Blake Morgan LLP’s education team has strong experience across a variety of educational matters, including disciplinary matters, discrimination cases, real estate, employment disputes, safeguarding and regulatory matters. The Cardiff-based Matthew Smith leads the department and has a broad focus on contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Commercial expert Penri Desscan advises clients on procurement-related issues in the sector, while Eve Piffaretti advises on safeguarding and equality issues. Paula Kathrens is an employment expert and handles disciplinary matters and education-related litigation. Joanna Rees advises on both contentious and non-contentious construction matters, and Alison Patten-Hall focuses on IP licensing and confidentiality agreements. The team was further strengthened with the arrival of employment specialist Jane Biddlecombe in 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘We have had a long-standing relationship with Blake Morgan for over ten years. The service the team provides us has been excellent; we believe there is no requirement for us to look elsewhere.’
- ‘The associates offer a wide range of skills and expertise in a number of areas. This flexibility is very useful when managing projects calling for knowledge in different aspects. The team responds quickly and effectively, delivering clear and responsive advice rapidly and succinctly.’
Key clients
- New College, Oxford
- Brasenose College, Oxford
Work highlights
Advising the University of Reading on various complex projects, including with the Henley Business School.
Practice head
Matthew Smith
Other key lawyers
Penri Desscan; Eve Piffaretti; Paula Kathrens; Joanna Rees; Alison Pattern-Hall; Jane Biddlecombe