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An exceptional role for an education lawyer at a top-ranked practice! Here at VWV, we're committed to advising and representing education providers. This role aims to expand our thriving and profitable regulatory compliance practice with a bright and pragmatic lawyer, most likely at around the solicitor or associate level. Regulatory compliance work is 'core' to our firm's success, offering a chance to work at the very 'engine' of the firm.
About us
We're a Top 100, full-service UK law firm with just over 500 employees. With 4 offices in London, Watford, Bristol, and Birmingham, you'll notice our close-knit and friendly culture. We value integrity and authenticity—encouraging each of us to be ourselves in interactions with colleagues and clients. Our reputation is built not only on the quality of our work but also on the qualities of our people. We seek proactive, passionate individuals who demonstrate humor and humility.
Our Regulatory Compliance practice
At VWV, our specialist regulatory compliance team guides clients—particularly education and health and social care providers—through their regulatory frameworks and legal challenges. Many clients are nationally renowned, and our work is driven by legal and political developments in our key sectors, making our practice dynamic and evolving.
Clients trust our sector knowledge, high service standards, and flexible pricing options. Our work is recognized in legal directories (we are tier 1 in our practice) and by sector press and associations.
The team is headed by a Partner and comprises 5 partners, 21 lawyers, and 4 support colleagues.
The role
If you're an experienced education lawyer specializing in parent and student matters, as well as compliance with regulatory frameworks specific to independent schools, this opportunity could be for you. Ideally, you will have broad expertise across contentious and non-contentious work and experience advising independent schools, school groups, and governing bodies on various legal issues.
Working closely with the lead for independent school practice, you'll supervise team work and help deliver our strategy in this sector. Your caseload may include advising on admissions, exclusions (including appeals), managing student behavior and disciplinary issues, safeguarding, SEN, and equality matters. You will handle complaints and claims (including tribunal work) and guide schools through inspections and regulatory compliance.
You will also provide incident management and reputation protection services—key areas for independent schools. Familiarity with fee disputes, parental complaints, and safeguarding obligations specific to the sector is highly valuable. Experience handling sensitive cases discreetly and efficiently, with a focus on preserving reputation, is essential.
This role offers a unique opportunity to support independent schools navigating political and regulatory changes, helping them thrive.
Where will I be working?
Regarding location, we're flexible. We have a unique and engaging culture: we work hard but also enjoy having fun. We recognize that social interaction shapes our culture. Our hybrid model combines office and remote work, and we prefer you to be based at an office location part of each week to benefit from our culture and facilitate cross-referrals. We are happy to discuss specific hybrid working arrangements on an individual basis.
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