Browne Jacobson LLP's 'very knowledgeable team' has a comprehensive practice throughout the education sector, which encompasses employment law, admissions policies, commercial agreements and safeguarding matters. 'Trusted counsel' Nick MacKenzie stands our for his wealth of experience advising executives, chairs and trustees in relation to governance and strategic projects; recently, he advised numerous clients on academy transfers, including Thrive Education Partnership and Core Education Trust. Richard Freeth assists schools with various matters, including admissions, behaviour and exclusion issues, Equality Act matters and parental and pupil issues. Helen Badger has expertise in employment law matters affecting the education sector, including whistleblowing, TUPE and equal pay mandates and exit strategies. Associate Lydia Michaelson-Yeates is noted for her strong track record in governance and general commercial agreements in the academies space, while associate Hayley O’Sullivan stands out for her expertise in exclusions and equality issues affecting schools and multi-academy trusts.
Education in West Midlands
Browne Jacobson LLP
Practice head(s):
Nick MacKenzie
Other key lawyers:
Richard Freeth; Helen Badger; Lydia Michaelson-Yeates; Hayley O’Sullivan
Testimonials
‘Its uniqueness is built around their helpful and valued mix of support and challenge. They provide more than a service. They challenge our thinking, offer different (often unique) perspectives and contribute effectively to our company’s mission to be the best we can be.’
‘I have found the team extremely approachable and friendly. They are always willing to help and we find their advice refreshing. We feel supported and know when we contact them we will get professional trusted legal advice which takes into consideration what we want to do and what we are able to do.’
‘Browne Jacobson has great strength in the secondary education sector. The team’s enthusiasm for our sector is infectious and we really enjoy working with them.’
‘Nick McKenzie – his knowledge of the sector and other sectors is second to none. He is able to add value in any conversation and is a trusted, wise counsel.’
‘Lydia Michaelson-Yeates – excellent response times and quick to grasp the issues and identify the best person to deal with our queries.’
‘Richard Freeth – outstanding knowledge of the education sector, coupled with timely and astute advice.’
Key clients
Academy Transformation Trust
Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
Bath and NE Somerset Council
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Brooke Weston Trust
Elliot Foundation Academies Trust
Falcon Education Academies Trust
GLF Schools
King’s College London
Learning Community Trust
Hockerill Anglo European College
Northampton Primary Academy Trust
Outwood Grange Academies Trust
University of Hertfordshire
Warwick Independent Schools Foundation
Work highlights
- Advised Hockerill Anglo European College on the reconsideration of a permanent exclusion following an IRP decision which quashed the original governors’ decision.
- Advised Falcon Education Academies Trust on its academy conversion and transfer as part of its innovative approach to taking on and turning around schools and academies with a history of under performing.
- Advising a multi-academy trust on a complex and sensitive employee disciplinary investigation.
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP has a varied client base, which includes major universities, further education colleges, multi-academy trusts, schools and public sector bodies. Its range of work encompasses advising clients on student accommodation projects, Brexit-related issues and regulatory matters including those relating to the Higher Education & Research Act. Nick Abbott has over two decades of experience in the education sector and focuses primarily on complex employment matters including industrial disputes, TUPE transfers and major reorganisations. Richard Sykes, who leads the practice alongside Abbott, specialises in liability and compliance matters; he also has a wealth of experience in equality and data protection matters.
Practice head(s):
Nick Abbott; Richard Sykes
Key clients
Academies Enterprise Trust
Birmingham City University
Buckinghamshire New University
Cardiff University
Lancaster University
LTE Group
Manchester Metropolitan University
Nottingham Trent University
South & City College Birmingham
The University of Birmingham
University of Exeter
University of London
University of Liverpool
The University of Manchester
The University of Nottingham
University of Salford
University of Worcester
Work highlights
- Advised the University of Birmingham on the proposed £210m Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, a world-class life science campus for the West Midlands which will create new jobs and accelerate the development and deployment of new drugs, diagnostics and healthcare technologies to patients.
- Advised on the University of Salford’s £800m campus masterplan involving new schools of Computing Science, Engineering and Built Environment and a new Biomedical Health Village.
- Advised Imperial College on the negotiation and completion of a revolving credit facility with Lloyds Bank plc, including advising on specialist HE matters.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP's 'very capable, thorough and pragmatic' group focuses primarily on the higher education sector, where it leverages its nationwide team to provide comprehensive advice to clients on sales and acquisitions, joint ventures, IP agreements and TUPE transfers. The team has also handled a lot of work arising from the pandemic including health and safety issues and employment matters. Gayle Ditchburn stands out for her wealth of experience in regulatory, constitutional and governance issues within the higher education sector; her recent highlights include advising BIMM Institute on its sale to ICG Capital. Senior associate Rami Labib is also a key member of the team, known for his expertise in outsourcings, commercial contracts and collaborative arrangements.
Practice head(s):
Gayle Ditchburn
Other key lawyers:
Rami Labib
Testimonials
‘Pinsent Masons are responsive, accessible, supportive and demonstrate expert knowledge of the education sector. I can attest that their excellent advice, including briefing counsel, has made a material difference to my organisation, helping to resolve complex and sensitive matters.’
‘The firm is able to provide a comprehensive service, addressing many areas of law thoroughly.’
‘Gayle Ditchburn is fantastic to work with, I cannot praise her highly enough. She really understands our business, its main risks and concerns and what it requires from its external legal advisers. She is highly responsive, always has time to help and is exceptionally knowledgeable about the education sector.’
Key clients
Aston University
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
Cardiff University
City, University of London
College of Legal Practice Limited
Coventry University
Dyson Technology Limited
INTO University Partnerships Limited
King’s College London
London School of Economics & Political Science
Manchester Metropolitan University
Mitie Group Plc
Nurture Higher Education Group
Roehampton University
Royal College of Art
Sheffield Hallam University
The University of Sheffield
University College London
University of Birmingham
University of Gloucestershire
University of Lincoln
University of New South Wales (Australia)
University of Nottingham
University of Surrey
University of the Arts London
Warwick University
Work highlights
- Advised China Education Group on its strategic collaboration and rescue of Richmond, the American International University in London, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Advised the shareholders of BIMM Limited on its successful sale to Intermediate Capital Group PLC.
- Advised Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority in connection with Phase 1 of its ground-breaking project to establish a new University in Peterborough with Phase 2 and the establishment of a join venture to construct a Research and Development centre currently underway.
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Shakespeare Martineau LLP's 'excellent' team handles a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters involving universities and other education clients; its expertise in governance issues, employment mandates and large-scale projects is particularly strong. Smita Jamdar has over two decades of experience in governance and constitutional law matters affecting higher education clients. David Browne stands out for his comprehensive employment law practice, which includes handling highly sensitive matters on behalf of education clients including allegations of sexual misconduct and staff terminations. Geraldine Swanton is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Smita Jamdar
Other key lawyers:
David Browne; Geraldine Swanton
Testimonials
‘The team have an excellent knowledge of the further education sector, which, when combined with individuals’ legal knowledge and skills, delivered in a friendly no-nonsense commercial and pragmatic style, sets the team apart from competitors.’
‘The solicitors are very knowledgeable about the education sector and the various rules/regulations/complaints processes. Their breadth of knowledge ensures that they can assist with any queries.’
‘I am delighted with the prompt service received. The firm is both approachable and friendly and happy to deal with all matters, both large and small.’
‘The team has an excellent and in-depth knowledge of the HE sector and a clear passion for the work of its clients. Its experience means it is able to engage in constructive sounding-board discussions to navigate difficult issues, as well as provide more formal technical legal advice.’
‘Smita Jamdar is exceptional in her knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting the sector. Highly trusted.’
‘Geraldine Swanton – highly responsive and empathic; can navigate complex issues pragmatically and calmly.’
Key clients
University of Hertfordshire
Brunel University
University of Cambridge
University of Worcester
University of Exeter
UCLAN
University of Sheffield
University College London
Cardiff University
University of Roehampton
Bournemouth University
Liverpool John Moore University
Leicester College
Barnsley College
Wiltshire College
Dudley College
Abingdon and Witney College
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
Quality Assurance Agency
West Dean College
Work highlights
- Advising a Russell Group university in connection with a senior member of staff who was dismissed for falsifying a hate crime on campus and is now suing for discrimination on multiple grounds.
- Advising Staffordshire University on its £55m campus redevelopment.
- Advising various universities in relation to handling complex, sensitive and highly contentious cases of sexual misconduct.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s nationwide team specialises in the regulatory aspects of education law, including employment, health and safety, IP and constitutional matters. Diane Gilhooley has a broad contentious and non-contentious employment practice in the education sector, encompassing tribunal proceedings, trade union issues, equality and diversity work, governance mandates and charity matters. The ‘extremely knowledgeable and helpful’ Mark Taylor is noted for his involvement in a high volume of mergers in the education sector, in which he provides full-service advice including due diligence and governance support. Principal associate Morag Roddick is noted for her roles in M&A and joint ventures involving a wide range of education clients.
Practice head(s):
Diane Gilhooley; Mark Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Morag Roddick
Testimonials
‘The team are quick to respond and provide excellent support services when we approach for advice and to take forward specific services, coordinating with legal firms overseas where in-country regulatory and legal advice is required, offering assurance we as a university understand the regulatory environment we intend to operate in.’
‘The team are always one step ahead of competitors. They have real strength and depth across the education sector. As well as the clear technical expertise, their approach is practical, and they really do feel like a part of the wider team committed to getting the job done.’
‘All individuals we have liaised with have provided excellent services, with professional, balanced and informed advice, giving us the confidence we are making informed decisions with regard to legal and regulatory matters.’
‘Eversheds have a breath and depth of experience in the education space, with specialists available who can help in numerous specific areas of law.’
‘Mark Taylor’s sector knowledge is outstanding. He is always on the front foot and really stands out when compared to competitors. He is very accessible and has a flexible style that works well across a variety of areas.’
Key clients
University of Wolverhampton
Sandwell College
Solihull College and University Centre
University of Reading
The Greater London Authority
National College for Advance Transport and Infrastructure
Medical Research Council
Vanta Education (owner of BPP)
Sheffield University
Trafford College Group
LEAD Multi Academy Trust
Nova Academy Trust
University of York
Work highlights
- Advised the National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure on its intervention by the Department for Education and Ofsted, followed by its planned merger with the University of Birmingham.
- Advised Vanta Education on the £600m refinancing of BPP University.
- Advised universities colleges, and private providers across the education sector on apprenticeships and subcontracting to the value of many hundreds of millions of pounds.
VWV
Recognised in the market for its 'excellent technical skills', VWV excels in the higher education sector, where it often advises universities on employment issues and commercial agreements, in addition to handling contentious matters; the firm also regularly advises colleges and trusts on academy transfers. Jane Byford is best known for assisting clients with sensitive and complex HR issues including whistleblowing and discrimination claims, while Kathy Halliday has a wealth of experience managing complex mandates including tribunal litigation and mass redundancies. Associate Tom Brett-Young regularly advises universities on immigration issues affecting students and workers.
Practice head(s):
Jane Byford
Other key lawyers:
Kathy Halliday; Tom Brett-Young
Testimonials
‘VWV are highly responsive and flexible. Their deep understanding of the HE sector sets them apart from their competitors. Advice is always delivered in an accessible manner and a timely fashion. I would not hesitate to recommend this practice to other educational institutions.’
‘Jane Byford – her real strength is her knowledge of the education sector and her experience in dealing with a range of related employment law matters in this field.’
Key clients
Alderbrook School
Bath Spa University
Bromsgrove School
Buckinghamshire New University
Cathedral Schools Trust
Challenger Multi-Academy Trust
Cheltenham Ladies College
Cirrus Primary Academy Trust
Coventry University
De Montfort University
Doncaster Deaf Trust
Dudley Academies Trust
Dudley College of Technology
Eynsham Partnership Academy Trust
Evolve Trust
Hallfield School
Learn @ Multi Academy Trust
London School of Economics
Loughborough Endowed Schools
Loughborough University
Malvern College
Middlesex University
National Star College
Norland College
Perryfields High School
Prospere Learning Trust
Queen Alexandra College
River Learning Trust
Royal Academy of Music
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy
Seashell Trust
Solihull School
South & City College Birmingham
Streetsbrook Infant & Early Years Academy
The Blue Coat School Birmingham
The Marches Academy Trust
The Schools of King Edward VI Foundation
Tudor Grange Academy Solihull
Work highlights
- Advising Royal Wootton Bassett Academies Trust and Wellington College Academy Trust on their merger, and separately advising Wellington College in connection with a licence for RWBAT to continue to use the college’s name in connection with the operation of the WCAT schools.
- Advising the University of Bristol on a collaboration agreement with other higher education bodies, the Digital Catapult and an industry supported research body with a view to establishing a digital engineering technology innovation centre in the South West.
- Assisting a West Midlands charity with obtaining a new licence in the Skilled Worker category.
Lanyon Bowdler
Lanyon Bowdler is best known for assisting academy trusts and independent schools with employment law and governance matters; it is also well equipped to provide advice to clients on real estate projects, and corporate and commercial arrangements. William Morse, who leads the team, has a broad practice, which includes handling academy conversions, representing clients in employment tribunal proceedings and providing advice on governance matters.
Practice head(s):
William Morse
Testimonials
‘The team is approachable, knowledgeable and I genuinely feel supported by them at every stage of a project. William Morse, in particular, has demonstrated these attributes.’
Key clients
Derwen College
Severn Bridges Academy Trust
Central Shropshire Academy Trust
Severnvale Academy
New Model In Technology and Engineering
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP's 'knowledgeable and efficient' team stands out for its specialist expertise in educational needs and disability work, in which it exclusively advises individuals. 'Exceptional' practice head Victoria Federico frequently advises parents and young people with a range of special needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to bespoke packages of support and learning opportunities. 'Very professional and knowledgeable' associate Gurvinder Samra is also recommended for her expertise in the area of special education needs.
Practice head(s):
Victoria Federico
Other key lawyers:
Gurvinder Samra
Testimonials
‘Shoosmiths education team is helpful, professional, courteous and efficient.’
‘In my initial contact with the firm I was impressed with the extent of Victoria Ferderico’s knowledge of the SEN system. She was able to give a thorough appraisal of our situation, and outline possible courses of action for us which was extremely helpful in enabling us to make a decision as to whether to engage legal counsel.’
‘As a charity, we have had lots of pro bono support from the Shoosmiths team – they have done webinars and presentations as well as give time to our families to help them with EHCP issues in particular. Very knowledgeable and helpful team – always go the extra mile.’
‘Very well managed team – my enquiries, concerns and issues are dealt with appropriately and within a reasonable time frame.’
‘Gurvinder Samra has such strength and kindness, she always does as she says she will and chases until she gets a response.’
‘Gurvinder Samra was fantastic. Passionate and caring approach, coupled with an extensive knowledge of the subject matter.’
‘Gurvinder Samra and Victoria Frederico are both super helpful, friendly and easy to talk to.’
Work highlights
- Acted in appeal proceedings for a child with autism, securing an independent specialist ABA placement funded by the local authority.
- Advised a family on First Tier appeal proceedings regarding their child’s access to education.
- Obtained an improved EHC plan with more detailed provision and a placement at an independent specialist college funded by the LA, outside of appeal proceedings.