Brodies LLP has a comprehensive education offering, allowing the team to advise on commercial issues, disputes, governance, real estate and student matters. Spearheading the team, Niall McLean combines significant experience in advising on compliance with equalities legislation and disciplinary hearings. Martin Sloan’s wide-ranging expertise spans partnership agreements, intellectual property and data protection matters, and outsourcing arrangements. Douglas Waddell is a name to note for tribunals involving children with additional support needs, while Caoimhe Hunter Blair excels in judicial reviews.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Niall McLean is hugely talented, with a real eye for detail and an ability to see the solution to any problem. He understands what we need, and he and his team are extremely responsive. Jamie Dunne is an absolute star, with an ability to clearly and concisely explain complex advice in a user-friendly way that allows us to easily manage internal stakeholder discussions at pace.
- This team is our go-to for education support, as they are leaders in their field. Their advice is always strategic and directive, and they have expertise across the full range of issues.
Key clients
- Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
- Queen Margaret University (QMU)
- University of Dundee
- University of Edinburgh
- London Universities Procurement Consortium (LUPC)
- University of Glasgow
- Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
- Stirling, Falkirk and Argyll and Bute Councils
- University of West of Scotland
- Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium
- Liverpool John Moores University
Work highlights
Acting for University of Edinburgh across a broad range of matters, with particular experience advising on commercial, employment, governance and student issues.
Advisors to SQA, including advising it on its role as a core participant in the Scottish Covid-19 Public Inquiry and this year supporting it in its transition to Qualifications Scotland following legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament.
Reappointed to University of Glasgow’s legal framework.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Niall McLean
Other key lawyers
Martin Sloan; Douglas Waddell; Caoimhe Hunter Blair