Acting for regional and national higher and further education institutions, academy trusts, and independent schools, the education team at Muckle LLP has recently seen an uptick in instructions relating to academy conversion projects, strategic growth plans, and complex restructuring projects. Tony McPhillips attracts praise for his ‘clear guidance and razor-sharp insight’ and heads up the firm’s overall sports, education, and charities group. Joanne Davison takes point on project work and governance mandates, particularly academy conversions and college mergers, while Jill Donabie acts for local authorities and school trusts on general student and employee matters and the defence of tribunal claims relating to special needs and disability discrimination. McPhilips, Davison, and Donabie jointly oversee the department. Richard Nixon is the key contact for sector-related real estate work, advising schools, academies, and higher education institutions on all aspects of land and property law, particularly in relation to academy conversions.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The approach to customer care and understanding client needs is fantastic. They take care and attention to ensure a positive outcome.’
‘Joanne Davison and Richard Nixon, who we deal with regularly, have built fantastic relationships with us.’
‘A personable service which is highly professional.’
'Muckle provides all those working within the education sector with exceptional service. The team demonstrate a deep understanding of the sector and its needs. They respond in a timely manner to all requests for support and offer clear and comprehensive advice and guidance at the time of need. I cannot recommend them highly enough.'
‘The team is committed to providing the best advice possible to the education sector. They are willing to work closely with clients to steer them in the right direction.’
'Tony McPhillips provided invaluable support during an exceptionally challenging time. His clear guidance and razor-sharp insight was second to none and I know that, as a direct result of his involvement, we were able to navigate a path through very difficult waters.'
‘The team are extremely knowledgeable and are very approachable. I feel that the team are very approachable, they work hard to find solutions for you regardless of how complex the situation.’
‘I have valued their skills, knowledge, but most importantly they are just 'human', very approachable and helpful. They use language that is easily understood, they are not condescending which can happen with other firms I have used.'
Key clients
- NCG
- Tyne Coast College
- Bishop Auckland College
- Bournemouth and Poole College
- New College Durham
- Newcastle University
- University of Northumbria
- Sunderland University
- Spurgeon’s College
- SMART Multi Academy Trust
Work highlights
- Advised in relation to the expansion strategy of Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust and supporting on a range of legal issues including estate management issues, parental complaints and commercial matters.
- Advised Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust on a Management Information System (MIS) procurement.
- Advising a students’ union, part of the University of Durham, on incorporating and reconstituting itself as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Tony McPhillips
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Jill Donabie
Practice head
Tony McPhillips; Joanne Davison; Jill Donabie
Other key lawyers
Richard Nixon