Mills & Reeve LLP is recognised for its fully integrated education practice. Headed by Sara Barrett and Jennifer Lewis, the team harnesses a wide sector knowledge, spanning employment, real estate, construction, governance, banking, inquests and international work. Barrett advises clients across the education, commercial and non-profit sectors, while Lewis focuses on real estate issues, alongside Christan Bull, who handles acquisitions, leases and student accommodation matters. Richard Sykes works across the Manchester and Birmingham offices on public law, education disputes and information governance, and also advises on data protection matters with Paul Knight. Richard Gerrard-Dawson specialises in corporate disputes, while Martin Priestly leads on commercial projects and international collaborations, with Ian Hardman and Jody Kite adding construction expertise. Siân Jones-Davies handles higher education matters.
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Key clients
- Academies Enterprise Trust
- Arden University Limited
- Blackpool and the Fylde College
- Bolton College
- Bury College
- Buckingham New University
- Cardiff University
- Liverpool John Moores
- LTE Group (The Manchester College)
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Nottingham Trent University
- Oldham College
Work highlights
Instructed on the development of a university‑based health innovation facility, including specialist teaching space and a community diagnostic centre, drawing on cross‑sector health and education expertise.
Advised the university on its expansion to create a campus in Mumbai.
Advised the university on connection to the city-wide heat network to meet its zero carbon targets.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Sara Barrett; Jennifer Lewis
Other key lawyers
Christan Bull; Paul Knight; Richard Dawson-Gerrard; Martin Priestly; Ian Hardman; Jody Kite; Siân Jones-Davies; Richard Sykes