Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s education team offers specialist advice to a wide range of sector clients, including schools, academy trusts, independent schools, colleges, universities, government agencies, educational charities, and local authorities. With access to the firm’s full-service capabilities, the team advises on education law, governance, property, PFI, capital projects, employment, and charity law, with particular strength in the academy sector. Co-head Kevin Robertson brings extensive experience in projects and procurement across both public and private education clients, while Emma Moody leads the higher education offering with expertise in governance and charity law. Peter Cantwell plays a key role advising academy clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They are a very knowledgeable team within the field of HEI but also in application of the law to the HEI sector.'
- 'All of the individuals I have worked with over the years have been both personable and professional. Always meeting deadlines, some of which have been very tight.'
- 'Responsive to changing needs in the education sector - dealing with scenarios which are unique.'
- 'Collegiate in style, very engaging and extremely skilled and professional.'
- 'The team have guided us every step of the way and maintained clear communication.'
- 'I would say all the team have been amazing. All deadlines are met, and meetings are professionally organised and run. All our requirements have been met.'
Key clients
- Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
- Department for Education (DfE)
- LocatEd
- Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust
- The Education Alliance
- Four Rivers Multi Academy Trust
- Elevate MAT
- Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education
- Oak Learning Trust
- Lingfield Education Trust
- Staffordshire University
- Durham University
Work highlights
Advised Staffordshire University on the completion of its new £100m+ Student Village Project, which comprises the new build of approximately 700 student beds, the construction of a shared hub facility and the subsequent provision of hard facilities management services for an operational period of up to 50 years.
Advising on the incorporation of the Four Rivers Multi Academy Trust and the anticipated conversion of four founding schools in Stockport.
Advising Stoke City Council in connection with the expiry of the largest education PFI Project in the UK.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Peter Cantwell
Practice head
Kevin Robertson; Emma Moody
Other key lawyers
Peter Cantwell; Nick Moss