Shakespeare Martineau LLP remains a market leader in the higher education field, advising an array of universities and colleges on real estate, employment, mergers, governance and regulatory matters, as well as on disputes. Smita Jamdar heads the practice and has significant expertise in governance, regulatory, student-facing facing and constitutional matters. The Birmingham-based David Browne heads the employment offering and specialises in restructurings in the education sector, while Tom Long leads the further education practice and focuses on employment tribunal litigation. Real estate expert Clive Read advises universities and colleges on the development of campuses, and construction expert Ruth Phillips specialises in building contracts. Other key members of the team include Catherine Rustomji and Mark Taylor, who advise on mergers; Selina Hinchcliffe, who advises on IP-related matters; Joanna Forbes, who advises on student regulations; Anieka Sheppard, who handles data protection matters; and employment specialist Esther Maxwell.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Shakespeare Martineau has provided one-stop legal services for our organisation since 2023. The firm's strength has been in the quality of the relationships that they have built across our business and the expert understanding that they have demonstrated of our context and our sector. Advice is clear, timely, and practical.’
‘Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education, is outstanding and was a primary factor in our choosing to work with Shakespeare Martineau. Her understanding of the regulatory and governance landscape, and ability to provide clarity of thought and insight in a rapidly changing market, continues to be exemplary.'
- 'The team is responsive and has sector knowledge which helps contextualise matters so that the advice is nuanced accordingly. Partners are prompt in their responses, and if they are unable to respond quickly, they will always advise when they can. The team is professional, knowledgeable, experts in their field and client-focused.'
- 'Shakespeare Martineau has a truly expert education team. Coming from a range of backgrounds and with varied expertise, but all with a deep commitment to the education sector and its full diversity of institutions and issues.'
- 'Smita Jamdar stands out in particular. She has the ability to make complex information and advice simple and practical. She shows a thoughtful and considered engagement with both the issues and the people, and this allows her to give particularly well-respected and valued advice.'
- 'Mark Taylor is a quite gentle giant who provides a calming assurance of what is needed and what can be done.'
- 'Consistently reliable, responsive and knowledgeable. A clear ethos at the firm which fosters trust.'
- 'Broad understanding of the HE sector and the regulatory context.'
Key clients
- University College London
- Rose Bruford College
- University of the Arts London
- University of West London
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- University of East London
- Brunel University
- Roehampton University
- WKCIC Group t/a Capital City College Group
- London South Bank University
- Barnet and Southgate College
- London RIBID College Ltd
- SOAS
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Cambridge
- University of South Wales
- Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts
- UCLAN
- University of Sheffield
- University of Liverpool
Work highlights
Representing a number of universities in England and Wales in connection with the high-profile group claims brought by a large number of students in relation to the disruption to educational services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the industrial action from 2017 onwards.
Advised The University College of Osteopathy (UCO) on its merger with Health Sciences University (HSU) (formerly AECC University College).
Supported Bishop Grosseteste University on a major sale and leaseback of its student accommodation.
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.
Practice head
Smita Jamdar
Other key lawyers
David Browne; Tom Long; Clive Read; Ruth Phillips; Catherine Rustomji; Mark Taylor; Selina Hinchcliffe; Joanna Forbes; Anieka Sheppard; Esther Maxwell