities and other educational organisations on a range of strategic transactions and corporate matters.

Key responsibilities

• Advise independent schools and education groups on acquisitions, disposals and other strategic transactions.
• Support charities and educational organisations with mergers, restructurings and collaborative arrangements.
• Provide guidance on long‑term sustainability, growth and succession models.
• Deliver corporate governance and constitutional advice to boards, trustees and senior leadership teams.
• Manage matters from inception through to completion, working closely with the wider Education team.
• Develop long‑term client relationships and act as a trusted adviser on corporate needs.
• Identify cross‑selling opportunities and build internal and external referral networks.
• Promote the practice through networking, events, seminars and sector‑focused thought leadership.
• Mentor and develop junior lawyers.

Required profile

• Minimum 8 years PQE with experience in the education sector.
• Strong corporate transactional experience and ability to lead matters confidently.
• Experience at Legal Director or Partner level, or readiness to step into that role.
• Commercial mindset with ability to provide practical advice.
• Appetite for business development and turning relationships into opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach with enthusiasm for supporting and developing colleagues.
• Ambition to build a recognised personal profile and contribute to practice growth.

What we offer

• Competitive salary (£125,000+ depending on experience).
• Genuine career progression opportunities.