At Mills & Reeve LLP, Birmingham-based Jill Mason leads the healthcare group, and Martin Priestley in Leeds oversees the education group. However, the firm’s East Anglian presence is well maintained by its Cambridge office, which is home to employment expert Nicola Brown; Poppy Short, who focuses on commercial matters; and Sarah Seed, who is well versed in acting for clients in the not-for-profit sector. In Norwich, Natalie Wade focuses on healthcare M&A matters, and Alex Russell specialises in employment law. Gary Attle left the firm in November 2024.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Mills and Reeve not only offer expert legal advice but practical, applied solutions to corporate issues, ranging from complex employee relations, restructures and policy developments. They are approachable and supportive and have an excellent understanding of our client and sector needs.'
- 'Swift practical advice, considered opinions, identification of risk and creative solutions. An excellent all-round team.'
‘The team's particular strengths are its ability to work collaboratively to respond quickly to requests for support and then provide well structured and helpful advice.’
‘Alexandra Pike has the ability to respond to different situations and needs and to provide the level and detail of advice that is needed.’
‘Peter Seaborn is incredibly responsive and thoughtful in providing comprehensive advice. He is particularly strong and knowledgeable with issues in and around Cambridge's 'planning landscape'. Caroline Bywater is very effective and astute.’
Key clients
- Academies Enterprise Trust
- Anglia Ruskin University Higher Education Corporation
- Cranfield University
- King’s College London
- Linacre College Oxford
- Peterhouse College, Cambridge
- Queen Mary University of London
- Royal Veterinary College
- St John's College
- The University of Northampton
- Trinity College, Cambridge
- University of Cambridge
Work highlights
Acting for St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London on its proposed merger with City, University of London.
Acting for Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on the construction of a new cancer research hospital.
Advising Norfolk and Waveney’s Acute Hospital Collaborative on a procurement of a hosted electronic patient record system.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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
Natalie Wade; Poppy Short; Sarah Seed; Alex Russell; Nicola Brown; Alexandra Pike; Peter Seaborn; Caroline Bywater