Shakespeare Martineau LLP has vast expertise in handling lease agreements and leasebacks for universities and student accommodation, along with extensive knowledge in complex breaches of collective bargaining processes. The team’s wide-ranging capabilities extend from sexual misconduct claims to merger issues, with a substantial focus on obtaining emergency possession orders. The Birmingham-based outfit is headed by Smita Jamdar, highlighted for her regulatory and governance work, while David Browne is noted for his experience in major restructurings and discrimination disputes. Tom Long predominantly focuses on whistleblowing and employment tribunal litigation. Clive Read is recommended for his real estate education work, and Mark Taylor is recommended for education collaborations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team takes time to understand how we work and our values. They are extremely collaborative and supportive in approach.’
‘Esther Maxwell - responsive and pragmatic. Esther provides clear advice and looks at it from all perspectives. Esther is thoughtful in her approach and respectful to all parties. Esther clearly demonstrates some of our institutional values, for example, integrity. Esther supports a partnership approach in how she works with us.’
‘Extremely professional, the Shakespeare Martineau team are experts with a real, deep commitment to the industries they serve. They engage with us in a range of ways to share and disseminate guidance, information, and updates that support our work. They show a sensitivity to the diversity of our people and sector, trying to recognise the plurality of need and experience and cater for this sensitively.’
‘Approachable and knowledgeable, we really feel like the Shakespeare Martineau team works hard to get to know not just our business but us. They share information with us effectively and are very flexible in how they meet our needs. Smita Jamdar, in particular, has a first-rate understanding of us and is widely trusted, respected, and warmly welcomed into all aspects of our work. They are deeply trusted and respected.’
‘Mark Taylor knows his stuff, cares about the sector, and goes all out to share his wisdom and expertise.’
‘The team is extremely well informed about our sector and maintains a current and forward-looking approach, anticipating potential areas of demand and highlighting issues that are of relevance. They remain highly responsive, easy to work with, and friendly, all of which are reasons that I continue to go back to them whenever we need advice.’
‘The team is approachable and very responsive. They are hugely knowledgeable about FE and realistic in the advice given. They readily find time to listen and advise and never make you feel silly!’
‘I have worked with Smita Jamdar, who is hugely personable and knowledgeable about the Education sector. Also, with Clive Read whose approach is very facilitative and pleasant, and with Mark Taylor, who is proactive in sharing updates and relevant developments.’
Key clients
- University of Hertfordshire
- Brunel University
- University of Cambridge
- University of South Wales
- Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts
- UCLAN
- University of Sheffield
- University College London
- University of Liverpool
- Rose Bruford College
- Oxford Brookes University
- Liverpool John Moore University
- Leicester College
- Barnsley College
- Wiltshire College
- University of Leeds
- Abingdon and Witney College
- North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
- Quality Assurance Agency
- West Dean College
Work highlights
Represent a number of universities in England and Wales in connection with the high-profile group claims brought by a large number of students in relation to the disruption to educational services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the industrial action from 2017 onwards.
Advised The University College of Osteopathy (UCO) on its merger with Health Sciences University (HSU) (formerly AECC University College).
Supported Bishop Grosseteste University on a major sale and leaseback of its student accommodation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Smita Jamdar
Other key lawyers
David Browne; Tom Long; Clive Read; Ruth Phillips; Catherine Rustomji; Andrew Adams; Mark Taylor; Selina Hinchliffe; Joanna Forbes; Anieka Sheppard; Esther Maxwell; Emma Noble