Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP advises schools, academy trusts, universities and public bodies on a broad range of education matters, including governance work, regulatory issues, property mandates and capital projects. Co-head Francesca Hodgson handles complex regulatory and contentious matters, while Emma Moody specialises in governance and charity law. Peter Cantwell adds further support across the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Knowledgeable and practical, efficient at sharing and chasing information to ensure timeframes are adhered to.
- Excellent expertise and knowledge in the sector.
- Peter Cantwell and Nick Moss always go above and beyond; they are helpful, knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. Explain in an easy-to-understand way.
- We had very high expectations for the support Womble Bond Dickinson could provide – and we haven’t been disappointed. The team at all levels has taken the time to get to know our organization and to provide the best possible support. Quality advice is provided clearly and in a timely manner. The team has excellent technical capabilities, but also advises in a way that takes into account our organizational goals, the wider context, and practical realities. We know we can count on the firm to provide urgent advice swiftly and other advice promptly. They provide clear and accurate estimates/quotes for work and deliver value for money.
- Nick Moss is always ready to offer advice on specific legal issues and provides clients with a very bespoke, collaborative service.
- The WBD team is exceptional, efficient, and goes above and beyond. They are proactive (which is really stand-out), professional, and client-focused. We work across lots of different legal teams, and their conduct is exceptional; they are attentive to client needs, friendly, and personable in approach. They are detail-oriented and do not begrudge going above and beyond to explain legal processes in an accessible way.
Key clients
- Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
- Department for Education (DfE)
- LocatEd
- Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust
- Firthmoor Primary School
- Edith Stein Catholic Academy Trust
- Ebor Multi Academy Trust
- Kidgate Primary School
- Westwoodside Church of England Academy
- 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
- Stoke on Trent City Council
- North East Lincolnshire Council
- Unviersities & Colleges Employers Association
Work highlights
Advising Stoke City Council on the expiry of a large education PFI project in the UK.
Advising Bishop Wilkinson on the conversion of St Joseph's, Highfield.
Acting for the York Diocesan Board of Finance as its principal legal adviser on charity, ecclesiastical, property and agricultural matters.
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
Francesca Hodgson; Emma Moody
Other key lawyers
Peter Cantwell