Mills & Reeve LLP is renowned for its work on high-profile and complex matters in the higher education sector. The department is well-equipped to handle a wide range of cases such as employment matters, mergers, harassment and misconduct, free speech, overseas expansions as well as discrimination and equality cases. The team is spearheaded by Martin Priestley, who has extensive experience advising universities on commercial projects and international collaborations. The Birmingham-based Richard Sykes advises higher educational institutions on public and administrative law as well as governance, while the Cambridge-based Poppy Short advises on the full range of corporate and commercial matters. Sarah Seed has vast experience advising universities on financial challenges, and Helen Tringham focuses on public law and data protection matters. Other key members of the team include employment experts Nicola Brown and Alex Russell, property specialists Richard Noble, Christian Bull and Jennifer Lewis and construction expert Alexandra Pike. Former practice head Gary Attle left the firm in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Pragmatic, personable, knowledgeable and easy to deal with.’
‘Poppy Short gives excellent advice, commitment and service, and she thinks outside the box when needed.’
‘Outstanding individuals with a high-level knowledge of the sector.'
'Valued, authentic and knowledgeable.'
'Very good knowledge of the education sector and understanding of specific issues affecting the sector.'
Key clients
- Arden University Limited
- Academies Enterprise Trust
- Arden University Limited
- Birmingham City University
- Bolton College
- Bournemouth University
- British Council
- Buckingham New University
- Cardiff University
- Christ Church, Oxford University
- Christ’s Hospital
- Coventry University
Work highlights
Advising the University of Southampton on its project to establish a campus in India.
Advising St George’s, University of London on its merger with City, University of London.
Advising Anglia Ruskin University on its merger with Writtle University College.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Martin Priestley
Other key lawyers
Richard Sykes; Poppy Short; Sarah Seed; Helen Tringham; Nicola Brown; Alex Russel; Richard Noble; Christian Bull; Jenifer Lewis; Alexandra Pike