Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is recognised for its depth of expertise in the education sector, with extensive experience advising numerous higher education institutions on a range of matters, including employment matters, mergers, free speech issues, transnational education projects and real estate matters. The practice is chaired by Diane Gilhooley and co-led by Nicola Bennison, who specialises in employment and student issues in the higher education sector. Glynne Stanfield heads the firm’s international education and governance group and has significant experience advising on M&A, while Chris Mordue focuses on advising universities on complex employment disputes. Ben Woods provides clients with governance and employment advice, while Alison Oldfield specialises in judicial reviews. Other key members of the team include employment experts Robert Gray and Matthew Kelly, and the team is further supported by Alice Townley Smith and Laura Marsh.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is responsive and considerate. We particularly work closely with Chris Mordue and Matthew Kelly.’
‘The Eversheds Sutherland team is always responsive to requests and timely in the advice and support they provide. On particularly complex issues, they always ensure they take the time to provide clear and detailed explanations of their advice and understanding of the issue.’
‘The individuals in the Eversheds Sutherland team are excellent and easy to deal with, and always go the extra mile to be as helpful as possible when dealing with issues for our organisation and for our stakeholders. Ben Wood, Robert Gray, and Matthew Kelly are all extremely helpful and supportive of our work.’
‘Strength in higher education, freedom of speech, and academic freedom expertise. Responsive, clear, pragmatic.’
‘Chris Mordue is always responsive, provides clear and considered advice. Has an excellent grasp of the higher education sector.'
'Legal expertise balanced with practical reality. Always options provided with risk appropriately assessed. Fantastic service. Great to work with.'
'Ben Wood – approachable, easy to understand, clear advice.'
'The team are keen to collaborate with the sector to understand how they can best meet the needs of colleges. They are willing to delve into emerging areas to support clarity.'
'The Eversheds Sutherland team are always responsive to requests and timely in the advice and support they provide. On particularly complex issues they always ensure they take the time to provide clear and detailed explanations of their advice and understanding of the issue.'
'Knowledgeable and experienced. Building management plans in respect of more novel and complex matters – clearly and confidently, including in the absence of precedents.'
Key clients
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- London South Bank University
- The Sixth Form Colleges Association
- The National Film and Television School
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
- Middlesex University
- The Universities and Colleges Employers’ Association
- University of Roehampton
- University of Essex
- School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)
- University College London
- King’s College London
- United Colleges Group
- Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
- Richmond University London
- City University London
- Queen Mary University of London
- New City Colleges Corporation
- Malvern International
Work highlights
Advising a number of universities based in London on significant redundancy exercises to respond to financial challenges in the HE sector by costs saving and/or strategic refocusing.
Representing a London-based Russell Group University in “test case” employment tribunal litigation in the area of industrial relations law and trade union rights.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Glynne Stanfield
Practice head
Nicola Bennison; Diane Gilhooley
Other key lawyers
Glynne Stanfield; Chris Mordue; Ben Wood; Alison Oldfield; Robert Gray; Matthew Kelly; Alice Townley Smith; Laura Marsh