Weightmans LLP has a comprehensive education team advising a range of higher education institutions. The Manchester-based group is led by Martin Vincent, whose work centres on projects, international ventures and procurement arrangements for universities. Josh Conroy plays a key role in student litigation, judicial review, misconduct, governance and regulatory compliance matters, while Susan Matthews maintains a long-standing relationship with a number of institutions, advising on student complaints, academic appeals and governance. The wider team, including Richard Vaughan, Rose Moss and Phillip Woolham, supports education clients on pensions as well as real estate and construction matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Martin Vincent is a force of nature, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable and reassuring on all this procurement. Rich Vaughan has excellent contract knowledge and is personable in assisting clients in finding appropriate construction contract resolutions. Rose Moss has excellent knowledge and efficiency with land transfer and lease matters.
- Personalised service and client-driven to specific interests/needs rather than generic.
- Excellent service from Susan Matthews, who provides pragmatic and knowledgeable advice based on previous university experience, often at short notice.
- The team is grounded in in-house practice and is able to use that knowledge to provide pragmatic advice to HEIs.
- Most interactions with Martin Vincent, who has made himself available at short notice when deadlines are tight.
- Very responsive and pragmatic, especially with reference to procurement-related advice.
Work highlights
Acted for the University of Cumbria in relation to the Citadels project.
Advised the Open University in connection with a transformative IT project delivering transformation of its core IT infrastructure and services.
Acted for Liverpool John Moores University in connection with multimillion pound refurbishment project to decarbonise and modernise buildings on campus.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Martin Vincent
Other key lawyers
Josh Conroy; Susan Matthews; Richard Vaughan; Rose Moss; Phillip Woolham