Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is the ‘preeminent leader in the field of higher education’ and ’combines top tier legal advice with a deep understanding of the cultural, political, and financial nuances of the education sector’. Members of the practice advise on a wide range of issues in the sector, including employment, pension and immigration matters. Christopher Mordue leads the higher education practice and has experience advising on strategic employment law issues, including collective bargaining and industrial relations. Ben Woods leads on the academy work of the practice, and is skilled at handling matters linked to regulators. Alison Oldfield focuses on litigation and disputes involving higher education institutions, while Charlotte Tanikal advises on real estate work for independent schools and academics.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The preeminent leader in the field of higher education and, in particular employment higher education. A deep understanding of the sector and a real knowledge about what is going on.

  • ‘Chris Mordue - in depth understanding of issues. Brilliant technical knowledge which he is able to adapt to any scenario.'

  • ‘Eversheds provide a full and well-integrated service, ensuring that a matter can be dealt with by the most appropriate individual and that advice is very well-informed by a longstanding and up-to-date knowledge of the sector.’

  • ‘Chris Mordue is extremely academic and well-informed, building confidence by the depth of his legal and sector-specific knowledge, as well as the quality of his written communication.

  • ‘Their ability to provide prompt, often immediate, advice during conversations stands in stark contrast to our previous provider, who took a considerable amount of time to offer counsel. Additionally, the team members are not only friendly and approachable but also provide well-reasoned, thoughtful advice.’

  • ‘The team combines top tier legal advice with a deep understanding of the cultural, political, and financial nuances of the education sector. The team is accessible, responsive and practical approach, and they offer clear advice. ’

  • ‘Christopher Mordue is very responsive, and the advice is always returned to a highly satisfactory level, our questions are always interpreted correctly, and the advice comes back with the rounded advice needed and when relevant, the additional questions we should have asked but as non-lawyers wouldn’t have necessarily thought to do so.'

  • Christopher Mordue is an excellent partner that adds significant value to our business in support of the UK higher Education sector across the full spectrum of employment law and industrial relations. He has a thorough and proactive understanding of our needs and sector issues.'
  • 'Ben makes himself available – sometimes at very short notice for urgent initial discussions on matters complex or less so. He seamlessly conveys complex matters well to a varied audience. He also uses helpful examples to enhance his advice. Having used many good solicitors over the years for business, I would say that Ben has an ability and approach which is stand-out.'
  • 'They provide continuous advice to the educations sector in regular briefings and advice seminars – which are helpful.'

Key clients

  • University of Reading
  • University of Sheffield
  • Durham University
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Hull
  • University of Roehampton
  • University of Huddersfield
  • University of Essex
  • University of Nottingham
  • Sheffield Hallam University
  • University of York
  • Leeds Trinity University
  • Northern School of Contemporary Dance
  • York St John University
  • School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)
  • University of Leicester
  • University of Reading
  • University College London
  • King’s College London

Work highlights

Advising a number of universities on significant redundancy exercises to respond to financial challenges in the HE sector by costs saving and/or strategic refocusing.
Advising numerous Higher Education clients on complex free speech and discrimination issues connected with the Israel/Gaza conflict (through our employment, student and protest law experts).
Successfully defending Portsmouth University against a £110m claim by a pharmaceutical company in the technology and Construction Court, London.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Chris Mordue

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.

Practice head

Diane Gilhooley; Nicola Bennison; Chris Mordue; Ben Wood

Other key lawyers

Alison Oldfield; Charlotte Tanikal