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.
- ‘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.’
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 University of the Arts London University of Derby Staffordshire University Aberystwyth University University of West London University of Lincoln Capital City College Group Halesowen College Solent University University for the Creative Arts University of Essex WKCIC Group t/a Capital City College Group Bath College Halesowen College Weymouth College Newham College NewVIc (Newham Sixth Form College) Abingdon & Witney College Derby College Solihull College and University Centre North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College Barnsley College Activate Learning Barnet and Southgate College South Hampshire College Group Heart of Worcester College Nottingham College Riverside College Warwickshire College Heart of Mercia Multi-Academy Trust Fircroft College of Adult Education South and City College Birmingham Leicester College London RIBID College Ltd Coventry 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.
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