Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP fields a team noted for its particular aptitude in the higher education sector, with a diverse clientele which the team advises on employment, pension, and immigration matters, among others. Chris Mordue and Ben Wood jointly lead the team, with Mordue spearheading the higher education offering while Wood is the lead for schools and academies. Core team members include Alison Oldfield, a key name for contentious matters, and Charlotte Tanikal, who is adept in real estate work and academy conversions. Sarah Valentine contributes specialist health and safety knowledge, with aptitude in regulatory issues and inquests.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Ben Wood is highly approachable and ensures he uses plain language to explain complex matters. His knowledge of the sector and the challenges it faces is excellent, meaning he doesn't have to research his responses and can advise quickly. Ben is connected to other colleagues in the sector and can also offer networking opportunities when we are grappling with issues.
- Key people for us have been: Ben Wood - always responds quickly, great pragmatic advice Christine Pilbrow - again super helpful, unflappable and superb at helping us navigate all issues around the merger.
- In addition to comprehensive advice, the advice from Chris Mordue is considered, tailored, and clear. It serves the purpose of effectively communicating complex and evolving legislation to a large audience. Availability and timelines are also an important strength.
- Our primary partner Chris Mordue has excellent knowledge of the sector and a thorough understanding of employment legislation. He is responsive, proactive, trusted, and cost-effective.
- Ben Wood has been a trusted adviser over a sustained period. He has taken the time to understand our organization and the context in which we operate, underpinned by strong sector expertise. His advice is consistently practical, concise, and easy to act on, and he brings a calm and measured approach even in more complex or pressured situations. He is also highly responsive and available when needed, providing reassurance in fast-moving situations. Overall, his combination of insight, clarity, and reliability sets him apart.
- Ben Wood is truly exceptional. A very personalized, professional, highly responsive, and efficient service.
- The team is extremely well qualified, knowledgeable, and approachable. Communication is highly efficient and very responsive. Every individual we have dealt with in the team has taken the time to listen and get to know us, our business vision and values, and respond accordingly.
- Chris Mordue is excellent. He is extremely responsive and provides excellent advice. His extensive sector experience means that there is seldom an issue that he hasn't previously dealt with.
- The Eversheds team has an excellent understanding of Higher Education and an in-depth knowledge of the sector, so they can provide nuanced legal advice informed by previous experience of having dealt with similar issues elsewhere in the sector.
- The team has significant expertise in relation to education across all sectors. When faced with particularly challenging situations, they are able to bring in colleagues with very specific skills and experience to help support at very short notice.
Key clients
- University of Reading
- University of Sheffield
- Durham University
- University of Leeds
- Newcastle University
- University of Manchester
- 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
- SOAS, University of London
- University of Leicester
- University College London
- King’s College London
- University of Warwick
Work highlights
Advising numerous universities on significant redundancy exercises to respond to financial challenges in the HE sector through costs saving and/or strategic refocusing.
Advising numerous Higher Education clients on complex free speech and discrimination issues.
Supporting a Russell Group University with a comprehensive work-related stress management review prompted by a significant organisational change programme.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Chris Mordue; Ben Wood
Other key lawyers
Alison Oldfield; Charlotte Tanikal; Sarah Valentine