Browne Jacobson LLP serves as a trusted advisor to numerous schools and academies, as well as a growing number of higher education institutions. The firm regularly provides support on suspensions, permanent exclusions, and SEND issues, alongside complex discrimination claims and safeguarding matters. The department is also highlighted for its Equality Act advice as well as ongoing training initiatives. Practice head Dai Durbridge is an expert across all safeguarding and data protection matters. Claire Archibald and Beth Paliga joined the firm in September 2024, and both strengthen the firm’s offering in data protection affairs for education clients.
Education in North West
Browne Jacobson LLP
Praxisleiter:
Dai Durbridge
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Claire Archibald; Beth Paliga; Helen Cairns
Kernmandanten
Accord Multi-Academy Trust
Achievement Through Collaboration Trust
Aspire Education Trust
Astrea Academy Trust
Beckfoot Trust
Champion Education Trust
Changing Lives In Collaboration Trust
Changing Lives Learning Trust
Cheshire Academies Trust
Concordia MAT
Consilium Academies
Co-op Academies Trust
Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust
Cumbria Education Trust
David Ross Education Trust
Dean Trust
E-ACT
Ebor Academies Trust
Education Learning Trust
Elevate Multi-Academy Trust
Fylde Coast Academy Trust
Great Schools Trust
Hope Sentamu Learning Trust York
Keswick School Multi-Academy Trust
Leodis Multi-Academy Trust
Northern Education Trust
Northern Star Academy Trust
North West Academies Trust
Oak Learning Partnership
Omega MAT
Optimus Education
Outwood Grange Academies Trust
Pembrokeshire College
Resilience Multi Academy Trust
Salford Diocese
St Joseph’s Catholic MAT
The Enquire Learning Trust
The Gorse Academies Trust
The Sea View Trust
Three Saints Academy Trust
Trinity Multi Academy Trust
Victorious Academies Trust
Vision MAT
Warrington Primary Academies Trust
White Rose Academies Trust
Yorkshire Causeway School Trust
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP ‘always goes the extra mile and provides detailed responses to queries and helpful guidance’ and therefore continues to be a popular choice for universities, education colleges and private providers on a range of employment, real estate, education governance and contentious situations. Robert Gray and Diane Gilhooley jointly lead the Manchester-based practice and are both highly experienced employment lawyers, handling a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Laura Marsh, David O’Hara and Kim Findlow are also active on employment matters, while Carly Fishwick handles litigation in the education sector, including Equity Act-related matters.
Praxisleiter:
Robert Gray; Diane Gilhooley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Laura Marsh; David O’Hara; Kim Findlow; Carly Fishwick
Referenzen
‘Robert Gray provides an outstanding service. He has the ability to assess complex employment situations quickly and will then provide considered and useful advice to deadline. He always does this with humanity and a sense of humour.’
‘We use Eversheds Sutherland for our employment law advice. The team are all very knowledgeable and have taken the time to understand our organisation, this helps them when we present them with situations that we require help and support with.’
‘Always willing to find the time to meet with us, sometimes at short notice. Our main point of contact is Robert Gray.’
Kernmandanten
University of Manchester
Universities and Colleges Employers Association
Goldsmiths College, University of London
Sheffield Hallam University
London South Bank University
University of Salford
Loughborough University
Edge Hill University
UCLAN
Middlesex University
Stoke on Trent College
Bolton Sixth Form College
National Film and Television School
The Sixth Form Colleges Association
Cardinal Newman College
Grwp Llandrillo Menai
Hopwood Hall College
Hugh Baird College
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Wirral Metropolitan College
Highlight-Mandate
- Completed the implementation of a major trans-national education collaboration between a UK university and a Chinese university.
- Represented a UK university in a major multi-party, £1.5m dispute in relation to a student accommodation development.
- Advised multiple universities nationally on their response to the implementation of broad-ranging new regulatory obligations on tackling sexual harassment and misconduct on campus.
Forbes Solicitors
Praised for being ‘consistently pragmatic, thoughtful and solution-focused’ Forbes Solicitors routinely provides employment, dispute resolution, governance, procurement, contracts, safeguarding and risk management advice. The practice represents a range of further education colleges, multi-academy trusts, schools and independent schools. Jonathan Holden leads the national education practice, while key names in the Northwest include Ruth Rule-Mullen, who is highly experienced in public sector employment including various employment tribunal claims, Laura McHugh, who also handles employment claims and governance matters, whilst Gemma Duxbury advises on regeneration and development schemes.
Praxisleiter:
Jonathan Holden
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ruth Rule-Mullen; Laura McHugh; Gemma Duxbury; Ridwaan Omar
Referenzen
‘The solicitors are friendly and professional. They are readily on hand to answer any queries. they speak in plain English – not overly legal jargon.’
‘Ridwan Omaar is the main solicitor I deal with. He has been a huge support to the defendants and has kept me informed at all times over several years.’
‘They are incredibly responsive – they can be out at a conference but will try to accommodate your request to speak to them. Very friendly and personable and provide clear options for us as the client to consider.’
Kernmandanten
Bishop Frazer Trust
Blackburn College
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Bolton School
Calday Grange Grammar
Chaigeley School
Chesterfield College
Cidari
Community First Academy Trust
Edapt
Education Partnership Trust
Lostock Hall Academy
New College Durham
Parbold Douglas
Penwortham Priory
True Learning Partnership
West Kirby School
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for the lead supervising teacher on an organised school trip to France, who faced involuntary manslaughter charges when a student tragically drowned whilst swimming in a lake.
- Instructed to act for Cidari Multi Academy Trust in defending claims brought to employment tribunal by the Deputy Head teacher of one of the schools within the trust, including claims for disability discrimination, unfair dismissal by reason of redundancy, breach of contract and personal injury.
- Advised Herts for Learning on a complex matter concerning the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Hill Dickinson LLP
Single academy trusts, multi-academy trusts, further education colleges and universities turn to Hill Dickinson LLP for advice on contentious and non-contentious employment matters, admissions issues, governance and regulatory advice as well as training and support on SEND. The team also demonstrates ‘unrivalled’ expertise in academy conversions. Four practitioners lead the team: Luke Green handles a range of employment matters, while Joe Orme-Paul is praised for his ‘exceptional professionalism and extensive legal knowledge’ which includes EHCP placement and funding disputes. Commercial litigation partner Iain Campbell and commercial employment specialist Kerstie Skeaping are also highlighted as key individuals.
Praxisleiter:
Luke Green; Joe Orme-Paull; Kerstie Skeaping; Iain Campbell
Referenzen
‚Hill Dickinson’s unique combination of sector expertise, client-centric service, and commitment to innovation makes them a strong choice for clients seeking reliable and forward-thinking legal counsel. The team is approachable and responsive, with a practical approach to problem-solving.‘
‚I would highly recommend Joe Orme-Paul for his exceptional professionalism and extensive legal knowledge in the field of educational matters. He has a remarkable ability to communicate complex legal matters in a clear and understandable manner, ensuring that even those without a legal background feel completely assured and confident in his guidance.‘
‚Their expertise in relation to the academy conversion process and Department for Education significant change application process is unrivalled in our experience.‘
Kernmandanten
Dixons Academies Trust
University of Liverpool
The Heath Family (North West)
University of Leicester
Wade Deacon Trust
University of Salford
Star Academies
St David’s College, Llandudno
Methodist Academies and Schools Trust
University of Chester
Epworth Education Trust
Everyone Matters Schools Trust
University of York
Endeavour Learning Trust
Pope Francis Multi Academy Trust
Archdiocese of Liverpool
South East Essex Academy Trust
North Star Community Trust
Upton Hall FCJ School
Wirral Grammar School for Girls
West Kirby Grammar School
Neston High School
Frank Field Education Trust
Weaver Trust Limited
The Bay Learning Trust
Endeavour Multi Academy Trust
West Derby School
The Oldershaw School
Oak Trees Multi Academy Trust
Governing Body of Prenton Primary School
Governing Body of Rock Ferry Primary School
Governing Body of Bedford Drive Primary School
Governing Body of St George’s Primary School
Governing Body of St Hilda’s Church of England High School
Governing Body of Park Primary School
Governing Body of Helsby High
Governing Body of St Julie’s Catholic High School
Governing Body of Archbishop Beck Catholic High
Governing Body of Archbishop Blanch High School
Governing Body of St John Bosco Arts College
Governing Body of Pensby High School
Big Life Schools
Carleton House Preparatory School
The Liverpool Blue Coat School
Governing Body of The Observatory School
Whitegate CE Primary School
Yarm School
All Saints Multi Academy Trust
Prosper Multi Academy Trust
SAIL Multi Academy Trust
The LIPA Multi Academy Trust
Northern Schools Trust
IEXEL Education Trust
Cranmer Education Trust
Bright Futures Education Trust
Great Academies Education Trust
BePart Educational Trust
United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation
Liverpool Association of Secondary Heads
Olive Tree Primary School, Bolton
Prenton High School for Girls
Daubhil Muslim t/a Oliver Tree Garden Nursery
Bellerive FCJ Catholic College
Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust
Champion Education Trust
Islamia Schools Limited
St Ambrose Barlow RC High School
St Bedes RC High School
St Michael in the Hamlet Community Primary School
Wensley Fold CE Primary School
Weston Primary School
The Bishops’ Blue Coat Church of England High School
Governing Body of Rice Lane Primary School
Governing Body of St Matthews Catholic Primary School
Robbie Fowler Education & Football Academy Ltd
The Great Schools Trust
Governing Body of Holly Lodge High School
Governing Body of Barlows Primary School
Governing Body of Redbridge High School
Governing Body of Smithdown Primary School
Governing Body of Upton-by-Chester High
St Edward’s College Edmund Rice Academy
Chester Catholic Academies Partnership
Askham Bryan College, York
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust on the conversion of 4 primary school simultaneously to double the number of schools in its trust.
- Defending Star Academies in an objection made to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator which impacted the faith-based places criteria under its admissions arrangements.
- Advising Endeavour Multi Academy Trust on a SEND funding dispute with one of its Local Authorities amounting to circa £148,000 of unfunded provision.
Weightmans LLP
Highly regarded for its ‘dedicated higher education knowledge’ Weightmans LLP advises a number of leading UK universities on a broad range of matters spanning employment, real estate, procurement, student complaints and misconduct, litigation and inquests. Practice head Martin Vincent has experience in assisting universities on collaborative ventures both nationally and cross-border, as well as on procurement arrangements and income generation. Josh Conroy is well versed in litigation, including unfair prejudice petitions, while Rose Moss covers real estate mandates and Philip Woolham specialises in pensions issues.
Praxisleiter:
Martin Vincent
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Josh Conroy; Rose Moss; Philip Woolham
Referenzen
‘Weightmans offer dedicated Higher Education knowledge and legal expertise to HE providers in England. Equally they have dedicated experts in other legal fields which can be drawn upon as and when needed through brokering such expertise via the partner contact for the individual HE provider.’
‘Josh Conroy is an outstanding Weightmans Partners within the Education team as legal HE advisers and work to understand the University context, its challenges and provides realistic advice that is both usable and purposeful in its own right.’
‘Weightmans are very approachable and give clear, practical advice. They guided us through the process and enabled us to make well-informed decisions. Their client communication is excellent, at all times prompt and thorough.’
Kernmandanten
University of Cumbria
Lancaster University
University of Liverpool
Liverpool John Moores University
University of Chester
Liverpool Institute of Performing Art
Liverpool Hope University
Glyndwr Wrexham University
Highlight-Mandate
- Defended Judicial Review proceedings brought against the University of Chester by a former PhD candidate, who had been withdrawn from their studies for failing to meet the required academic standards.
- Advised the University of Cumbria in relation to the development of a new campus valued at more than £100 million.
- Advised Lancaster University in relation to a number of international collaborations.
DWF
Sitting in the firms broader regulatory, compliance and investigations team, DWF’s education offering is ‘now a distinct team in its own right’ that supports a significant number of private schools, public bodies and institutions. The team is well versed in SEND tribunal matters, safeguarding issues and crisis response, health and safety inquests. Additionally, the outfit focuses on contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Vikki Woodfine leads the firm's Northwest education team and is highly experienced in sensitive inquests and gross negligence manslaughter cases. Anna Blythe is a key education practitioner who ‘always puts her clients in the best position to succeed’.
Praxisleiter:
Vikki Woodfine
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Anna Blythe; Joanne Witheford; Alice Healy
Referenzen
‘The DWF team routinely demonstrates innovation in its approach, depth and breadth of legal knowledge, and is notable for its human approach to clients. The speed of response sets the DWF offering apart from its competitors, and wins it a great deal of repeat business from satisfied clients.’
‘Vikki Woodfine is frankly superb at liaising with and reassuring clients at moments of extreme pressure, and this emotional intelligence is firmly underpinned with solid legal knowledge and experience. A class act.’
‘They are the heart of the pioneering insurance-backed ‚Crisis response‘ product for schools, supporting clients at the most challenging times imaginable. The feedback they get is extraordinary.’
Kernmandanten
ARAG/DAS
Royal & Sun Alliance (RSA)
Marsh Education
Ecclesiastical Insurance
Department for Education
Oak National Academy
Serco (Emergency Planning College)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a number of the UK’s leading independent boarding schools regards student suicides, guiding them through the very real impact of trauma on staff, pupils and the wider student community.
- Advising the Department for Education (DfE) as a core participant in the ongoing Covid-19 Public Inquiry.
- DWF represents Oak National Academy (ONA), an arm’s length body of the Department for Education, in an ongoing judicial review claim issued in November 2022 against the Secretary of State for Education regarding ONA’s constitution, operating model, and funding.
HY Education Solicitors
The boutique education firm HY Solicitors is singled out for its ‘expertise in all areas of education law’, where the team advises a range of schools, multi-academy trusts and other educational providers. David Yazdi leads the Rochdale-based practice and covers a range of commercial, corporate and land and property matters, including academisations and agreements with local authorities and government departments. The practice is supported by dual qualified barrister and solicitor David Hulse. Ciara Heaney and Ryan McGillick are also key practitioners.
Praxisleiter:
David Yazdi; David Hulse
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ciara Heaney; Ryan McGillick
Referenzen
‚I have worked closely with Ciara and Ryan. They have both stood out in their exceptional expertise, friendliness and gravitas they bring to complex situations.‘
‚The two stand out partners are David Yazdi and David Hulse. They go above and beyond to provide clear support and advice. Both are approachable and make the legal advice easy to understand and apply. They have evidently built a team who share the values and approach of HY as a collective because every interaction we have with the wider team aligns.‘
‚We have worked with multiple people at HY Education Solicitors, all of whom have been brilliant. A particular mention to David Yazdi and Dean Hulse who we have worked with closely and provided excellent service. Communication is always timely and the quality of work is exceptional and far exceeds our experience with other law firms.‘
Kernmandanten
Brampton Manor Trust
BMAT Education
Central England Learning Trust
Cockburn Multi Academy Trust
Diocese of Hereford Multi Academy Trust
Holy Cross College & University Centre
Infinity Academies Trust
Landau Forte Charitable Trust
Laetare Catholic Multi Academy Trust
Orchard Multi Academy Trust
Orchard Community Trust
Rainbow Education Multi Academy Trust
Romero Catholic Academy Trust
Shropshire Church of England Academies Trust
St Bart’s Multi Academy Trust
St Mary’s Catholic High School Herefordshire
Wigmore School Academy Trust
Indie Education
EdStart Schools
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised on and project led the creation of a 4 school Multi Academy Trust called Orchard Multi Academy Trust.
- Represented Romero Catholic Multi Academy Trust in a Judicial Review claim with a result that will have significant ramifications for the sector.
- Advised on the creation of a brand new Independent School provision called Indie Education, working with the largest independent school provider in Australia (also called Indie Education).
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP maintains broad expertise in the education sector and advises a range of universities and higher education institutions, multi-academy trusts and schools. Sara Barrett is based in Manchester and forms part of the leadership team of the national education practice, providing employment advice to higher education and further education clients. The team is well versed in education real estate matters, which is an area of specialism for Jennifer Lewis, while Siân Jones-Davies covers the gamut of education issues and Pili Fernandez-Mahoney focuses on contentious employment affairs.
Praxisleiter:
Sara Barrett
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jennifer Lewis; Siân Jones-Davies; Pili Fernandez-Mahoney
Referenzen
‘Accessible, friendly, transparent and proactive.’
‘Pili Fernandez-Mahoney: Friendly, common sense, commercial and prompt advice.’
‘Mills and Reeve continue to provide excellent advice and service. They provide free information services via their e-hubs and hosted events focused on the various sectors which is an important value-added aspect to delivery.’
Kernmandanten
Academies Enterprise Trust
Arden University Limited
Blackpool and the Fylde College
Bolton College
Bury College
Buckingham New University
Cardiff University
Liverpool John Moores
LTE Group (The Manchester College)
Manchester Metropolitan University
Nottingham Trent University
Oldham College
Sheffield Hallam University
The University of Nottingham
University of Cambridge
University of Bedfordshire
University of Derby
University of Exeter
University of Hertfordshire
University of Huddersfield
University of Kent
University of Lancaster
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Oxford
University of Salford
University of Southampton
University of Surrey
University of Worcester
University of York
University of York
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP advises universities and higher education providers on matters spanning the education sector- often in collaboration with their national offices. The firm is experienced in the education real estate sphere, including student accommodation projects and campus developments, as well as broader litigation, employment and regulatory advice. At the head of the practice, Michael Pocock specialises in planning and environmental matters for HE clients. Michael Smith leads on property litigation matters, and Beth Grant focuses on development planning work and related disputes. Craig Tordoff handles property transactions, Rhiannon Woodhouse advises on commercial agreements and Shara Pledger covers immigration issues.
Praxisleiter:
Michael Pocock
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Michael Smith; Beth Grant; Craig Tordoff; Rhiannon Woodhouse; Shara Pledger
Kernmandanten
Birkbeck College and University of London
The University of Huddersfield
University of Sheffield
City, University of London
University of Roehampton
Bricks Capital
Goldsmiths, University of London
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
University of Manchester
University of Lincoln
Highlight-Mandate
- Defended a judicial review action seeking to challenge the lawful use by Birkbeck, University of London of one of its key assets.
- Advising Goldsmiths, University of London in relation to the legal implementation of its university title by obtaining a Supplemental Royal Charter and supporting it in relation to the making a range of further amendments to its Charter and Statutes.
- Acting for Bricks Capital in respect of their development financing transactions at sites known as Bendigo Buildings/Cowan Street, Nottingham and Hollis Croft, Sheffield.