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
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Philip Wood is brilliant! He really knows the school and how it works, and provides excellent advice that is well considered. He has dealt with a wide range of complicated issues for us and is always happy to help. He is incredibly knowledgeable and personable.
- Great team - always someone available to help with any query. All correspondence is clear and billing is straightforward.
- Lydia Michaelson-Yeates is exceptional; she stands out by a long way and is very modest about her level of expertise.
- Strong education sector background - partners are knowledgeable, experienced, and provide practical support.
- Nick Mackenzie is a completely trusted partner who can advise on every aspect of a deal.
- Their knowledge and humanity stand out across the piece. Katie Michelon, as our key contact, is always responsive and willing to help us sort through our thinking and offer both support and challenge. She maintains an excellent watching brief over all our affairs and displays excellent knowledge all round. Claire Archibald and Dai Durbridge are key contacts also in relation to data protection work, and their approach and responsiveness are second to none. Claire, in particular (with whom I have most dealings), is considerate and thoughtful and always on point with advice and guidance.
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