Browne Jacobson LLP has 'a highly effective' public sector offering that spans the education, health and local government sectors. Education head Mark Blois is 'outstanding', is experienced in claims arising out of alleged failure to educate and bullying at school and assists clients with academy conversions, transfers and the creation of academy trusts. Peter Ware, a specialist for local government commercial matters, procurement and transport, heads the government and infrastructure team. Other key partners based in Nottingham include education specialist Adrian Shardlow, East Midlands health head Simon Tait, and Leanne Wareham, who took a lead role in the team advising NHS England on issues related to the pandemic.
Public sector in East Midlands
Browne Jacobson LLP
Practice head(s):
Peter Ware; Mark Blois; Gerard Hanratty (Manchester)
Other key lawyers:
Simon Tait; Adrian Shardlow; Lorna Hardman; Richard Barlow; Anja Beriro; Laura Hughes; Chris Stark; Alex Kynoch; Craig Elder
Testimonials
‘We have referred a variety of matters in different areas to the team at Browne Jacobson. We have always been impressed wit their speed of response and subject knowledge in all the areas (commercial, property, education) in which we have engaged them. Billing/fees are realistic given the funding pressures faced by the education sector.’
‘Our principle point of contact is Adrian Shardlow at partner level, who has referred to several partners and/or associates for more detailed advice and guidance as necessary. All are knowledgeable in their specialist area and offer clear advice and the opportunity for clarification as required.’
‘The team is excellent at advising on the education sector with regards governance, exclusions, HR matters.’
‘Having now worked with two legal firms on school academisation projects, and as such have points of reference, it has become clearly evident that Browne Jacobson LLP provide a highly effective service. The provision of a single account point of contact has enabled wide ranging requests and queries to be targeted to the correct department. Response times have been rapid and advice received both accessible and helpful.’
‘Good range of expertise and specialisms. Collaborative approach to providing advice. Generally provide advice in a timely manner. Extremely knowledgeable.’
‘The quality of the advice and solicitors is exemplary.’
‘Mark Blois is outstanding.’
Key clients
Archway Learning Trust
Flying High Trust
Greenwood Academies Trust
Diverse Academies Trust
The Mead Educational Trust
Community Inclusive Trust
Apollo Partnership Trust
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy Trust
Thomas Deacon Education Trust
Lionheart Academies Trust
Transform Trust
Loxford School Trust
Nova Education Trust
Hearts Academy Trust
Believe Academy Trust
Spencer Academy Trust
Humber Education Trust
Diocese of Nottingham
Diocese of Leeds
Diocese of Hallam
Teaching Regulation Agency
Department for Education (RPA)
Chesterfield Borough Council
Oxford City Council
Derbyshire County Council
Scape Group Limited
North West Leicestershire DC, Rushcliffe BC & Broxtowe BC
Derby and Derbyshire CCG
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Lincolnshire CCG
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS FoundationTrust
NHS England
NHS Leicester City CCG [on behalf of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) STP]
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG
Nottingham CityCare Partnership CIC
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Primary Integrated Community Services Limited
Sheffield Children’s 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 a range of education clients in relation to parent challenges following the government’s change of approach to awarding GCSE and ‘A’ Level grades in the summer 2020 examinations. Advised on the potential for appeals and/or complaints, the process to be applied and the alternative routes available to parents and students to challenge the assessments provided by the clients. Also advised on the potential for malpractice and/or maladministration in the assessment of grades.
- Acted for the three district councils in relation to the Midlands Engine Development Company and Corporation, which is set to create 84,000 jobs and add billions to the regional economy.
- Acted as one of only a small number of firms to advise NHS England on the various issues they have faced during the pandemic. This ranged from deploying staff to treat only Covid positive patients, through to legal issues on the vaccine rollout programme.
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP's public sector team in Nottingham is recognised for its expertise in real estate work advising on major developments and property joint ventures. Headed by Nathan Holden and Stephen Pearson, the team further advises on matters relating to procurement projects and state aid and has recently being involved in matters concerning support for service providers who were facing difficulties due to COVID-19 lockdown measures. Pearson has niche specialisms in conduct investigations and related governance advice. The litigation team assists local authorities in property litigation matters as well as in judicial review proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Nathan Holden; Stephen Pearson
Other key lawyers:
Gillian Roberts
Key clients
Derwent Housing Reporting Group
Aspect Education Limited
Abbotsholme School Limited
Cardinal Newman College
Envance Limited
Governing Body of Wyvern Federation
Innovative Solutions For Education Limited
Midlands University Consortium Reporting
Repton School Trust
Swalcliffe Park School CIO
University College London
University of Sheffield
Werrington Primary School
Zaskin College Limited
Kaplan Reporting Group
Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust Ltd
Europa School UK
Jak (Leics) Limited
Sound Training for Reading Limited
Century-Tech Limited
Elevate Education (United Kingdom) Pty Ltd
St Bartholomews CofE Multi Academy Trust
Burford School Foundation
ASD Learning Limited
Kerem Schools
Training at work group Ltd
Lincoln Arts Trust Limited
African Cultural Exchange Limited
Nina & Pinta Consulting Services Ltd
Dragon School
Sir Roger Manwood’s School
The Business Continuity Institute Limited
Leicester College
Tutorful Limited
University College Oxford
White House Farm Day Nursery
International Schools Partnership Ltd
Westcliff High School for Boys Limited
365 Homecare Ltd
Oxford Trust (Science Oxford)
The Voluntary & Community Sector Learning
Game Academy Limited
Ketka Limited
Micro:bit Educational Foundation
Caja Limited
Christ’s College Finchley
Twin Training International Limited
Activate Learning
Newlands Girls’ School
Trinity College Reporting Group
University of Lincoln
Birmingham Metropolitan College
Dalmore Capital Reporting Group
Landau Forte Charitable Trust
Childbase Partnership Limited
Nottingham High School
St Aubyn’s (Woodford Green) School Trust
Pearson College Limited
University of Birmingham
Dartmoor Multi-academy Trust
University of Portsmouth
Oxford Brookes University
Chesterfield College
Higher Education Policy Institute
Virtual Alliance Ltd
Oxford University Press
Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar Trust
School Explained Limited
Aura Newcastle Limited
The Milford Academy
British Education Suppliers Association
Axiom International Limited
New College Oxford
Swanbourne House School Trust Limited
Wadham Reporting Group
University Of Leeds
Derby College
Portland College
City of S O T Sixth Form College
Brunel University Enterprises Ltd
Imperial College London
Tutora Limited
Potteries Educational Trust
London Borough of Camden
London Borough of Newham
London Borough of Hackney
London Borough of Hillingdon
The Cornwall Council
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Middlesbrough Borough Council
Durham County Council
NEPO – The Council of the Borough of South Tyneside
Guildford Borough Council
Mole Valley District Council
Waverley Borough Council
Spelthorne Borough Council
Hart District Council
Kirklees Council
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Leeds City Council
Wakefield Council
City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Leicestershire County Council
Surrey County Council
West Midlands Combined Authority
London Borough of Havering
Mercury Land Holdings Limited
Ipswich Borough Assets Limited
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
Swindon Borough Council
Bath and North East Somerset Council
London Borough of Lambeth
Added Value Portal Limited (PAGABO)
Birmingham City Council
Staffs Moorlands DC
Place Partnership Limited (wholly owned LA company)
Acivico (Design, Construction and Facilities)
South Somerset District Council
Hanborough Parish Council
Gloucester City Council
The West Midlands Growth Company
Public Power Solutions Limited
Ipswich Borough Council
Woodstock Town Council
Northumberland County Council
Willington Parish Council
Broughton Astley Parish Council
East London Waste Authority
Lindfield Rural Parish Council
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Derbyshire Building Control Partnership
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
Castle Point Borough Council
Boston Borough Council
North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce
Maldon District Council
London Borough of Ealing
Enfield Council
South Cambridgeshire District Council
Nottingham City Council
Kettering Borough Council
Solihull MBC
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Luton Borough Council
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
Newark & Sherwood District Council
Nottingham City Homes Limited
Peterborough City Council
Northamptonshire County Council
Bedford Borough Council
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority
Charnwood Borough Council
Doncaster Children’s Trust
High Peak Borough Council
Gloucestershire County Council
Derbyshire Dales District Council
Rugby Borough Council
Chesterfield Borough Council
Kent County Council
Harborough District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council
Welwyn & Hatfield Borough Council
Northampton Borough Council
Telford and Wrekin Council
Daventry District Council
Lincoln City Council
Ashfield District Council
Dronfield Town Council
Transport for the North
Sheffield City Council
Hertfordshire County Council
Bassetlaw District Council
Old Bolsover Town Council
South Northamptonshire Council
Nottinghamshire Police Authority
Shropshire Council
Rushmoor Borough Council
Scape Group Ltd
Worcester City Council
North Hertfordshire District Council
Leicestershire County Council
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Boston Borough Council
North West Leicestershire District Council
Merton London Borough Council
Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Services
Blaby District Council
Central Bedfordshire Council
Derby Homes Ltd
Plymouth City Council
Fenland District Council
Oxford City Council
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Authority
Gedling Borough Council
Sutton London Borough Council
Arc Property Services Partnership Ltd
Babergh District Council
Uttlesford District Council
East Staffordshire Borough Council
Melton Borough Council
East Lindsey District Council
Bolsover District Council
Wellingborough Borough Council
Cheshire East Council
North East Derbyshire District Council
North Lincolnshire Council
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Nottinghamshire County Council – Pension
Wigan Council
Cumbria County Council
Halton Borough Council
Allerdale Borough Council
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
Warrington Borough Council
Blackpool Borough Council
Dorchester on Thames Parish Council
Darlington Borough Council
Oadby & Wigston Borough Council
Braintree District Council
NTU Reporting Group
University of Nottingham Reporting Group
Rita Ford Reporting Group
Massolit Online Education Limited
British International Studies Association
Review of Economic Studies Limited
UPP (Broadgate Park) Limited
East Sussex College
House of Fun Ltd
St Antony’s Catholic Primary School
Charlton Park Academy
Oakham School
The Trustees of Oakham School
University College of Estate Management
Critical Skills Reporting Group
NCHA Reporting Group
Longhurst Housing Reporting Group
Greensquare Reporting Group
INPP Reporting Group
Picfare Homes Limited
Metropolitan Housing Trust Reporting Group
Aspire Housing
BDW Trading Ltd, Miller Homes Ltd, Taylor
Crown Comm Svs Reporting Group
Cheltenham Borough Council
Midland Heart Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised South Somerset District Council on outsourcing management, operation and refurbishment of four leisure centres.
- Disposal of land for residential development as part of wider development of Phase 2 of the Beeston Town Centre for Broxtowe Borough Council.
- Conditional disposal on planning to Ilke Homes for modular housing development for Nottinghamshire County Council.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Diane Gilhooley leads the national education team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP while 'stellar performer' Nicola Bennison heads the education team in Nottingham. The firm offers 'a one-stop shop for high-quality legal advice' to higher and further education institutions, schools, academies and private education institutions. Advice covers all legal areas and includes litigation and dispute management, property, employment and student matters, health and safety, corporate and commercial, intellectual property, governance issues as well as regulatory advice. The team makes use of its network of international offices to advise education institutions globally.
Practice head(s):
Diane Gilhooley; Nicola Bennison
Testimonials
‘They have a very broad range of expertise, essentially offering a one-stop shop for high-quality legal advice.’
‘They establish a relationship with the client, ensuring that when a particular case arises they already know the strategic context of the organisation and so can ‘hit the ground running’ without the requirement to explain the strategic context again.’
‘They provide sensible and pragmatic advice, responding rapidly when needed to challenging casework.’
‘Nicola Bennison provides buckets of common sense and is quick to grasp the most complex problems.’
‘Nicola Bennison is a stellar performer who consistently adds value.’
‘The level of expertise in both education generally and further education specifically particularly in relation to complaints to regulatory bodies.’
‘Nicola Bennison has provided timely, insightful and incisive advice. She has delivered high quality work to tight deadlines.’
‘The main difference for me is their credibility. I always have absolute trust and confidence in the advice and expertise from this firm, and I have not found this same level of trust in other firms I have used.’
Key clients
Sandwell College
Moulton College
Royal National College for the Blind
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Trust Federation
Nottingham Trent University
West Nottinghamshire College
Shrewsbury College Group
University of Essex
University of Reading
De Montfort University
University of Nottingham
Leicester University
Loughborough University
ACS International Schools Limited
L.E.A.D Multi Academy Trust
Birmingham City University
Work highlights
- Advised Shrewsbury College Group on the challenge to its Ofsted report, taking the case to Independent Complaints Adjudication for Ofsted and securing recommendations in relation to complaint handling by Ofsted.
- Advised De Montfort University on complex employment tribunal claim.
- Successfully defended an application to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Tribunal for Alpha Academies Trust.
Geldards LLP
Geldards LLP specialises in advising local authorities, central government and regulatory authorities on matters such as development, collaboration and joint venture agreements, land assembly and disposals, land assembly and disposals, alternative delivery structures, income generation and funding arrangements. Practice head Tiffany Cloynes is 'very approachable and always looking to find solutions' and specialises in advising on large scale, complex regeneration and infrastructure projects, a particular area of expertise. Further expertise of the team includes advice on the application of the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and on conducting procurements.
Practice head(s):
Tiffany Cloynes
Other key lawyers:
Clare Hardy; Michelle Craven-Faulkner; Rebecca Gilbert
Testimonials
‘Tiffany Cloynes is very approachable and always looking to find solutions. Clare Hardy is very knowledgeable and thorough.’
‘Geldards offer a seamless and rounded service.’
‘Work was delivered by both partners and more junior staff. At no time did we feel that the partners were not in control and supervising the work of others. This meant the Geldards team worked well both horizontally and vertically. Particular credit to Tiffany Cloynes and Michelle Craven-Faulkner.’
‘Very strong in advice to local authorities in relation to governance and powers and commercial ventures. Proactive and practical advice delivered on time and at reasonable cost.’
‘Clare Hardy is particularly worthy of praise for her encyclopaedic knowledge of local government law and procedure.’
‘Clare Hardy listened to our needs and requirements from all of these agreements and able to translate them into legal documents. She communicated effectively on legal terms in a clear and precise way and how they apply to our type of operations. She was always available to answer queries or provide additional advice. ’
‘The public sector team are like an extension of our own in-house lawyers covering all areas that we need. They are different from other firms in that the whole team is available as and when needed this has been a huge benefit for the council.’
Key clients
Derby City Council
Warrington Borough Council
Carlisle City Council
Derbyshire County Council
Calderdale Borough Council
Rushmoor Borough Council
Cheshire East Council
South Staffordshire Borough Council
Walsall Council
Burnley Borough Council
Wirral Borough Council
The Council of the City of Wakefield
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
Daventry District Council
South Derbyshire District Council
Royal Borough of Greenwich
London Borough of Merton
Nottingham City Council
Nottinghamshire County Council
Milton Keynes Council
Norfolk County Council
Oxford City Council
Sheffield City Council
Leicester City Council
Dronfield Town Council
Ludlow Town Council
Transport for the North
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
Derbyshire Dales District Council
Chesterfield Borough Council
Selby District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council
Work highlights
- Advised the Warrington Borough Council in connection with the structuring and acquisition of two solar farms in Hull and York by way of a share acquisition following completion of the development.
- 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 the City Centre including land assembly and disposals, structuring of transaction including vires, procurement and State aid implication, preparation of conditional sale contracts, development and forward funding agreements and associated construction documentation.
- Acted for Derbyshire County Council on a number of major road and infrastructure projects including Ashbourne Link Roundabout and Link Road and Hollis Lane in Chesterfield (HS2 Delivery).
Wilkin Chapman LLP
Wilkin Chapman LLP's governance team advises on local government governance and powers and is lauded by clients as being 'extremely approachable' and 'very well organised'. The firm shows an impressive track record of investigations into the conduct of local government councillors, which is a particular specialism of the department. Further, the team handles grievances and disciplinary investigations and performs reviews of public sector bodies including councils, fire and policing authorities. Practice head Jonathan Goolden is 'very knowledgeable and pragmatic' and an expert in guidance on local government governance and ethics.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Goolden
Testimonials
‘The governance team is extremely approachable and takes the time to ensure that lay people understand the complex issues through clear and detailed explanation. Administratively they are very well organised.’
‘Jonathan Goolden is very knowledgeable and pragmatic. In addition to providing advice to our membership, he has delivered training at our events. He is an excellent presenter who combines knowledge and humour to make what can be rather a dry subject entertaining.’
Key clients
Birmingham City Council
Winchester City Council
Sandwell Council
North Hertfordshire District Council
Work highlights
- Investigation of breaches of Birmingham City Council’s Code of Conduct by its former leader, in respect of his settlement of a city-wide industrial action by refuse collection workers.
Flint Bishop LLP
Flint Bishop LLP shows a 'high degree of knowledge in the specialist education sector' acting for a broad range of education institutions which includes nurseries, secondary schools, colleges, universities as well as voluntary aided schools, foundation schools, academies and after school clubs and wrap-around care provision. Louise Easthope heads the education team which offers advice on all employment issues, including grievances and disciplinary matters, and assists clients with advice on academy conversions and rebrokerages.
Practice head(s):
Louise Easthope
Testimonials
‘High degree of knowledge in the specialist education sector. Depth of resources available.’
‘Personal approach. Dedicated relationship management. Degree of understanding in how the organisation is structured/function.’
‘The team are very knowledgeable and go above and beyond when responding to queries. The team has expanded due to demand with no drop in service levels, in fact they have improved. There is always someone to talk to.’
‘The staff really care about the school and it’s staff. They take the time to get a full picture leading to much more practical and relevant advice. They are highly professional, their conduct installs confidence in their ability.’
Key clients
Embark Federation
Derby College
The Rutland Learning Trust
Central Co-operative Learning Trust
The SENAD Group
The University of Derby
Derby Teaching Schools Alliance
Odyssey Collaborative Trust
Work highlights
- Advised Embark Multi Academy Trust on the conversion of three additional primary schools and currently advising on a further conversion.
- Advised The Rutland Learning Trust on six academy conversions joining the trust, across two counties and with complex diocesan land issues.
- Incorporating Central Co-operative Learning Trust, advising on five academy conversions and one rebrokerage into the trust.
Howes Percival LLP
The public sector offering at Howes Percival LLP provides advice to health and education sector clients on matters relating to property, construction and employment ,as well as commercial contracts and data protection issues. The team acts for schools as well as higher and further education institutions, including colleges and nationally renowned universities. In the healthcare sector, the team advises GPs, care homes and specialist care centres. Oliver Pritchard, Graham Irons and Daniel Banton jointly head the offering.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Pritchard; Graham Irons; Daniel Banton
Key clients
Anchor Hanover Group
P J Care Limited
Anchor Carehomes Limited
Learners Trust
De Montfort University
Milton Keynes College
University of Coventry