Overseeing both transactional and litigation matters, spanning from strategic partnerships to complex disability discrimination claims, Browne Jacobson LLP routinely acts for major academy trusts and universities. The practice is highly regarded for its ability to cover transfer arrangements and construction contracts. Practice head Nick MacKenzie is an experienced adviser to executive teams and boards in the social housing, corporate, and education sectors. The Birmingham-based team is further supported by commercial property expert Dominic Swift. Emma Hughes is knowledgeable on all aspects of HR, while Nick Smee chiefly focuses on IP matters. Polly O’Malley is a regulatory specialist, and Scott Mounfield chiefly concentrates on the public sector. Lydia Michaelson-Yeates, Hayley O’Sullivan, and Philip Wood are also recommended. Richard Freeth left the firm in June 2024.
Education in West Midlands
Browne Jacobson LLP
Praxisleiter:
Nick MacKenzie
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Dominic Swift; Emma Hughes; Nick Smee; Bettina Rigg; Polly O’Malley; Scott Mounfield; Lydia Michaelson-Yeates; Hayley O’Sullivan; Philip Wood; Sarah Linden; Laura Thompson; Joanna Goddard;
Referenzen
‘Easy communication. Our needs are assessed, and the most appropriate/experienced solicitor is provided.‘
‘A great team – fully knowledgeable and accessible. They have clear terms and conditions, relevant paperwork, contracts, etc. are timely and easy to understand.’
‘Philip Wood – he is brilliant! He knows our school really well, and is able to provide tailored advice. He is always happy and willing to help and is super knowledgeable. He is a fantastic source of support.’
Kernmandanten
Academy Transformation Trust
Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Central Region Schools Trust
Chiltern Learning Trust
Creative Education Trust
Elliot Foundation Academies Trust
GLF Schools
Headington School
King’s College London
Lion Academy Trust
London School of Economics and Political Science
Meridian Trust
Outwood Grange Academies Trust
Reach2 Academy Trust
Shaw Education Trust
South Gloucestershire Council
The Kemnal Academies Trust
University of Hertfordshire
White Horse Federation
Wrexham Glyndwr University
Highlight-Mandate
Mills & Reeve LLP
Showcasing extensive expertise in the construction, planning, and tax elements of the education sector, Mills & Reeve LLP consistently represents universities and trusts in both transactional and contentious proceedings. The team is knowledgeable in complex litigation, managing harassment and sexual misconduct claims, alongside advising on employment law risks. Christian Bull co-heads from Birmingham, in tandem with Birmingham and Manchester-based Richard Sykes. The pair are experts in administrative, public, and corporate law issues, and Cat Savage is well versed in commercial litigation affairs. Helen Tringham is a data protection specialist, and both Siân Jackson and Abisola Latunji-Cockbil are also highlighted for their knowledge of TUPE and whistleblowing cases.
Praxisleiter:
Christian Bull; Richard Sykes
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Cat Savage; Helen Tringham; Alex Russell; Siân Jackson; Abisola Latunji-Cockbill; Robbie Turner; Gavin Carr; Siân Jones-Davies; Sam Rose
Referenzen
‚The team is extremely responsive and helpful and have a strong understanding of our needs and drivers as an in-house legal team which is hugely appreciated. They have added huge value, not just by providing first rate legal advice but by also assisting on the project management side to keep a matter on track.‘
‚Helen Tringham provides wonderfully clear and succinct advice including options analyses where helpful. Her advice is always balanced and importantly combines the tactical with the strategic.‘
‚Richard Sykes‘ knowledge and deep understanding of higher education precedent and custom and practice is enormously valuable. He is able to apply complex analyses to new situations in a persuasive and accessible manner.‘
Kernmandanten
Academies Enterprise Trust
ACT Multi- Academy Trust
Anglia Ruskin University Higher Education Corporation
Arden University Limited
Barking & Dagenham College
Birmingham City University
Bolton College
Bournemouth University
British Council
Buckinghamshire New University
Cardiff University
Christ Church, Oxford University
Christ’s Hospital
Coventry College
Coventry University
Cranfield University
Dragon School Trust Limited
Exeter College Oxford
Francis Crick Institute Ltd
Harrow School
King’s College London
Linacre College Oxford
London Business School
LTE Group
Manchester Metropolitan University
Merton College, Oxford University
Nottingham Trent University
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford University Endowment Management
Peterhouse College, Cambridge University
Royal Veterinary College
Sheffield Hallam University
Solent University
St Dunstan’s Educational Foundation
St Edmund Hall, Oxford University
St John’s College, Oxford University
St John’s College
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
The Sandstone Trust
The United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation
The University of Birmingham
The University of Northampton
The University of Nottingham
TOF Corporate Trustee Limited as Trustee of The Oxford Funds
Trinity College, Cambridge University
University of Cambridge
University of Bath
University of Bedfordshire
University of Derby
University of East Anglia
University of Exeter
University of Gloucestershire
University of Hertfordshire
University of Kent
University of Lancaster
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Salford
University of Southampton
University of Surrey
University of Sussex
University of Worcester
University of York
Waltham Forest College
Wellcome Sanger Institute
West Thames College
University of York
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised multiple HEIs on their ability to increase tuition fees for their current students, and to change their offers to offer holders, in light of the government’s recent announcement of an increase in maximum home tuition fees.
- Advised the University of Bradford on becoming part of the Bradford district heating network provided by 1Energy.
- Advised Cardiff University on a collaboration with Cardiff City Council, Cardiff City Football Club and local developer Cardiff City House of Sport Limited, under which the University agreed to lease land to Cardiff City FC for use as the new home for its academy programme.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Specialising in obtaining interim injunctions and possession orders in response to campus protests and the recovery of land, Pinsent Masons LLP has a breadth of expertise spanning across the commercial, regulatory, and property fields. The practice has a strong track record in advising clients partnering with education providers on education finance, technology, and student accommodation projects. The team is co-led by Victoria Goddard in Leeds and Gayle Ditchburn in Birmingham, with the latter being an expert on structuring and governance issues. Also in Birmingham, Helen Corden focuses on discrimination and harassment cases, while Rami Labib, Amy Flavell and Alicia Foo are also highlighted as key members.
Praxisleiter:
Victoria Goddard; Gayle Ditchburn
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Helen Corden; Amy Flavell; Alicia Foo; Cerys Wyn-Davies; Chris Thomas; Rebecca Stephen; Rami Labib; Nicky Pereira; Uddalak Datta
Referenzen
‘Rami Labib: Rami has established himself as our go-to contact for external legal advice. He has proven himself to be effective, reliable, and focused on providing effective and efficient legal solutions for our company.’
‘Exceptionally fast response rate to queries. Always able to help quickly.‘
‘Rami Labib – we have long appreciated Rami’s fast and helpful responses to a range of random questions. He always replies in record time and has a plan for support. Rami will listen to our challenges and find the best solution for us.‘
Kernmandanten
Aston University
BIMM University Limited
Cardiff University
INTO University Partnerships Limited
Kings College London
City, University of London
University College of Football Business Limited
University College of Estate Management
University College London
Goldsmiths’, University of London
BARBRI, Inc
Bath Spa University
Arden University
Birkbeck College
University of London
University of Manchester
University of Nottingham
University of Sheffield
University of Plymouth
European School of Economics
Health Sciences University
Imperial College
Istituto Marangoni Limited
University of Lincoln
University College Birmingham
Roehampton University
Midlands Mindforge Limited
IU Group NV
London School of Economics
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
University of Derby
University of Surrey
University of Warwick
Beifang International Education Group
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised City, University London on its successful merger with St George’s University of London to become ‘City St George’s, University of London which came into effect on 1 August 2024.
- Obtained a possession order for the University of London against defendants in connection with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Protest by the SOAS Liberated Zone for Gaza and/or Democratise Education movements in July 2024 who were protesting against and encamping on University of London land.
- Advised King’s College London, Aston University, Birmingham City University, University of Surrey, Open University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Sheffield, University of Lincoln, and University College London on their compliance with consumer law, with a particular focus on the latest sector-specific guidance issued by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and consumer protection cases referred to National Trading Standards (NTS) by the Office of Students (OfS).
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Shakespeare Martineau LLP has vast expertise in handling lease agreements and leasebacks for universities and student accommodation, along with extensive knowledge in complex breaches of collective bargaining processes. The team’s wide-ranging capabilities extend from sexual misconduct claims to merger issues, with a substantial focus on obtaining emergency possession orders. The Birmingham-based outfit is headed by Smita Jamdar, highlighted for her regulatory and governance work, while David Browne is noted for his experience in major restructurings and discrimination disputes. Tom Long predominantly focuses on whistleblowing and employment tribunal litigation. Clive Read is recommended for his real estate education work, and Mark Taylor is recommended for education collaborations.
Praxisleiter:
Smita Jamdar
Weitere Kernanwälte:
David Browne; Tom Long; Clive Read; Ruth Phillips; Catherine Rustomji; Andrew Adams; Mark Taylor; Selina Hinchliffe; Joanna Forbes; Anieka Sheppard; Esther Maxwell; Emma Noble
Referenzen
‘The team takes time to understand how we work and our values. They are extremely collaborative and supportive in approach.’
‘Esther Maxwell – responsive and pragmatic. Esther provides clear advice and looks at it from all perspectives. Esther is thoughtful in her approach and respectful to all parties. Esther clearly demonstrates some of our institutional values, for example, integrity. Esther supports a partnership approach in how she works with us.’
‘Extremely professional, the Shakespeare Martineau team are experts with a real, deep commitment to the industries they serve. They engage with us in a range of ways to share and disseminate guidance, information, and updates that support our work. They show a sensitivity to the diversity of our people and sector, trying to recognise the plurality of need and experience and cater for this sensitively.’
Kernmandanten
University of Hertfordshire
Brunel University
University of Cambridge
University of South Wales
Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts
UCLAN
University of Sheffield
University College London
University of Liverpool
Rose Bruford College
Oxford Brookes University
Liverpool John Moore University
Leicester College
Barnsley College
Wiltshire College
University of Leeds
Abingdon and Witney College
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
Quality Assurance Agency
West Dean College
University of the Arts London
University of Derby
Staffordshire University
Aberystwyth University
University of West London
University of Lincoln
Capital City College Group
Halesowen College
Solent University
University for the Creative Arts
University of Essex
WKCIC Group t/a Capital City College Group
Bath College
Halesowen College
Weymouth College
Newham College
NewVIc (Newham Sixth Form College)
Abingdon & Witney College
Derby College
Solihull College and University Centre
North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College
Barnsley College
Activate Learning
Barnet and Southgate College
South Hampshire College Group
Heart of Worcester College
Nottingham College
Riverside College
Warwickshire College
Heart of Mercia Multi-Academy Trust
Fircroft College of Adult Education
South and City College Birmingham
Leicester College
London RIBID College Ltd
Coventry College
Highlight-Mandate
- Represent a number of universities in England and Wales in connection with the high-profile group claims brought by a large number of students in relation to the disruption to educational services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the industrial action from 2017 onwards.
- Advised The University College of Osteopathy (UCO) on its merger with Health Sciences University (HSU) (formerly AECC University College).
- Supported Bishop Grosseteste University on a major sale and leaseback of its student accommodation.
VWV
Led by Jane Byford in Birmingham, the ‘responsive, professional’ VWV practice is highly experienced in employment tribunal claims relating to age and sexual orientation, alongside showcasing breach of contract expertise. The team has a special focus on handling transfer agreements and the establishment of cyber innovation hubs for universities. Byford routinely advises on employment and HR issues, Tom Brett Young is an immigration specialist, and Morag Roddick counsels higher education institutes and educational charities, predominantly. Kathy Halliday is knowledgeable on all aspects of employment law, and Sarah Webb concentrates on data protection and general governance issues.
Praxisleiter:
Jane Byford; Barney Northover; Chloe Brunton
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tom Brett Young; Morag Roddick; Kathy Halliday; Sarah Webb; Alice Reeve; Jaime Hobday; Greg Clarke; Claire Hall; Lorna Scully; Katie Hurst
Referenzen
‘The Education Team is responsive, professional and has provided extensive and very key guidance at pivotal moments.‘
‘The team are highly supportive, they respond promptly and despite being a large firm, the service always feel personable. Named individuals know our organisation and this gives us a strong sense of reassurance and trust in VWV.‘
‘The team includes a range of service capabilities that are useful to our organisation which is a charity. They work together well, are very responsive and always deliver a high-quality service.’
Kernmandanten
Alderbrook School
Alvechurch Church of England Multi-Academy Trust
Bangor University
Birmingham Newman University
Blue Coat School Birmingham
Bournemouth University
Brunel University London
Cardiff University
De Montfort University
Dudley Academies Trust
E-ACT
Edgbaston High School for Girls
Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology
Hallfield School
Langley School
Loriners Multi Academy Trust
Loughborough Endowed Schools
Ormiston Academies Trust
Primitas Learning Partnership
Priory School Edgbaston
Prosper Together Multi Academy Trust
National Star College
North Cotswold Schools Federation MAT
Nottingham Trent University
Sheffield Hallam University
Solihull School
South & City College Birmingham
St Chad’s Academies Trust
Three Spires Trust
Tudor Grange Academy Trust
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University of Derby
University of Lincoln
University of Plymouth
University of South Wales
University of Staffordshire
University of Worcester
Warwick Independent Schools Foundation
Windsor Academy Trust
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised on the conversion of Kingshurst Primary Schoo.
- Advised Cardiff University on the establishment of the Cyber Innovation Hub in collaboration with the University of South Wales, the Alacrity Foundation and Tramshed.
- Advised St Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls on its successful defence of an employment tribunal claim for breach of contract and discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief brought by a Year 10 Consultant Pastoral Manager.
Bevan Brittan LLP
Primarily acting on behalf of major universities and other educational institutions, Bevan Brittan LLP is hailed for being ‘very approachable and friendly’ when addressing environmental information regulations and breach of contract cases. The team’s expertise extends to unfair dismissal and race discrimination cases, with Ashley Norman – a specialist in employment and immigration proceedings – leading the Birmingham-based team. Rachel Soundy heads the commercial and infrastructure higher education division, while Rebecca Pendlebury mainly concentrates on mixed-use regeneration schemes. Louise Mansfield and Elizabeth Dunford are also recommended.
Praxisleiter:
Ashley Norman
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rachel Soundy; Rebecca Pendlebury; Louise Mansfield; Elizabeth Dunford; Siobhan Mulrey; Nisha Williams
Referenzen
‘Highly committed, professional and knowledgeable service.’
‘Ashley Norman is highly committed, knowledgeable and provides exceptional service.’
‘The team has a good working knowledge of the areas on which they provide advice. They are able to respond quickly to urgent matters.‘
Kernmandanten
University of Oxford
University of York
Cardiff and Vale College
De Montfort University
The University of West London
Royal Holloway, University of London
Newbury College of Further Education
Birmingham City University
Trinity College Oxford
Coleg Sir Gar
Coleg Gwent
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for a Higher Education college in defence of employment tribunal proceedings brought against the client, involving complaints of unfair dismissal and race discrimination.
- Representing the University of the West of England in an Article 2, jury inquest into the death of a student.
- Advised a University on an age discrimination Employment Tribunal claim involving changes to terms and conditions of employment under TUPE.
Shoosmiths LLP
Displaying vast knowledge in securing council funding for those with autism spectrum disorders and ADHD diagnoses predominantly, Shoosmiths LLP regularly advises private clients. EHC plans and appeals for residential placements are key areas of expertise, with the Birmingham-based co-leads Gurvinder Samra and Kashmir Uppal being specialists in the area of special educational needs. In particular, Samra routinely oversees complex cases covering children with disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy to autism, with an additional focus on securing funding for school placements.
Praxisleiter:
Gurvinder Samra; Kashmir Uppal
Referenzen
‘Extremely knowledgeable in their field and how to work with the local authorities.‘
‘Guv Samra – Full of knowledge and confident in her field, she filled me with a new confidence. A decision I’ve never regretted.‘
‘Guv Samra was the lead for the education tribunal we worked on and was brilliant in all of her approach. Well informed, responsive and incredibly knowledgeable.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Conducted and advised on First Tier SEND appeal proceedings for a young person with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, with associated short stature and developmental delay securing council funding for an independent specialist college.
- Conducted and advised on First Tier SEND appeal proceedings for a young person with Downs Syndrome securing council funding for an independent specialist school and improvements to EHC plan provision.
- Conducted and advised on First Tier SEND appeal proceedings for a young person with autism securing council funding for a placement at an independent specialist school.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Managing cross-border collaboration agreements and joint ventures on behalf of universities and colleges, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has vast expertise on the whole spectrum of employment, charity law, and IP issues. The team’s specialism extends to constitutional and regulatory proceedings, as the firm’s head of the education Nicola Bennison covers strategic HR and senior management issues from her bases in Birmingham and Nottingham. Gary Delderfield concentrates on public sector pension issues, and Thomas Pollitt is also cited as key for his knowledge in reorganisations.
Praxisleiter:
Nicola Bennison; Diane Gilhooley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Gary Delderfield; Thomas Pollitt
Referenzen
‚Eversheds are truly exceptional in every area of their work. The team are highly knowledgeable. They are responsive to need, highly skilled and experienced, and incredibly knowledgeable and efficient. Their team are very skilled and experienced, and always provide a personal, bespoke service.‘
Kernmandanten
Malvern International
National Film and Television School
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Malvern International on its partnership with the University of Wolverhampton to open a new International Study Centre.
- Advised the University of Exeter and the University of Exeter Students Union in relation to their options for exiting the Student Union Superannuation Scheme.
- Advised on the set-ups of more than half of the new Institutes of Technology nationally.
Lanyon Bowdler
Standing out for its insights on post-terminations of employment contracts and commercial transfer agreements, Lanyon Bowdler combines expertise in the public, private and charity sectors. The firm covers all elements of governance, education, and employment law proceedings, with Shrewsbury-based Grainne Walters being a specialist in corporate and commercial matters. From Ludlow, Edward Burrell focuses on complex business contracts, while from Telford, John Merry is also highlighted as key.
Praxisleiter:
Gráinne Walters
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Edward Burrell; John Merry; Matthew Bowering
Referenzen
‘Lanyon Bowdler have worked with us for many years and their broad depth of knowledge has been evident from day one. They take time to understand our needs and provide information that is easy to understand.‘
‘We work with a number of individuals solicitors depending on their specialism but there is a consistency in their approach to the work being carried out. The team at Lanyon Bowdler take time to really understand our needs which ensures the work prepared is as expected and delivered in a timely manner.’
‘I have been fortunate enough to work with a partner and solicitor at Lanyon Bowdler and have found both to be very responsive, polite, kind and efficient. They know the sector very well and have a breadth of knowledge which has been well reflected in the quality of meetings and importantly work produced by them for our company.‘
Kernmandanten
St Paul’s Academy Trust
Lugwardine Academy Trust
The 3-18 Education Trust
Severn Bridges Multi Academy Trust
NMITE
Derwen College
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) in relation to the simultaneous conversion to academy status and admission to the MAT of two schools. This necessitated the updating of the MAT’s constitutional documentation.
- Advised a Multi Academy Trust in respect of variations to a number of its funding agreements to allow for significant changes to the operation of the relevant academies to take effect for the new school year.