Richard Freeth > Browne Jacobson LLP > Birmingham, England > Lawyer Profile

The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team at Browne Jacobson LLP is capable of advising a variety of clients, ranging from independent schools to local authorities, on legal and HR issues; the practice is led by Nick MacKenzie, who has significant experience of providing governance and strategic board advice, among other areas and key contact Richard Freeth leads the pastoral/advisory practice, addressing issues such as admissions and exclusions, to name a few. Lydia Michaelson-Yeates specialises in governance matters, and routinely handles projects, mergers and restructures, as well as general commercial issues. ‘Standout’ associate Philip Wood further bolsters the practice, with considerable experience of advising schools on discrimination and issues related to the Equality Act, while Hayley O’Sullivan has particular expertise in exclusions, parental complaint investigations and equality issues.

Browne Jacobson LLP provides ‘exceptional advice and guidance‘ to schools and academy trusts and is active on the full range of education matters, including safeguarding, data protection, Ofsted inspection challenges, responses to industrial action, and parental complaints. The team is particularly well-regarded for its close relationships with many of the country’s largest multi-academy trusts, who frequently instruct the team to provide corporate advice in the context of restructuring, academy conversion, and governance matters. The team comprises multidisciplinary specialists across the UK and is led by Nottingham-based lawyer Mark Blois, who handles a wide array of governance matters and is also highly recommended for his ability to provide advice on new DfE guidelines surrounding employment and safeguarding issues. Other key contacts in the team include the Exeter-based Julia Green, who is reputed for her expertise in academy conversions, Birmingham lawyers Richard Freeth and Philip Wood, who are key contacts for pastoral and admissions issues, and Nottingham-based Ofsted inspections expert Katie Michelon. In London, Charlotte Antoniou is noted for her close relations with academy trusts and her ability to handle restructuring matters and parental complaints.