Showcasing extensive expertise in the construction, planning, and tax elements of the education sector, Mills & Reeve LLP consistently represents universities and trusts in both transactional and contentious proceedings. The team is knowledgeable in complex litigation, managing harassment and sexual misconduct claims, alongside advising on employment law risks. Christian Bull co-heads from Birmingham, in tandem with Birmingham and Manchester-based Richard Sykes. The pair are experts in administrative, public, and corporate law issues, and Cat Savage is well versed in commercial litigation affairs. Helen Tringham is a data protection specialist, and both Siân Jackson and Abisola Latunji-Cockbil are also highlighted for their knowledge of TUPE and whistleblowing cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is extremely responsive and helpful and have a strong understanding of our needs and drivers as an in-house legal team which is hugely appreciated. They have added huge value, not just by providing first rate legal advice but by also assisting on the project management side to keep a matter on track.'
- 'Helen Tringham provides wonderfully clear and succinct advice including options analyses where helpful. Her advice is always balanced and importantly combines the tactical with the strategic.'
- 'Richard Sykes' knowledge and deep understanding of higher education precedent and custom and practice is enormously valuable. He is able to apply complex analyses to new situations in a persuasive and accessible manner.'
- 'Siân Jackson is a fantastic employment lawyer hose years of in-house practice is reflected in her advice. She is brings a much valued pragmatism and understanding of inter personal relations which is so critical in the employment sphere.'
Key clients
- Academies Enterprise Trust
- ACT Multi- Academy Trust
- Anglia Ruskin University Higher Education Corporation
- Arden University Limited
- Barking & Dagenham College
- Birmingham City University
- Bolton College
- Bournemouth University
- British Council
- Buckinghamshire New University
- Cardiff University
- Christ Church, Oxford University
Work highlights
Advised multiple HEIs on their ability to increase tuition fees for their current students, and to change their offers to offer holders, in light of the government’s recent announcement of an increase in maximum home tuition fees.
Advised the University of Bradford on becoming part of the Bradford district heating network provided by 1Energy.
Advised Cardiff University on a collaboration with Cardiff City Council, Cardiff City Football Club and local developer Cardiff City House of Sport Limited, under which the University agreed to lease land to Cardiff City FC for use as the new home for its academy programme.
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.
Siân Jackson
Abisola Latunji-Cockbil
Practice head
Christian Bull; Richard Sykes
Other key lawyers
Cat Savage; Helen Tringham; Alex Russell; Siân Jackson; Abisola Latunji-Cockbill; Robbie Turner; Gavin Carr; Siân Jones-Davies; Sam Rose