With unique capabilities in contentious work for schools, Stone King LLP advises the full range of education sector clients, with particular expertise in areas such as HR consultancy, governance, specialist student and pupil services, and special education needs issues. The team is also proficient in advice relating to school mergers, employment, school finance, and propety and construction. The practice is co-led by employment lawyer Jean Boyle, who specialises in the education sector, and Tom Morrison. Other key lawyers include Michael Brotherton, an expert in the contentious operational areas of state-funded schools, and Ciara Campfield, who excels in commercial matters in the sector. Helen Tucker is another key contact.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The key partners we work with are highly valued and trusted. Of course, they are well qualified to support in their specialist areas; however, beyond that, they maintain a good understanding of what makes us tick as an organization and tailor their support accordingly.
- As an education client, our most important requirement is a deep understanding of the sector, which Stone King has in bucketloads. However, I also need frequent advice across many other areas, particularly contract, data protection, and procurement, and these areas are all covered expertly.
- Surinder Dhillon - Excellent knowledge, solution-focused. Responsive. Listens to the issue and provides an overview of the risks and how these can be mitigated. Michael Brotherton - Excellent knowledge and very responsive. James Barratt - Great knowledge, responsive, and solution-focused.
- Great knowledge of the subject area. Solution-focused and very responsive.
- Stone King spends time understanding what you really want as a client. The advice is positioned as an enabler rather than a barrier, working in partnership with your organisation to help you navigate complex legal matters correctly but through a risk lens that aligns with your organisation's preferred approach. They use straightforward language to help you as the client really understand the legal position and risks and will support you to position it with your managers/board in a way that it will land well with them.
- I work most closely with James Barret at Stone King. James builds a rapport with you as a client and takes the time to understand what is really concerning you as a client and why you are seeking advice. I am able to work with James as an extension of our team, which adds value beyond that of standard legal advice.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Tom Morrison; Jean Boyle
Other key lawyers
Michael Brotherton; Ciara Campfield; Elizabeth Fortin; Helen Tucker