Shepherd and Wedderburn covers a wide array of education matters related to governance, regulatory and operational issues. The team is also recognised for its expertise in employment tribunal actions involving discrimination claims and unfair dismissals. Spearheading the practice, Neil Maclean’s well-established client base includes universities, colleges and independent schools across Scotland. Joanna Boag-Thomson is a reference for IP issues, while Malcolm Rust specialises in advising independent schools and grant-making bodies on charity matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- An experienced education team that presents well at tenders.
- Shepherd & Wedderburn's employment team, led by Neil Maclean, has added value across a range of difficult and complex casework, and in addition has been able to advise on strategic partnerships and relationship management issues in joint and partnership employment matters. The team is highly responsive and able to focus quickly on identifying key issues, both in the technical legal sense and also more generally in informing how to translate technical advice into practice.
- Neil Maclean has consistently demonstrated insight and interest in the higher education sector, while also helping us appreciate other perspectives. Neil is also skilled at explaining legal concepts and technicalities in accessible ways. Neil quickly builds rapport with HR professionals and business leaders alike, including being skilled in influencing senior leaders. Olivia Greener has been dedicated and effective across a range of complex casework, and has been effective in challenging us on matters of concern and risk.
- The team was able to advise knowledgeably and within our very tight timelines on difficult legislation. Their guidance helped steer us in the right direction when negotiating with unions, both locally and nationally.
- The team was very good at making complex legislation simple and easy to understand in layman's terms. They presented the risks concisely and helped us determine the best way forward in a manner that was approachable, friendly, but with appropriate sincerity for the issue.
- I have had very good support and guidance from all staff with whom I have interacted. Standout individuals would be Olivia Greener, Deborah Miller, Murron Marr, and Elaine Hunter.
Practice head
Neil Maclean
Other key lawyers
Joanna Boag-Thomson; Malcolm Rust