A fantastic new opportunity for an experienced education lawyer with a specialism in public law matters for academies and state schools in particular. Here at VWV, we're looking for a technically excellent and engaging lawyer to join us as the state funded schools lead within our regulatory, risk and resolution team. 

About us

We're a top 100, full-service law firm, with around 630 employees and (although we now work on a hybrid basis) offices in London, Bristol, Birmingham and Watford. We're experts and innovators in all that we do and at the cutting edge of changes in the law, but are perhaps best known for our work in the education and charities fields where we are top-ranked nationally. 

People and culture are vitally important to us and we are proud of our strong reputation for being friendly, collaborative, non-hierarchical and inclusive. We believe that this is a crucial factor in our attracting and retaining both internal talent (many of whom are leaders in their field) and clients.  We certainly have an enviable client base and a firm commitment to looking after them and that includes a determination to ensure that they get real value from their engagement with us.

Our Regulatory, Risk and Resolution team

We are a specialist team who work across our offices to provide regulatory advice to clients from the entire education ecosystem, as well as to charities and healthcare providers, helping them to deal with registration and inspection, governance issues, critical incidents, complaints and claims, while also giving proactive support to manage risk. 

Many of our clients are nationally-renowned providers and much of our work is driven by legal and political developments in our key sectors, which makes for a constantly evolving and dynamic practice. Clients seek our services as a trusted business advisor, knowing that our sector expertise, strategic approach and relationship focus set us apart.

Our work is recognised in the legal directories (for example we are tier 1 for our schools' practice nationally, with a number of leading individuals in the field) and by the sector press/associations.

Headed by Tabitha Cave, our team comprises 6 partners, 22 lawyers and 4 support colleagues.

The Role

If you're an experienced education lawyer with strong connections in the state funded sector, then this could be for you.  You'll be used to advising MATs, SATs and state schools on some or all of registration and inspection issues, critical incident management, admissions arrangements and appeals, complaints procedures, SEND issues and discrimination claims, pupil discipline processes, investigations and fair decision-making, safeguarding, civil claims and judicial reviews.  You will collaborate with and be supported by the wider teams across the firm who provide specialist support to our AMS clients.

You'll have an established sector profile and strong technical, communication, people and project management skills. Whilst a client following would definitely be desirable, it is not a pre-requisite to being considered for this role.

As regards hours and location, we offer good flexibility. We would ideally like you to work from one of our offices for at least 2 days each week. 

Why choose us?

There are many reasons to stop and explore us further!

We're known for doing what we do well and this is an opportunity to work with leading individuals and a team and firm that are leaders in the field. There is always plenty to do and the work will be of high calibre, with our lawyers acting as trusted advisors to many household name clients.

We don't rest on our laurels and we are always looking to improve and innovate in the work that we do and the way in which we do it. We have invested in the development of tailored products and services and complementary businesses for our clients, which we offer as an adjunct to the advisory work we deliver.

We're known for our welcoming and inclusive culture where teamwork and collaboration is key. We invest in the development of our people. We invite you to watch this short video on the right hand side to see what our own people have to say about us.

Not sure whether to apply?

Making the next career move is one that can feel daunting and we've all been there! You may have questions on the role or firm before you feel ready to apply. If so, please contact me in complete confidence: elatchem-hughes@VWV.co.uk or on 07340 632798 and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Recruitment Agencies

We're happy to accept agency introductions for this vacancy subject to the acceptance of our standard agency terms.  If you're an agency and think you might have a suitable candidate, please make an anonymous approach to our Recruiter.