Harrison Clark Rickerbys is reputed for the depth of its expertise in the education sector, with the practice team being well experienced in an array of education matters, including safeguarding, school mergers, teachers' pension schemes and employment issues. The Cheltenham-based Kristine Scott spearheads the practice and has a wealth of experience in child protection and safeguarding matters, including advising schools on disability discrimination, pupil exclusions and parental complaints. Oliver Daniels and Rachel Parkin are employment law specialists and handle matters related to teacher pension schemes and strike actions. Real estate specialist Morgan West focuses on a variety of property matters in the education sector, and Paul Watkins' practice includes safeguarding, compliance and data protection work. The team was further strengthened with the arrival of charities partner Rachel Gwynne from Shakespeare Martineau LLP in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is a true specialist team and has huge experience in looking after all forms of educational establishments and education professionals. The team has sufficient size and depth in order to provide a highly skilled and bespoke service.’
‘HCR are fantastic at understanding how independent schools work and the employment challenges we face. We have a designated contact, but when they are not available, we are always confident with other members of the team providing advice. They are pragmatic and I always feel reassured by their approach.’
‘Rachel Parkin is our usual contact, and we have built a good relationship with her over the last few years. We have had a few tricky cases, and Rachel has guided us through these. Rachel understands our schoo,l and I would always feel confident with her advice. Kristine Scott is also extremely helpful when we have spoken with her.’
‘Timely and responsive. Fantastic expertise in the education sector. Attention to detail.’
‘Oliver Daniels - stands head and shoulders above other employment lawyers that I have worked with. Knowledgeable and willing to take time to explain complex issues in layman's terms.’
- 'I have been extremely impressed with the responsiveness, the professionalism, the pragmatism and consistency of the team. They clearly work closely together and keep each other up to date, so that even if two different team members are working with me on separate issues, they are themselves joined up.'
Key clients
- Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA)
- Eton End School
- The Hawthorns School
- Durham High School for Girls
Work highlights
Advising the ISBA and its member schools for over 15 years, providing advice and guidance on a full range of issues affecting the sector.
Advised Eton End School's Charity during its acquisition by a private school group.
Advising The Hawthorns school on a strategic charitable collaboration to a larger entity.
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
Kristine Scott
Other key lawyers
Oliver Daniels; Rachel Parkin; Morgan West; Paul Watkins; Rachel Gwynne