Farrer & Co has a robust reputation in the education sector, representing a number of independent schools and other associations in various education law issues. The department is well equipped to handle a wide range of matters such as school mergers and closures, safeguarding, sensitive issues regarding gender identity and overseas school expansions. Maria Strauss leads the practice and has extensive experience in the sector, with a particular focus on employment and safeguarding matters, while Jonathan Eley advises on crisis management as well as complex parent, pupil and employment matters. David Smellie has expertise in safeguarding, and Sam Macdonald focuses on school mergers and closures. Other key members of the team include commercial contracts specialist Paul Jones, who has experience in employment tribunals, and Alice Yandle, who has a wide education practice. Katie Fudakowski has returned to the self-employed Bar.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An exceptionally professional and focused service for institutions. They respond extremely quickly to all developments and have the client's best interests in mind at all times. Their advice is always pragmatic and well-informed by the relevant law, and they are highly collaborative. In terms of client care, they are highly supportive.'
‘The level of expertise and quality of advice are always very high. Their responsiveness is excellent. ’
‘Farrer & Co is superb at handling complex education matters, particularly for independent schools.'
- 'In relation to inspection challenges, it is confidently able to handle cases where there are overlapping issues, including safeguarding and immigration implications. ’
‘Alice Yandle is exceptional. Alice is extremely pragmatic, hard-working and robust. Even under significant time pressure in relation to inspection challenges, Alice remains entirely unflappable.'
‘Farrer is highly responsive - no matter the time of day or night. They are always calm, reassuring and offer measured and accurate advice. Their knowledge of the world of independent education is unparalleled.’
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Maria Strauss
Other key lawyers
David Smellie; Jonathan Eley; Sam Macdonald;Paul Jones; Alice Yandle