Mills & Reeve LLP has a broad public sector practice that advises leading education institutions, among them the University of Cambridge, as well as numerous NHS trusts and care boards across the country. Jill Mason in Leeds is head of health and care, while Martin Priestley in Birmingham leads the firm's education group, but the Cambridge and Norwich offices are home to vastly experienced partners who play pivotal roles in work for national clients. In Cambridge, former head of education Gary Attle in Cambridge, employment specialist Nicola Brown and newly promoted corporate partner Poppy Short are all involved in flagship matters for high-profile clients. Short recently led a team that advised St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London on the merger of its operations into City St George’s to create a key centre for researchers and students. Health and care M&A specialist Natalie Wade in Norwich is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team always takes the time to fully understand the situation so that advice is tailored to the specific issues. Team members are professional and responsive.’
‘Nicola Brown is an excellent partner and leader of the team.'
‘The team at Mills & Reeve is brilliant - thank you for all your work and partnership.’
‘Sophie Burton-Jones is excellent and a superb advocate for the business and works closely and is always available to speak with. Thank you.’
‘The practice provided strong support that enabled exchange and completion of an M&A transaction, despite challenging circumstances presented by the counterparty. The core team were available whenever needed to support us as the client, and provided sound legal advice and input at all stages, whilst fully understanding and accounting for the commercial and strategic impact of the decisions being made.’
‘Natalie Wade and Paul Krivosic both provided strong legal support and advice throughout the transaction, and were always available and responsive when contacted.’
‘There is always an experienced practitioner on hand to help, even at short notice. I have found that everyone who I have dealt with is very knowledgeable and able to discuss different approaches to tackling difficult issues so that we can navigate the right course for our organisation.’
‘David Stead has an excellent knowledge of the sector and has provided invaluable guidance and advice on issues, risks and considerations across a range of areas as the matter has progressed. He is a very good communicator and approachable whenever we need to request input.’
Key clients
- North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
- Together for Mental Wellbeing
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
- Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust & Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
- Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
- Lloyds Pharmacy (Hallo Healthcare Group)
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
Work highlights
- Acting for St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London on its proposed merger with City, University of London in the most significant merger in the sector for over 20 years.
- Acting for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on the construction of a new world class cancer research hospital.
- Supporting a group of three NHS Trusts on their procurement of a hosted electronic patient record system across the large and rural Norfolk and Waveney area.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Natalie Wade
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Poppy Short
Practice head
Jill Mason; Martin Priestley
Other key lawyers
Gary Attle; Nicola Brown; Sophie Burton-Jones; Natalie Wade; Poppy Short; Kevin Calder; Sean Earnshaw; David Stead