Senior Associate/Partner

Legal Director/Partner – Corporate (Education) – Education Team | Cheltenham

Our award‑winning Education team is continuing to expand its corporate offering, and we are looking to recruit a senior solicitor (8+ PQE) to play a key role in the next phase of the team’s growth.

This is a strategic hire – the successful candidate will work closely with the Partner leading the corporate education practice, supporting the delivery of high‑quality work while also helping to drive the practice forward through business development and client relationship growth.

Education plays a vital role in everyone’s life, and advising schools on their long‑term future – through mergers, acquisitions and strategic collaborations – is both fascinating and highly rewarding. This role offers the opportunity to combine high‑quality transactional work with genuine sector specialism and a visible external profile.

• Sales and acquisitions of independent schools and commercial school groups
• Charitable mergers, restructurings and collaborations
• Strategic projects supporting long‑term sustainability and growth
• Corporate governance and constitutional matters
• Collaborate with partners and colleagues across the wider sector team to deliver seamless client service
• Help grow the practice by getting involved with business development initiatives and build strong referral relationships externally and internally
• Contribute to the team’s sector profile, including events, thought leadership and client training
• Take ownership of client relationships and help mentor more junior team members

You will regularly work with Boards of Governors, trustees, Heads, Bursars, school proprietors and directors, building trusted relationships and providing pragmatic, commercially focused advice tailored to the realities of the education sector.

About you:

• Strong corporate experience at Legal Director or Partner level
• A solid grounding in transactions, with confidence running matters day‑to‑day
• Experience of, or a genuine interest in, the education and/or charity sector
• Confidence going out to win work, develop contacts and convert opportunities
• Excellent technical ability and drafting skills
• Strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic mindset
• A collaborative leadership style and enthusiasm for mentoring junior colleagues

Benefits:

• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Sight tests / Glasses discounts
• Bonus scheme
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme
• 28 days annual leave (plus public holidays)
• Happy People / Perks at Work benefits portal
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Life Assurance
• 1/3 gym membership contribution
• Flu vaccinations

HCR is an equal opportunities employer and is an armed forces‑friendly organisation.