Stone King LLP provides top-tier advice on all education-related matters to its diverse clients of state schools, faith schools, multi-academy trusts, and independent schools. The department consists of education specialists who assist in pupil-related issues, strategic school mergers, development and governance, and academy set up and transfer work, which is covered by Laura Berman and Graham Burns who are well supported by Nicola Andrews. Additionally, the team is active in property and construction and employment, which is an area of expertise for Harriet Broughton. The firm’s faith school practice is developed by Lee Coley. Roger Inman, who sits as a judge in the SEN Tribunal; Jean Boyle and Tom Morrison are joint heads of the education sector group and Stephen Ravenscroft is key for mergers and academy conversions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The absolute market leaders in education law. They have a phenomenal depth of knowledge and experienced, coupled with some really sharp talent.’
‘Laura Berman is a real leader in this field. Laura is exceptionally knowledgeable of education law, understands the competing needs of education providers perfectly and has excellent sense.’
‘Graham Burns and Nicola Andrews provide expertise and challenge to me personally and our organisation. They have been integral to our success and growth.’
‘Stone King LLP has significant and wide-ranging experience of the Education Sector. They foster positive working relationships with clients, taking a genuine interest in what we do in public service. Other specialist areas of practice e.g. HR, Information, Land, work well with the Education team, providing a bespoke service specific to the needs of our sector. Positive outcomes have been achieved for us across a wide range of matters.’
‘Roger Inman takes a personal interest in our work and ensure that his team and colleagues in other departments provide a timely service for us. Elizabeth Fortin and Roger provided excellent support for us. Stone King LLP provided legal and moral support in difficult times.’
‘Elizabeth Fortin was an extremely safe pair of hands and we felt well held during the process. There was much work to do but Elizabeth guided us through forensically, so we knew exactly what was needed. In addition Elizabeth listened well to what the situation was and the considerable impact it had had on staff, as well as understanding there was a job to do in getting the facts down ready for tribunal. This combination of 'academic' and pastoral support was vital.’
Key clients
- Ark
- Astrea Academy Trust
- Future Academies
- Greenshaw Learning Trust
- Ivy Learning Trust
- Leigh Academies Trust
- The Kemnal Academy Trust
- Oasis
- Middlesex Learning Trust
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jean Boyle; Tom Morrison; Graham Burns; Helen Tucker; Tom Morrison
Other key lawyers
Laura Berman; Nicola Andrews; Harriet Broughton; Lee Coley; Roger Inman; Stephen Ravenscroft