Acting for regional and national higher and further education institutions, academy trusts, and independent schools, the education team at Muckle LLP has recently seen an uptick in instructions relating to academy conversion projects, strategic growth plans, and complex restructuring projects. Tony McPhillips attracts praise for his ‘clear guidance and razor-sharp insight’ and heads up the firm’s overall sports, education, and charities group. Joanne Davison takes point on project work and governance mandates, particularly academy conversions and college mergers, while Jill Donabie acts for local authorities and school trusts on general student and employee matters and the defence of tribunal claims relating to special needs and disability discrimination. McPhilips, Davison, and Donabie jointly oversee the department. Richard Nixon is the key contact for sector-related real estate work, advising schools, academies, and higher education institutions on all aspects of land and property law, particularly in relation to academy conversions.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP leverages the firm’s full-service capabilities to provide a comprehensive offering that spans the full range of education issues, including property matters, governance and charity law, projects, and employment work. In particular, the group has notable strength advising on Church of England and Catholic school mandates, as well as PFI matters and student accommodation projects. Emma Moody splits her time between the firm’s Leeds and Newcastle offices and co-heads the practice alongside Kevin Robertson, also in Newcastle. Moody is an experienced charities lawyer who advises on constitutional, governance, and regulatory issues, while Robertson is a projects and procurement specialist. Peter Cantwell is the key contact for academy clients.

Ward Hadaway LLP’s education practice stands out for its strong track record advising multi-academy trusts on advisory matters as well as academy conversions. With expertise spanning employment, charities, data protection, and general education law, the team leverages the firm’s broader capabilities to assist clients across the full spectrum of relevant issues. Graham Vials oversees the practice; hailed for his ‘great technical knowledge’, Vials has a broad practice with notable emphasis on employment matters, including tribunal claims. He works alongside Tim Care, who specialises in procurement work in the public sector, and Tom Shears, who is another key contact for employment issues. For property-related instructions, Katy Milner and Neil Smith are the names to note.