Browne Jacobson LLP is well regarded for its expertise in advising across the full range of matters in the education sector. The team is 'exceedingly knowledgeable in their fields of expertise'; core areas of instruction include governance issues, complaints matters and challenges to decisions made by local authorities, often in relation to EHCPs. The practice is led by Bettina Rigg, who has 'tremendous experience in the sector' and often advises on equality matters and discrimination claims. Victoria Hatton's workload includes special educational needs matters, admissions, exclusions, discrimination claims, and corporate and governance cases. Julia Green left the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is strong in all areas.'
‘Victoria Hatton is excellent.’
‘They have an excellent understanding of the academy sector. Staff are knowledgeable and informative and offer high quality support when resolving problems.’
‘Victoria Hatton is always quick to respond and supportive.’
‘Bettina Rigg is a pleasure to deal with and a trusted partner.’
'Bettina is an excellent communicator.'
'We have been using a wide range of services at Browne Jacobson for a number of years and have always been exceedingly happy that when we have a new issue, there is a willingness to refer us to the right team and that we get a swift and thorough response.'
'It feels from an end user perspective that there is a very joined up approach and that colleagues work collaboratively together.'
'Bettina Rigg has tremendous experience in the sector but remains vigilant to keep abreast of sector developments, challenges and evolution in the business. An excellent communicator who always ensures they are available and accurately delivers to expectations. A pleasure to work with.'
'Victoria Hatton has ably supported us and we are very much looking forward to working more closely with her.'
Key clients
- An Daras Multi Academy Trust
- Ascend Learning Trust
- Aspirations Academies Trust
- Athena Learning Trust
- Authentic Education Group Limited
- Bridge Multi-Academy Trust
- Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust
- Castle School Education Trust
- Castleman Academy Trust
- Connect Academy Trust
- Colyton Grammar School Academy Trust
- Cornerstone Academy Trust
- Cornwall Education Learning Trust
- Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust
- Crofty Education Trust
- Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust
- Diocese of Salisbury Multi Academy Trust
- Discovery Multi Academy Trust
- Extend Learning Academies Network
- Hamwic Education Trust
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.
Practice head
Bettina Rigg
Other key lawyers
Daniella Davies; Rachel Billen; Marie Ashton; Victoria Hatton