Clive Read > Shakespeare Martineau LLP > Birmingham, England > Lawyer Profile

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.

A ‘highly competent team’, Shakespeare Martineau LLP’s spectrum of capabilities includes strategic land promotion, multi-ownership land assembly, large-scale transactions and various agreements. It is particularly active in the industrial distribution, office, retail, and leisure sectors. Practice co-head Neil Gosling has a notable focus on delivering large-scale housing, regeneration and new town projects, whilst fellow co-lead Joanna Deffley specialises in strategic land development. Key contact Debbie Irwin is well versed in residential developments for large consortiums. Clive Read’s involvement in the management and development of university and college campuses further strengthens the practice. Adrian Bland is also recommended. Andrew Mellor left the firm in July 2023.