Next Generation Partners

Education: institutions in London

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP continues to excel at advising higher and further education clients on a wide range of regulatory and commercial matters, leveraging its national strength to maintain close relationships with universities and sector associations across the UK. The team is well-regarded for its expertise in contentious and non-contentious employment matters, having provided advice on major higher education employment frameworks in addition to handling large-scale restructuring programmes, unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, and strike action responses. Universities also frequently instruct the firm to advise on mergers, expansions, sales, and international activities. Nicola Bennison, an employment and discrimination specialist, divides her time between London and Nottingham and co-leads the practice with London-based lawyer Diane Gilhooley, who has handled a number of sexual harassment claims and regularly advises on industrial relations. Other key contacts in the team include London- and Cambridge-based governance expert Glynne Stanfield, who has advised on major mergers and expansions, and experienced litigator Alison Oldfield, who divides her time between London and Leeds and has a record of handling protestor disruptions.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Bennison; Diane Gilhooley


Other key lawyers:

Glynne Stanfield; Ben Wood; Alison Oldfield; Matthew Kelly; Robert Gray


Testimonials

‘The education team has unmatched sector knowledge and is able to quickly respond to wide-ranging questions. There is a high level of comfort and a consistent sense that the team provide robust, researched, and reasoned answers to all questions. I have an extremely high level of confidence in their advice and capabilities.’

‘Ben Wood listens carefully, immediately grasps the issues at hand, and is able to address complex issues with straightforward and understandable advice. He is very responsive, willing to discuss, and understands and cares about the sector and what colleges are trying to achieve.’

Key clients

Dulwich College


Greater London Authority


Harvard Global UK


Kings College London


London Institute of Mathematical Sciences


London South Bank University


Medical Research Council


NCH London


Oxford International Education Group


Queen Mary University of London


Richmond University London


Royal Central School of Speech and Drama


Royal College of General Practitioners


School of Oriental and African Studies


The Open University


University of Essex


University of Roehampton


Westminster University


Work highlights


  • Advised the University of Roehampton on the delivery of a major restructuring programme involving around half of its academic staff, including staffing reductions of 65 full time posts and the transition of around 180 academic staff to new contracts.
  • Assisted Universities UK with a comprehensive briefing on the legal framework relevant to staff-student sexual misconduct in Higher Education, as part of a suite of policy and guidance documents published by Universities UK on this key issue in Higher Education.
  • Advised a range of colleges on implications of the ONS reclassification of Colleges into the public sector.

Mills & Reeve LLP

The education practice at Mills & Reeve LLP comprises a large team of multidisciplinary lawyers who are well-equipped to advise a range of universities and Oxbridge colleges on high-value and complex strategic and contentious matters spanning employment, regulatory compliance, freedom of speech, and commercial issues. The national team is jointly led by Cambridge-based lawyer Gary Attle, who has acted in a variety of high-profile contentious mandates under the Equality Act 2010 and is also a key contact for regulatory matters related to data protection and freedom of speech, and Martin Priestley, who practices from Leeds and is active across a range of high-value mergers, acquisitions, and procurements for higher education clients. Other key contacts in the team include Cambridge-based lawyers Sarah Seed, a higher education financing and banking specialist, Jens Henniker Heaton, an expert on student accommodation projects, and Poppy Short, who advises on a wide range of academic partnerships and arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Gary Attle; Martin Priestley


Other key lawyers:

Poppy Short; Jens Henniker Heaton; Sarah Seed; Alex Russell


Testimonials

‘Excellent market knowledge, with a finger on the pulse of change.’

‘Gary Attle is a first-rate lawyer in this area. He knows education inside-out and also brings a wide and pragmatic perspective to difficult problems.’

‘The team we work with at Mills & Reeve are experts in higher education, so they can provide relevant and up-to-date advice and guidance on real sector issues. This is incredibly helpful.’

‘Alex Russell always provides timely and insightful advice.’

Key clients

Academies Enterprise Trust


Anglia Ruskin University Higher Education Corporation


Arden University Limited


Birmingham City University


Bolton College


Bournemouth University


British Council


Buckingham New University


Cardiff University


Christ Church, Oxford University


Christ’s Hospital


Coventry University


Cranfield University


Dragon School Trust Limited


Exeter College Oxford


Francis Crick Institute Ltd


Harrow School


Institution of Engineering and Technology


King’s College London


LTE Group


Linacre College Oxford


London Business School


Manchester Metropolitan University


Merton College Oxford


Nottingham Trent University


Oxford Brookes University


Oxford University Endowment Management


Peterhouse College, Cambridge


Queen Mary University of London


Royal Veterinary College


Sheffield Hallam University


Solent University


St Dunstan’s Educational Foundation


St Edmund Hall, Oxford


St John’s College


St John’s College, Oxford


TOF Corporate Trustee Limited as Trustee of The Oxford Funds


Trinity College, Cambridge


United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation


University of Bath


University of Birmingham


University of Cambridge


University of Derby


University of East Anglia


University of Exeter


University of Huddersfield


University of Hull


University of Kent


University of Lancaster


University of Liverpool


University of London


University of Manchester


University of Northampton


University of Nottingham


University of Oxford


University of Salford


University of Southampton


University of Surrey


University of Worcester


University of York


University of York


Wellcome Sanger Institute


West Thames College


Work highlights


  • Advised Sheffield Hallam University on the site for its new campus in London, as part of the £8bn Brent Cross Town development.
  • Assisted Kingston University with the drafting and negotiation of construction documents for its new School of Art.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP excels at advising universities and other higher education providers on commercial operations and projects, with the team having been instructed on some of the highest-value student accommodation schemes, funding and financing initiatives, research developments, and M&A transactions. The firm is also well-equipped to handle contentious mandates, having acted for clients in a number of disputes related to contract breach claims, dismissals, and strike actions. Victoria Goddard, a property expert who regularly advises on the development, acquisition, and disposal of major student accommodation projects, is based in Leeds and heads the national team. Also in Leeds, Julian Sladdin is the key contact for the team’s litigation work and has successfully defended leading universities in a number of high-profile group litigations and judicial reviews. In Birmingham, employment lawyers Helen Corden and Rebecca Stephen are noted for their work on industrial relations, including high-profile claims related to discrimination, and Gayle Ditchburn is noted for her expertise on structuring and governance issues. London-based banking expert Alexis Hayworth is also a key contact, with a particularly strong reputation for advising universities on sustainability financing matters.

Practice head(s):

Victoria Goddard


Other key lawyers:

Gayle Ditchburn; Julian Sladdin; Helen Corden; Alexis Hayworth; Rebecca Stephen


Key clients

BIMM University


Birkbeck, University of London


Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority


INTO University Partnerships Limited


Institute of Art London


Kings College London


Oxford University Press


Royal Holloway, University of London


The Arts Educational Schools


University College London


University of Brighton


University of Essex


University of London


University of Sussex


University of the Arts London


Work highlights


  • Advised Northern Gritstone Limited on its establishment as a spin-out investment vehicle founded by the Universities of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield.
  • Advised eight leading UK universities on the class actions being brought by Asserson and Harcus Parker on behalf of over 20,000 students for fees compensation relating to breach of contract due to COVID and strike disruption.
  • Acted for UCL on a joint venture with Moorfields Eye Hospital (MEH) for the land purchase, joint development and sharing of a new eye hospital at St Pancras.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP‘s education team is composed of lawyers based who are ‘extremely knowledgeable in their field’ and are particularly well-reputed for their expertise in a broad range of contentious matters. The team has acted for universities and further education institutions in a number of commercial and property disputes, discrimination claims, investigations related to regulatory breaches, and claims related to unfair dismissals and freedom of speech restrictions. Smita Jamdar, who leads the Birmingham-based practice, has acted for universities in a number of OfS investigations and has also led the team to handle a growing number of non-contentious mandates related to governance, charity, and commercial matters. David Browne and Tom Long are noted for their experience in reputationally sensitive employment matters, and Clive Read is highly recommended for his ability to advise universities on real estate and student accommodation schemes. For contentious work related to discrimination and harassment, Andrew Adams and Ben Humphreys are further names to note. Catherine Rustomji, who advises on charity governance matters, joined from Browne Jacobson in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Smita Jamdar


Other key lawyers:

David Browne; Tom Long; Clive Read; Andrew Adams; Ben Humphreys; Catherine Rustomji; Geraldine Swanton; Selina Hinchcliffe


Testimonials

‘Shakespeare Martineau are excellent lawyers who give practical and accurate sector advice. Their knowledge of educational law is exceptional, and they keep pace with changes and issues which may impact higher education. They issue advanced notice of the changes and work with us to advise on individual cases, applying their expert knowledge while taking our practice into account.’

‘Smita Jamdar leads the team and gives very practical and straight-talking advice. She will recommend a course of action or tell us when we are doing something which may put us at risk.’

‘The team are extremely knowledgeable in their field and have a wealth of experience that enables them to provide legally-based, pragmatic advice and solutions. They are responsive at all times, approachable, and provide tailored advice that is accessible to non-legal colleagues.’

‘Shakespeare Martineau’s education has genuine expertise in higher education and is highly collaborative. The advice and service provided has been consistently excellent.’

‘Smita Jamdar is second to none in higher education. Geraldine Swanton is knowledgeable, highly responsive, and always a delight to work with.’

Key clients

Aberystwyth University


Abingdon and Witney College


Barnsley College


Brunel University


Capital City College Group


Cardiff University


Courtauld Institute


Dudley College


Halesowen College


Leicester College


Liverpool John Moore University


London South Bank University


North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College


Oxford Brookes University


Quality Assurance Agency


SOAS


Staffordshire University


UCLAN


University College London


University College of Osteopathy


University of Cambridge


University of Derby


University of East London


University of Exeter


University of Greenwich


University of Hertfordshire


University of Lincoln


University of Sheffield


University of South Wales


University of West London


University of the Arts London


West Dean College


Wiltshire College


Work highlights


  • Advised six universities on an investigation by the Office for Students for alleged breaches of various registration conditions, including defending the allegations and challenging the OfS’s untested procedure.
  • Advised Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust on defending a claim by a current student who alleges discrimination, harassment and victimization arising out of content on the trust’s psychotherapy teaching and clinical training course.
  • Advised a Russell Group university on major IT procurement projects worth ~£100m to entirely reshape and modernize its legacy IT systems and strategy in order to create a more agile and resilient IT framework, enhancing teaching, learning, and research, and improving the student experience.

Blake Morgan LLP

Blake Morgan LLP's education team is instructed by Oxford colleges as well as universities and FE colleges across the country to advise on a wide range of matters and stands out for its deep knowledge of regulatory and student-related issues. Under the leadership of Cardiff-based practice head and employment specialist Matthew Smith, the team has advised education providers on registration and accreditation processes and acted in standout contentious matters related to employee grievances and student complaints. Also in Cardiff, Joanna Rees has advised on major campus developments, and Trish D'Souza, who arrived from Capital Law Limited in October 2022, is a key contact for contentious work and investigations. Oxford-based lawyers Richard Wade, a procurement expert, and John Deech, who advises on property issues, are further names to note.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Smith


Other key lawyers:

John Deech; Trish D’Souza; Joanna Rees; Richard Wade


Key clients

Balliol College, Oxford


Brasenose College, Oxford


Cardiff Metropolitan University


Cardiff University


Christ Church College, Oxford


Gower College


Hereford Sixth Form College


Magdalen College, Oxford


New College, Oxford


Oxford Foundation for Theoretical Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence


Oxford University Development Limited


Portsmouth Diocesan Trust


Swansea University


Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association


University College, Oxford


University of Chichester


University of Reading


University of South Wales


Work highlights


  • Advised New College on its procurement approach, the appointment of its design team, and construction contracts in relation to its proposed redevelopment of a new Quadrangle within the College estate.
  • Advised the University of Winchester on a major project to deliver enhanced carbon efficiency across various facilities, which is set to make the University one of the lowest carbon emitting universities in the UK.
  • Advised Cardiff University on its ongoing £600 million campus development programme which includes the Centre for Student Life, a new, bespoke student services hub adjacent to the Students’ Union, and the Innovation Campus/Sbarc Building, a newly-opened £300 million research centre.

Browne Jacobson LLP

The education practice at Browne Jacobson LLP provides construction law advice, acts in contentious matters, and handles regulatory compliance issues for a growing roster of clients, including the likes of the University of Brighton and the London School of Economics. The practice is co-led by Bettina Rigg, an employment and education specialist who has represented universities in judicial reviews and investigations related to student and staff issues, and Dominic Swift, who is highly recommended for his experience advising clients on high-value, strategically important construction projects. Scott Mounfield is a further key contact for procurement and project work, while IP expert Nick Smee has advised higher education on contract agreements and commercialisation initiatives.

Practice head(s):

Bettina Rigg; Dominic Swift


Other key lawyers:

Nick Smee; Scott Mounfield; Matthew Alderton


Testimonials

‘It is great to see the amount of work that Browne Jacobson has put into developing student-facing, value-added initiatives, particularly those with an EDI focus. We really appreciate this.’

‘Bettina Rigg and Matthew Alderton have advised us of late. Both have displayed the qualities which have been evident in the firm – they have displayed knowledge, experience and expertise of our higher education sector and been responsive, supportive and clear in their advice.’

‘The firm’s dispute resolution and education teams have an understanding of our higher education business, and knowledge and experience in the giving of what has been clear and relevant advice.’

Key clients

Brunel University London


King’s College London


London School of Economics and Political Science


Loughborough University


Nottingham Trent University


Pembrokeshire College


University of Brighton


University of Derby


University of Hertfordshire


University of Nottingham Students’ Union


Wrexham Glyndwr University


Work highlights


Clyde & Co

Since its merger with BLM in July 2022, Clyde & Co's team of higher education experts continues to stand out for its cross-border expertise, with university and sector organisation clients regularly instructing the team to provide corporate and commercial advice on international operations. The practice is particularly noted for its expertise in the procurement space, having advised the likes of University College London and the University of Sheffield on procurement initiatives in connection with major construction and IT projects. Practice head David Hansom is a key contact for the team's procurement work, while James Major and Elliot Pound advise universities on contentious student and employment matters. Simon Gamblin is well-regarded for his advice on mergers and joint ventures, and data protection expert Mark Williamson is a further name to note.

Practice head(s):

David Hansom


Other key lawyers:

Elliot Pound; James Major; Mark Williamson; Simon Gamblin


Key clients

Anglia Ruskin University


Chatsworth Schools


Coventry University


Fordham University New York


Imperial College London


Northern Universities Purchasing Consortium


RSA


Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium


University College London


University of Leeds


University of Warwick


Work highlights


  • Advised UCL on many of the significant, cutting-edge and business critical data and technology arrangements that the University enters into, ensuring that key issues such as data protection, security and solution availability have been appropriately addressed and that the University’s interests are protected.
  • Advised the University of Sheffield on the negotiation of a new renewable energy contract using cutting edge technology.
  • Advised Chatsworth Schools on a series of school acquisitions across the United Kingdom, including, most recently, the acquisition of the business comprising Broughton Manor Preparatory School from Milton Keynes Preparatory School Limited, taking the number of schools and nurseries in the Chatsworth Group to 15.

Farrer & Co

Farrer & Co acts for a client roster that encompasses some of the UK’s largest universities, as well as sector associations such as the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The team is respected for its ability to handle crisis management work of a reputationally sensitive nature and is regularly instructed to handle employment matters, commercial issues, and research/IP disputes, with a record of acting in contentious mandates spanning from discrimination and unfair dismissal claims to research misconduct allegations. Under the leadership of IP and commercial specialist David Copping, the London-based team also regularly assists with high-profile projects and partnerships, including campus openings, research collaboration agreements, and acquisitions. The team benefits from the expertise of Kathleen Heycock, whose expertise in employment and safeguarding issues make her a key contact for student complaints, industrial relations, and misconduct allegations. Sam Macdonald, an experienced charity and tax lawyer who is regarded as a key contact for matters related to governance and fundraising, Jeremy Isaacson, who advises on high-profile research and IP issues, and safeguarding specialist David Smellie are also highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

David Copping


Other key lawyers:

Kathleen Heycock; Sam Macdonald; Jeremy Isaacson; David Smellie


Key clients

Association of Commonwealth Universities


Imperial College London


Institute of Cancer Research


King’s College London


London Business School


The Open University


The Rhodes Trust


Universities UK


University for the Creative Arts


University of Cambridge


University of Oxford


University of Warwick


Work highlights


  • Advised Imperial College on all aspects of employment law, from day-to-day HR issues and Tribunal claims to highly complex employment matters.
  • Assisted the University of West London with an agreement with a third-party course provider (GCA Education Ltd) for the design and delivery of new and online Ofqual-regulated qualifications, from media to music and business.
  • Advised Imperial College London on the formation of a new medical school in Carlisle, in partnership with the University of Cumbria.

VWV

The multidisciplinary education practice at VWV is well-regarded for its expertise in contentious matters, having represented universities across the country in employment tribunal claims, data breach claims, issues related to student accommodation, and internal disciplinary investigations. Birmingham-based practice head Jane Byford has advised a wide array of clients on the contentious and non-contentious aspects of employment and HR law, and London lawyer Bob Fahy is a further trusted contact for work related to industrial relations. On the non-contentious side, the practice also actively advises on procurement matters in connection with high-value commercial initiatives and construction projects. Birmingham-based corporate expert Morag Roddick, who joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in September 2022, and Bristol-based corporate student relations lawyer Kris Robbetts extend the practice’s offering into the regulatory compliance space and regularly provide advice on important university governance issues.

Practice head(s):

Jane Byford


Other key lawyers:

Morag Roddick; Bob Fahy; Kris Robbetts


Testimonials

‘VWV’s knowledge, responsiveness, and drafting skills are well-matched to our needs, which are often complex. The VWV lawyers we have worked with show real interest in our objectives and have played an essential role for us.’

‘Morag Roddick and her colleagues stand out because they genuinely understand the charity sector. Morag’s drafting is on point and crystal clear, which is a real boon to helping us achieve a meeting of the minds with the counterparty.’

‘VWV provides a good, full service.’

Key clients

Bangor University


Bishop Grosstesse University


Bournemouth University


Brunel University London


Francis Crick Institute


King’s College London


London Interdisciplinary School


London Metropolitan University


London South Bank University


Middlesex University


New City College


Norland College


Nottingham Trent University


Orchard Hill College


Roehampton University


Royal Academy of Music


The Institute of Cancer Research


University & Colleges Information Systems Association


University of Brighton


University of Bristol


University of Derby


University of East London


University of Greenwich


University of Reading


University of Roehampton


University of Southampton


University of Surrey


University of the Arts London


University of Worcester


Work highlights


  • Advised the University of Bristol on the establishment of a new dental hospital as part of the University of Bristol Dental School.
  • Advised Orchard Hill College on the relocation of its provision from Wyvern House to a new building in Hillingdon to establish the Park View Centre in Uxbridge.
  • Acted for University of Southampton in its successful defence of an employment tribunal claim alleging whistleblowing detriment.

Weightmans LLP

Clients such as Queen Mary University London and the Open University rely on Weightmans LLP‘s ‘excellent sector knowledge‘ and depth of experience in procurement matters and disputes. The team has advised on high-value campus construction projects and redevelopments and taken on a wide array of contentious mandates, including procurement claims, contractual disputes, inquests following student deaths, and other reputationally sensitive student and staff disciplinary issues. Practice head Martin Vincent is also regularly entrusted to advise universities on strategically important regulatory, IP, and governance issues. Richard Vaughan is a key contact for high-value construction projects, while Josh Conroy, Susan Matthews, and Melanie Steed are highly recommended for their ability to act in contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Martin Vincent


Other key lawyers:

Richard Vaughan; Melanie Steed; Susan Matthews; Josh Conroy


Testimonials

‘Excellent sector knowledge and understanding of our operating environment.’

‘Proactive, with a deep understanding of our organisation. Melanie Steed is extremely client-centric and is excellent to work with. She has an ability to take the complex and make it comprehensible.’

‘Very supportive, always helpful, pragmatic advice.’

‘Susan Matthews and Josh Conroy, in particular, are very approachable, responsive and helpful.’

Key clients

Lancaster University


Newcastle University


Nottingham College


Queen Mary University London


Royal Veterinary College


Solent University


The Open University


University of Cumbria


University of Keele


University of Leeds


Work highlights


  • Acted for Newcastle University in a coroner’s inquest following the death of a student.
  • Acted for Lancaster University in the successful rebuttal of a claim for breach of copyright brought by a firm of US based “Copyright Trolls”.
  • Advised Solent University on its entire suite of Knowledge Transfer policies and procedures in order to drive effective Knowledge Transfer for the entire institution.

Bates Wells

Bates Wells has a strong reputation for providing full-service advice to FE colleges and non-university educational establishments, especially in relation to regulatory compliance, accreditation and registration processes, and strategically important employment and charity matters. Under the leadership of governance and commercial expert Jean Tsang, the team has advised on numerous FE college mergers, demergers, and acquisitions, and it is also trusted to provide corporate advice on procurement and IP commercialisation initiatives. Lucy McLynn spearheads the team’s employment offering and regularly advises on staffing issues and industrial relations as well as disciplinary proceedings. Claire Whittle left for DLA Piper.

Practice head(s):

Jean Tsang


Other key lawyers:

Lucy McLynn


Testimonials

‘The Team immediately understood the organisation and brief, even before we met for the first time. Different members of the team were able to assist with different aspects of our requirement, and it felt like each individual was very knowledgeable on our organisation.’

‘We were very ably assisted by Jean Tsang, who always came to each meeting with great energy and knowledge on each topic we discussed.’

Key clients

AQA


Council of the Inns of Court


Gateway Qualifications


Trinity College London


Universities UK


Workers’ Educational Association


Burges Salmon LLP

The Bristol-based team at Burges Salmon LLP is well-regarded for its advice to governing institutions such as Ofsted and the Department for Education, who instruct the team to advise on regulatory proceedings and contractual arrangements in connection with the execution of major outsourcing projects and mergers. The team also offers university clients solid advice on major construction projects, procurement initiatives, and employment matters, especially in connection with pension and immigration issues. Practice head Matthew Ramus leads the team’s relationship with the Department for Education and is well-regarded for his understanding of strategically important education projects. For employment matters, Luke Bowery and Huw Cooke are highly recommended contacts.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Ramus


Other key lawyers:

Luke Bowery; Huw Cooke; John Houlden; Marcus Walters


Testimonials

‘Strong, knowledgeable, efficient.’

‘Marcus Walters is an unfailingly helpful, generous expert.’

Key clients

Ascent


Bath Spa University


Birmingham Children’s Trust Limited


Birmingham City Council


Bud Systems


Cardiff University


Gemba


OFSTED


Office for Students


QS


Reading Borough Council


Shareholders of Firebrand Training


The Department for Education


The Safeguarding Company Limited


Trustees of the Cardiff University Pension Fund


University of Bristol


University of Exeter


University of Oxford


University of the West of England


W H Ireland Ltd


York St John University


Work highlights


  • Advised the Department for Education on major Children’s Services restructuring programmes and “Alternative Delivery Models” for central and local government.
  • Advised the University of Bristol on a new £300m campus development in Bristol city centre.
  • Advised the Trustees of the Cardiff University Pension Fund on a significant proposal by the sponsoring employer to make benefit changes to the scheme following a strategic review, including closing the scheme to new joiners and amending revaluation/increase provisions.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is instructed by universities and Oxbridge colleges to handle ‘complex and cutting-edge cases‘ involving contentious employment and student disciplinary matters as well as handling a wide spectrum of governance and commercial matters in relation to data privacy, partnerships and contracts, and real estate. The team boasts notable expertise in issues related to safeguarding, student and staff misconduct, and industrial relations. Employment specialists Daff Richardson, who is based in Oxford, and Hilary Aldred, who practices from Cambridge, are regularly entrusted to act in complex mandates surrounding discrimination, freedom of speech, and no platforming. Oxford-based governance and student relations expert Sam Rose is also highly recommended. In London, immigration specialist Pat Saini and commercial expert Anna Frankum are further key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Hilary Aldred; Daff Richardson


Other key lawyers:

Pat Saini; Anna Frankum; Sam Rose; Sophie Whitbread


Testimonials

‘Penningtons Manches Cooper has a very strong education legal teams. They advise on and fight complex and cutting-edge cases and have unparalleled experience in this field. There is quality in their most junior associates right up to their leading partners.’

‘Hilary Aldred is one of the leading lights in education law nationally. She knows everything there is to know and has a wealth of experience to draw on.

Sophie Whitbread is a terrific and hardworking lawyer with excellent judgment and negotiation skills.’

‘In depth knowledge and expertise in dealing with educational institutions and knowledge around policymaking is a big strength of the organisation.’

‘The team offer pragmatic advice, taking into account risk versus reward. They get to know your business and what works for you.’

‘Highly responsive, deeply knowledgeable, commercial and client-need focussed.’

‘Very high recommendation for Sam Rose. She’s very well-informed on Education Issues in HEIs, highly practical, and a pleasure to deal with.’

Key clients

American Institute for Foreign Study


Chartered Association of Business Schools


Christ Church, Oxford


Corpus Christi College, Cambridge


Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge


Florida State University


Green Templeton College, Oxford


ICMP Management Limited


Jesus College, Oxford


Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford


Pembroke College, Oxford


S P Jain School of Management


St Mary’s University, Twickenham


The Institute of Leadership and Management


Unifrog Education Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Christ Church, Oxford on day-to-day employment matters in respect of academic and non-academic staff.
  • Advised Florida State University on all aspects of their property holding including advice on banking arrangements where the parent companies are overseas.
  • Advised the American Institute for Foreign Study’s US and UK offices on UK GDPR compliance as well as UK real estate matters.

Bevan Brittan LLP

Bevan Brittan LLP‘s education team provides ‘high quality advice and an excellent service‘ across the full range of education matters, with clients such as Swansea University and the University of West London instructing the firm in contentious and non-contentious mandates related to procurements and campus construction projects, student safeguarding issues, educational partnerships, and Equality Act compliance. The nationwide team is co-led by London-based lawyer Virginia Cooper, who acts for universities in sensitive contract disputes and student claims, and employment specialist Ashley Norman, who practices from Birmingham. Educational governance and regulations expert Amy Tschobotko is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Virginia Cooper; Ashley Norman


Other key lawyers:

Amy Tschobotko; Bethan Lloyd


Testimonials

‘The team is response and practical, with an eye toward excellent client care and tenacious care of their client’s interest.’

‘High quality advice and excellent service.’

‘Dedicated, highly skilled problem solvers.’

‘Excellent knowledge and extremely personable’

‘Bethan Lloyd always offers excellent advice and has extensive knowledge in the areas we seek advice on.’

Key clients

Cardiff and Vale College


Cogrammar


De Montfort University


Newbury College of Further Education


Royal Holloway, University of London


Swansea University


Trinity College, Oxford


University of Oxford


University of West London


University of York


Work highlights


  • Advised the University of York on its design competition for a new state of the art Student Centre at the Heslington Campus in York.
  • Acted for the University of Oxford in a claim commenced by a former student for alleged breaches of the Equality Act 2010.
  • Advised further education client Newbury College on a number of commercial property transactions relating to its campus in Newbury.

Withers LLP

Withers LLP‘s higher education team provides strong advice on matters related to charity law and also displays strong multinational expertise, with its team of lawyers across the US and UK regularly assisting clients with cross-border educational partnerships and arrangements. The London team is led by charity experts Philip Reed, Alison Paines, and Chris Priestley, who have advised on the establishment of multijurisdictional educational charities, joint ventures, and strategically important governance matters. Advice on research initiatives is a further area of expertise for the team, which has provided commercial and IP support to clients in connection with large-scale research projects.

Practice head(s):

Philip Reed; Alison Paines; Chris Priestley


Other key lawyers:

Emma Flower; Amy Carter


Testimonials

‘Strong industry knowledge, with the ability to pull in required area specialists. Very client focused – they care!’

‘Chris Priestley stands out for giving clear advice and recommendations.’

Key clients

Galileo Global Education Limited


Regent’s University London


Work highlights


Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

The higher education team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP advises universities and other educational organisations on commercial initiatives as well as governance and regulatory compliance matters, working with clients such as Durham University and NCFE to assist with commercial arrangements, campus projects and redevelopments, and student safeguarding issues. Charity lawyer Emma Moody is frequently entrusted to advise on universities' governance arrangements and regulatory regimes and co-leads the national practice from Newcastle together with procurement expert Kevin Robertson. Southampton-based employment specialist Christina Tolvas-Vincent is also highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Emma Moody; Kevin Robertson


Other key lawyers:

Christina Tolvas-Vincent


Key clients

Arts University Bournemouth


Durham University


Durham University


Gateshead College


NCFE


Newcastle University


Office for Students


Staffordshire University


Universities & Colleges Employers Association


Work highlights


  • Advised Durham University on a substantial exercise to review and revise its primary constitutional documents, including its Statutes and Regulations.
  • Advised Staffordshire University on its procurement to appoint a private sector partner to deliver its new student village at its campus in Stoke via design, build, finance and operate (DBFO) arrangement.
  • Advised NCFE – a major technical and vocational awarding organisation in the UK – on the majority of the organisation’s legal work across its business operations.