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Veale Wasbrough Vizards’ reputation in the education sector ensures a stream of high-profile and high-value work. Clients include the University of Bristol, Partnerships for Schools and over 900 schools and colleges. Team head Barney Northover is ‘technically very capable and an excellent presence in meetings’. Simon Bevan advises on employment issues, and Yvonne Spencer and John Deakin are pastoral experts.

Emma Honey heads the department at Michelmores LLP, which acts for London Metropolitan University, the University of Exeter and Plymouth College. Carol McCormack OBE, who advised Aberystwyth University on a £100m student residence project, is highly respected and Samantha Billingham is also recommended.

Rickerbys LLP has broadened its education offering, and has now advised on a host of successful academy conversions. Clients include Cheltenham College and The King’s School, Gloucestershire. Department head Alice Reeve is well regarded, and Matthew Wolton joined the team as senior counsel.

Stone King LLP advises independent and maintained schools on a range of employment, health and safety, admissions and pastoral issues. Michael King’s team is highly regarded for its academy work, and senior associate Michael Brotherton is also recommended.

Ashfords LLP’s team has acted for Swindon Borough Council and Bishop Fox’s Community School in relation to academy conversions. Helen Tucker leads the team, which includes the ‘superb’ Rhiain Lewis.

Martin Howe at Bevan Brittan LLP provides construction law expertise to education sector clients. His team is advising the University of Bristol in its £50m Life Sciences project, and acting for North Somerset District Council on academy conversions.

At Burges Salmon LLP, employment specialist Roger Bull acts for Cardiff University. The universities of Exeter, Bath and Bristol and the Higher Education Funding Council for England are also clients.

Julia Green’s team at Foot Anstey is noted for its ‘superb response times’ and ‘thorough and professional’ approach. Newton Abott and Exmouth College are among 60 new school clients instructing the team.

Maitland Walker LLP advises on governance, charity, pastoral and employment issues. Department head John Clarke is ‘tremendously user friendly’.

David Harris at Stones Solicitors LLP acts for individuals in litigation about bullying, exclusion or the provision for special needs.

Wilsons’ Stephen Oxley is ‘calm, pragmatic and responsive, with a wealth of experience’. He ‘keeps a firm hand on the tiller’ of the dedicated schools team.

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Legal Developments in South West for Education

  • TRANSFER OF UNDERTAKINGS (PROTECTION OF EMPLOYMENT) AND AGE DISCRIMINATION

    I have been asked to cover the topic of Employment law within my half an hour speaking slot today. I have narrowed my subject down to Transfer of Undertakings and Discrimination, with the focus on providing an update on the recent spate of cases on service provision change and on the important developments in the law of age discrimination. Needless to say, in my presentation I shall not be able to cover the level of detail which is contained in my written paper, which I will leave you to read.
    - 11KBW

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