Browne Jacobson LLP‘s team advises academies, universities, and school trusts on governance. Its workload includes assisting with the regulatory and structural aspects of admissions, SEN, and organisational changes. Nick MacKenzie leads the team, and focuses on strategic governance and providing corporate advice to education boards. Dominic Swift handles complex property and regeneration projects for education estates, while Scott Mounfield advises on construction procurement and the delivery of new school developments. Emma Hughes handles HR and workforce matters, and Lydia Michaelson-Yeates specialises in academy conversions and restructures. Hayley O’Sullivan advises on exclusions and complaints, while Joanna Goddard focuses on admissions and school organisation matters. Philip Wood has experience in admission, SEND, exclusion, and discrimination cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Academy Transformation Trust
  • Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
  • Central Region Schools Trust
  • Chiltern Learning Trust
  • Creative Education Trust
  • Elliot Foundation Academies Trust
  • GLF Schools
  • Headington School
  • Lion Academy Trust
  • London School of Economics and Political Science
  • Matrix Academy Trust
  • Meridian Trust

Work highlights

Supported the client through 3 years of litigation, including a published appeal, in relation to alleged disability discrimination of a pupil.
Defending a multi-party High Court claim brought by the client involving specialist scientific filters.
Advised the client on the sale of Shrewsbury High School to Inspired Learning Group (UK) Limited.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

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

Nick MacKenzie

Other key lawyers

Dominic Swift; Scott Mounfield; Emma Hughes; Lydia Michaelson-Yeates; Hayley O'Sullivan; Joanna Goddard; Philip Wood