Browne Jacobson LLP ‘consistently provides reliable, sound advice and guidance in all legal matters’ across the spectrum of public sector matters. The ‘approachable and knowledgeable’ team has particular specialisations in the education sector where it acts for, among others, schools, higher education institutions, multi-academy trusts, charities, professional associations and government bodies, as well as healthcare where it acts for various NHS bodies in relation to policy, governance, regulation, inquests, clinical negligence, staffing and insurance matters. The local government team, headed by Peter Ware, is noted for its work in liability litigation – in particular in relation to social care matters. Mark Blois 
heads the education offering and Gerard Hanratty leads the health team, which includes Simon Tait and Leanne Wareham.
Public sector in East Midlands
Browne Jacobson LLP
Practice head(s):
Peter Ware; Mark Blois; Gerard Hanratty
Other key lawyers:
Simon Tait; Leanne Wareham; Heather Caddy
Testimonials
‘We have worked with Browne Jacobson for many years and they continue to consistently provide reliable, sound advice and guidance in all legal matters.’
‘The team at Browne Jacobson are easy to get hold of and respond quickly to any queries as well as providing regular concise updates in relation to ongoing cases we have with them. The quality of the work is good and they do all they can to minimise the cost to the public purse.’
‘All the solicitors at Browne Jacobson that I have worked with in the health team are good written and verbal communicators and assist in making legal rulings clear to understand. They have an appropriate sense of humour which is something that I really appreciate when sometimes I feel I am up against it.’
‘They manage to explain the law clearly and effectively, providing calm efficiency in a wide range of situations in the field of Mental Health Legislation, ranging from advice about Mental Health Act papers to navigating the whole Court process from application to decision.’
Key clients
Apollo Partnership Trust
Archway Learning Trust
Believe Academy Trust
Community Inclusive Trust
Department for Education (RPA)
Diocese of Hallam
Diocese of Leeds
Diocese of Nottingham
Diverse Academies Trust
Flying High Trust
Greenwood Academies Trust
Hearts Academy Trust
Humber Education Trust
Lionheart Academies Trust
Loxford School Trust
Nova Education Trust
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy Trust
Spencer Academy Trust
Teaching Regulation Agency
The Mead Educational Trust
Thomas Deacon Education Trust
Transform Trust
Bradford Borough Council
Derby City Council
Derbyshire County Council
East Suffolk Council
Elmbridge District Council
Folkestone and Hythe District Council
East Midlands Development Company (EmDevco)
Kent County Council
London Borough of Croydon
London Borough of Sutton
Nottingham City Council
Nottinghamshire County Council
Oxford City Council
Reigate and Banstead Council
Scape Group Ltd
Shropshire Council
Thanet District Council
Thurrock Council
Watford Borough Council
Derby and Derbyshire CCG
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Lincolnshire CCG
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
NHS England / Improvement
NHS Leicester City CCG on behalf of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) ICS
Northamptonshire ICS
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG
Nottingham CityCare Partnership CIC
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Nottinghamshire ICS
Primary Integrated Community Services Limited
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Work highlights
- Advised Yew Tree Primary School on a successful judicial review of the Secretary of State’s decision not to revoke its directive Academy Order.
- Appointed by Derby City Council to advise on the development of a plot on the Infinity Park site in Derby. The site is classified as an enterprise zone and is a key part of the Council’s regeneration plans.
- Advised 15 integrated care systems on how to set up their Integrated Care Boards and governance to enable the ICS to be ready for the new legislation due to come into force on 1 July 2022.
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP‘s ‘friendly, reliable and very capable practice’ provides a full service offering to public sector clients, including local authorities and councils as well as universities, academy trusts and rescue services. Key areas of advice are in relation to procurement, subsidy control support, service contracts, service and joint venture agreements, creating joint venture bodies, governance issues as well as employment matters. Nottingham-based partner Stephen Pearson is experienced in advising on a variety of matters ‘ranging from advice on procurement matters to complex negotiations on investment partnerships’ and has a particular niche specialism in governance investigations and related legal challenges. The practice is headed by Birmingham-based Nathan Holden.
Practice head(s):
Nathan Holden
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Pearson
Testimonials
‘They have strength and depth and cover all matters pertaining to local government – a real all rounder!’
‘I have worked with Stephen Pearson on a number of matters ranging from advice on procurement matters to complex negotiations on Investment Partnerships. Stephen is very comfortable in presenting to councillors and his approach puts them at ease.’
‘I have found Freeths to be a friendly, reliable and very capable practice willing to help on an urgent basis when needed. They not only provide legal advice but real practical solutions, which is invaluable and, in fact, exactly what clients want.’
Key clients
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
Milton Keynes Development Partnership
Buckinghamshire Council
Cherwell District Council
Solihull MBC
Mansfield District Council
Enfield Council
Nottinghamshire County Council
Cambridge City Council
Leicester City Council
Derby City Council
Milton Keynes Council
Telford and Wrekin Council
Walsall Council
Kettering Borough Council
North West Leicestershire District Council
Broxtowe Borough Council
London Borough of Ealing
Lincoln City Council
West Northamptonshire Council
North East Lincolnshire Council
Nottinghamshire Police Authority
London Borough of Bromley
Kent County Council
Hertfordshire County Council
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Nottingham City Council
East Northamptonshire District Council
Cheshire East Council
Rugby Borough Council
Huntingdonshire District Council
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
Luton Borough Council
Rushcliffe Borough Council
North Lincolnshire Council
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority
Newark & Sherwood District Council
Oxford City Council
Worcestershire County Council
Central Bedfordshire Council
Harborough District Council
Bolsover District Council
High Peak Borough Council
Charnwood Borough Council
East Lindsey District Council
Leicestershire County Council
Old Bolsover Town Council
Rushmoor Borough Council
Shropshire Council
South Cambridgeshire District Council
Gloucestershire County Council
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Comb
York City Council
North Yorkshire County Council
Derbyshire Dales District Council
Isle of Wight Council
Stratford Upon Avon District Council
Peak District National Park
Ashfield District Council
Peterborough City Council
Coventry City Council
South Staffordshire Council
Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service
Boston Borough Council
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Authority
Bassetlaw District Council
Chesterfield Borough Council
Bedford Borough Council
Lincolnshire County Council
Doncaster Children’s Trust
Dronfield Town Council
Staffordshire County Council
Daventry District Council
North Hertfordshire District Council
North East Derbyshire District Council
Erewash Borough Council
Wolverhampton City Council
Plymouth City Council
Herefordshire Council
Fenland District Council
London Borough of Sutton
Melton Borough Council
Cotswold District Council
East Hertfordshire District Council
Wigan Council
Warrington Borough Council
Cumbria County Council
Halton Borough Council
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
Allerdale Borough Council
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Blackpool Borough Council
Middlesbrough Borough Council
Northumberland County Council
Durham County Council
Gateshead Council
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
London Borough of Camden
London Borough of Hackney
London Borough of Newham
London Borough of Hillingdon
Tamworth Borough Council
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
West Midlands Combined Authority
Guildford Borough Council
Mole Valley District Council
Runnymede Borough Council
Waverley Borough Council
Kirklees Council
Leeds City Council
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Wakefield Council
Leicestershire County Council
Stoke on Trent City Council
London Borough of Lambeth
The Police & Crime Commissioner for Kent
Surrey County Council
South Somerset District Council
Portland Town Council
Gravesham Borough Council
Darlington Borough Council
London Borough of Havering
Gloucester City Council
The West Midlands Growth Company
EMC North Northamptonshire Council
Bath and North East Somerset Council
Swindon Borough Council
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
The Cornwall Council
Birmingham City Council
Ipswich Borough Council
Crawley Borough Council
Elmbridge Borough Council
Reading Borough Council
Bingham Town Council
Derbyshire Building Control Partnership
Woodstock Town Council
Hanborough Parish
Rochford District Council
Broughton Astley Parish Council
Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Fretherne with Saul Parish Council
Billinge Chapel End Parish Council
Landau Forte Charitable Trust
University of Nottingham
Corby Borough Council N
Merton London Borough Council
Work highlights
- Advised Newark and Sherwood DC on Yorke Drive Regeneration project.
- Created a new JV entity for North West Leicestershire District Council to deliver exemplar “Green” housing development.
- Advised on a major JV project for South Cambridgeshire District Council related to the new quarter of Cambourne “New Village”.
Geldards LLP
Geldards LLP acts for a large number of local authorities and public bodies across a variety of matters, such public procurement, employment, data protection, with an additional offering regarding infrastructure projects, regenerationsand planning of highways for councils without the relevant in-house expertise. The team is made up of ‘a pool of experienced, knowledgeable lawyers’ that also advise in relation to subsidy control, governance as well as constitutional issues and represent public body clients in proceedings that include inquiries, judicial reviews and tribunal proceedings. Tiffany Cloynes heads the department and has a focus on regeneration and infrastructure projects.
Practice head(s):
Tiffany Cloynes
Other key lawyers:
Clare Hardy
Testimonials
‘A real collaborative team that is not dominated by a single discipline. Tiffany Cloynes leads the team very well.’
‘Clare Hardy deals with complex procurement and state aid issues with ease. Tiff Cloynes – responsive and understands the importance of deadlines.’
‘Great range and depth of knowledge and skills.’
‘Geldards have a pool of experienced, knowledgeable lawyers who have been immensely helpful to us on various local authority matters.’
‘Clare Hardy is extremely approachable and knowledgeable. She works effectively as part of our team and provided advice quickly.’
Key clients
Burnley Borough Council
Warrington Borough Council
Derby City Council
Derbyshire County Council
Milton Keynes Borough Council
Carlisle City Council
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Rushmoor Borough Council
South Staffordshire District Council
Leeds City Council
Redditch Borough Council
Tees Valley Combined Authority
City of York Council
Isle of Wight Council
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
The Council of the City of Wakefield
South Derbyshire District Council
Nottinghamshire County Council
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Work highlights
- Advised Derby City Council on the implementation of its strategic plans and overriding objective for the redevelopment of a large and prominent but neglected site in Derby City Centre which is to be redeveloped as residential, commercial, an entertainment venue and significant public realm.
- Advised Warrington Borough Council on the acquisition of interests in a solar farm at Cirencester, having previously advised on the acquisition of interests in solar farms at Hull and York.
- Advised Carlisle City Council and the other six local authorities in Cumbria on arrangements for local government reorganisation in Cumbria, which will involve the creation of two unitary authorities from April 2023.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has an enviable track record of acting for clients from the education sector, which include schools, academies, private education institutions and higher education institutions, providing legal support on all issues they may face. The ‘friendly and approachable’ team provides ‘concise’ and ‘thorough’ advice regarding employment issues, student matters, charity law, real estate issues, intellectual property, health and safety aspects as well as constitutional, governance and regulatory issues, among others. ‘Excellent’ Nicola Bennison heads the national education offering from Nottingham and is specialised in employment and student issues. The Manchester-based Diane Gilhooley is the firm’s national chair of the education sector.
Practice head(s):
Diane Gilhooley; Nicola Bennison
Testimonials
‘The lawyers that I have spoken to have been friendly and approachable and I think this really helps, especially when you are dealing with serious matters. Their advice is concise and their written confirmation when provided is thorough.’
‘Nicola Bennison provides excellent and thorough advice and is contactable most of the time when we need her. I also find her very pleasant to work with and her sense of humour is appreciated.’
Key clients
Sandwell College
West Nottinghamshire College
ACS International Schools Limited
Birmingham City University
De Montfort University
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham University
L.E.A.D. Academy Trust
Trent College Limited
Joseph Chamberland College
Work highlights
- Successfully defended De Montfort University on a complex employment tribunal claim.
- Advised Sandwell College on the development of its property portfolio, advising on acquisition and construction and procurement.
- Advised Higher Education Institutions and HE sector bodies in relation to their response to industrial action.
Wilkin Chapman LLP
Wilkin Chapman LLP acts for local authorities, national organisations, police and fire authorities and city councils as well as multi academy trusts. The team is noted for its ‘combined strengths in public sector, governance and employment fields’ and has a specialisation in advising drainage boards on, among others, land drainage and governance matters. Grimsby-based practice head Jonathan Goolden is ‘nationally recognised as an expert in local government standards’ as well as in conducting complex and politically sensitive investigations for public sector bodies where he is noted ‘for his approach to handling difficult and sensitive matters’.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Goolden
Testimonials
‘Nationally recognised expertise in Local Government Standards work.’
‘Jonathan Goolden is a nationally recognised as an expert in Local Government Standards and a go-to’ person for advice. He leads a team that is able to carry out complex investigations into code of conduct investigations.’
‘Wilkin Chapman LLP stood out to us given its combined strengths in public sector, governance and employment fields, offering national services and a quality choice outside of traditional large city pools.’
‘Jonathan Goolden stands out for his approach to handling difficult and sensitive matters than if not handled well could easily turn into dramas. Reliable, confident and bringing a firm strategic perspective to his advice and approach.’
Key clients
Security Industry Association
Sheffield City Council
Local Government Association
Castle Point Borough Council
Work highlights
- Instructed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the handling of a complex HR issue including a review of the roles of managers, structural, strategic and risk issues and previous legal advice.
- Advised on a high-profile whistleblowing complaint which involved investigating a senior councillor’s involvement with a local large-scale development.
- Advised on the new model code of conduct adopted by the Local Government Association.
Flint Bishop LLP
Flint Bishop LLP has a focus on advising educational establishments, such as nurseries, primary and secondary schools as well as further education providers and universities, on a variety of matters. The team, headed by Louise Easthope, is particularly well-regarded for ‘pragmatic advice and guidance’ regarding human resources and employment matters where it assists clients in disciplinary, grievance and attendance management meetings and is able to support clients at employment tribunal hearings. In the scope of academy conversions, the team is experienced in advising in relation to transfers of undertakings.
Practice head(s):
Louise Easthope
Testimonials
‘I enjoy working with Flint Bishop; the firm’s solicitors clearly know their clients and cases very well and are always prepared to discuss both the complexities of a particular matter and the broader strategy. The solicitors are down to earth and good communicators.’
‘Louise Easthope is very down to earth and commercially aware.’
‘The team at Flint Bishop give very practical and pragmatic advice and guidance. They are very responsive and work closely with my team to provide continuity of the service and relationship and they have a good understanding of the sector we work within.’
‘Louise Easthope is exceptionally good at her job. She provides excellent advice and guidance; is very responsive; and incredibly supportive both to the organisation and to me personally with long, complex and challenging cases. Louise is always positive and friendly and approachable and I know that my team rate her advice and guidance highly as well and we all enjoy working with her. Louise is very straight and honest and easy to work with.’
‘Flints are a unique team in that they promptly respond to all questions and queries, they have given us a dedicated team member to liaise with. Flint Bishop go above for their clients and build great relationships.’
‘A warm and friendly team who work hard to remove the jargon.’
‘The team has significant understanding of the education sector including its complexities and how employment law applies in the context of a small multi-academy trust. Advice is timely and responsive acknowledging wider potential issues and implications.’
Key clients
Embark Federation
Derby College Group
The Rutland Learning Trust
Central Co-operative Learning Trust
The SENAD Group
The University of Derby
Derby Teaching Schools Alliance
Odyssey Collaborative Trust
Birkett House
Work highlights
- Advised Embark Multi Academy Trust on the conversion of further primary schools.
- Advised Central Co-operative Learning Trust on three conversions.
Howes Percival LLP
Howes Percival LLP is particularly adept at advising its public sector clients, which include universities and colleges as well as care home operators and specialist care providers, in relation to employment, construction, property, data protection and contractual matters. The practice is experienced in academy conversions having acted for a number of primary, secondary and faith schools across the country. Norwich-based Oliver Pritchard and Northampton-based Graham Irons jointly head the practice. Irons is well-versed in advice regarding transfers of undertakings in the context of academy conversions.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Pritchard; Graham Irons
Key clients
Anchor Carehomes Limited
Anchor Hanover Group
BHR Pharmaceuticals Limited
De Montfort University
EMCare
Enterprise Retirement Living
E-Surgery / Total Access Health
HSBC
Learners Trust
Medigold Health Consultancy Limited
Milton Keynes College
P J Care Limited
Polyco Healthline
St Matthews Healthcare
University of Coventry