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.
Education in Yorkshire
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Diane Gilhooley; Nicola Bennison; Chris Mordue; Ben Wood
Autres avocats clés:
Alison Oldfield; Charlotte Tanikal
Les références
‘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.’
Principaux 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
University of Plymouth
Askham Bryan College
DN Colleges Group
Leeds College of Building
Luminate Education Group
RNN Group
Heart of Yorkshire College Group
Windsor Forest Colleges Group
Beacon Multi Academy Trust
Batley Multi Academy Trust
Activate Learning Education Group
LEAD Academy Trust
NOVA Education Trust
The Potteries Education Trust
The Prospect Trust
Trinitas Academies Trust
The Wensum Trust
EEF Limited
Principaux dossiers
- 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.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP‘ education practice is commended for its ‘outstanding sector knowledge and profile’, and has vast experience acting on high-profile educational mergers, student accommodation matters, and regulatory issues. Members of the team are skilled at handling complex group litigation orders. The practice, led by Victoria Goddard, has a ‘focus on reliability and consistently deliver high quality, practical advice’. Goddard specialises in complex development structures for student accommodation projects, while Julian Sladdin is a ‘skilled litigator’, and advises higher education institutions on regulatory compliance and risk management. Louise Fullwood brings intellectual property and healthcare expertise to the team. Kate Dodsworth and Rebecca McCall are noted.
Responsables de la pratique:
Victoria Goddard
Autres avocats clés:
Julian Sladdin; Louise Fullwood; Kate Dodsworth; Rebecca McCall; Rami Labib
Les références
‘The team are trusted advisers. They have a focus on reliability and consistently deliver high quality, practical advice.’
‘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.’
‘Ability to bring together a team that brings expertise in financing and property, as well as relevant sector expertise.’
Principaux clients
Aston University
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
Cardiff University
INTO University Partnerships Limited
Kings College London
Leeds Beckett University
Nottingham Trent University
BIMM University Limited
Nurture Higher Education Group
Solent University
University College London
University of Brighton
University of Essex
University of Huddersfield
University of Leeds
University of Leicester
University of London
University of Manchester
University of Nottingham
University of Sheffield
University of Plymouth
University of Sussex
University of the Arts, London
University of York
Oxford University Press
Manchester Metropolitan University
University of Lincoln
University College Birmingham
Roehampton University
Bath University
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for London School of Economics on a purchase of 61 Aldwych as an important addition to their Lincoln’s Inn Fields campus. The acquisition was by way of a share purchase of a Jersey Co form a BVI registered entity. The building is partially let.
- Acting for City, University of London on its successful merger with St Georges, University of London a medical school in August 2024 – a unique acquisition led by the Higher Education team.
- Supporting ten leading or Russell Group universities in proposed group litigation brought by Asserson Law Offices and Harcus Parker Limited against 18 publicised UK universities. These claims are being brought on behalf of over 20,000 students and former students who allege that their universities were in breach of contract due to cancellation or the moving online of teaching and learning in 2018-21 due to industrial action and the Covid-19 pandemic
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP boasts a leading education practice, acting for clients in the sector on complex matters including international campuses, mergers and collaborations, and freedom of information mandates. Members of the team are skilled at advising high-profile universities facing significant financial issues, including financial reorganisations and transformation plans. The ‘well experienced’ Martin Priestley leads the practice, with a focus on cross-border work, particularly international collaborations. Mark Pearce is key to the practice, with experience in contentious and non-contentious IP work. Stuart Craig is key to the team, and specialises in employment work, while Andrea Newman handles complex development projects.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin Priestley
Autres avocats clés:
Mark Pearce; Stuart Craig; Andrea Newman
Les références
‘This firm has been incredibly proactive in cementing relationships with the University to ensure strong foundations for future phases of work. They have taken challenges and turned them around.’
‘Martin Priestley is well experienced, networked and aware of the macro and the micro, making him ideal as an advisor in this space.’
Principaux clients
University of York
Arden University Limited
Sheffield Hallam University
University of Sheffield
University of Huddersfield
University of Hull
Academies Enterprise Trust
Arden University Limited
Birmingham City University
Bolton College
Bournemouth University
British Council
Buckingham New University
Cardiff University
Christ Church, Oxford University
Christ’s Hospital
Coventry University
Cranfield University
Dragon School Trust Limited
Exeter College Oxford
Francis Crick Institute Ltd
Harrow School
King’s College London
Kingston University
Linacre College Oxford
London Business School
LTE Group
Manchester Metropolitan University
Merton College Oxford
Nottingham Trent University
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford University Endowment Management
Peterhouse College, Cambridge
Queen Mary University of London
Royal Veterinary College
Solent University
St Dunstan’s Educational Foundation
St Edmund Hall Oxford
St John’s College, Oxford
St John’s College
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
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 of Bath
University of Derby
University of East Anglia
University of Exeter
University of Kent
University of Lancaster
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Salford
University of Southampton
University of Surrey
University of Worcester
Wellcome Sanger Institute
West Thames College
Principaux dossiers
- Advising St George’s University of London on its merger with City, University of London to create City St George’s.
- Advising Sheffield Hallam University on the establishment of a satellite campus in London.
- Advising the University of Bradord on becoming part of a district heating network.
Schofield Sweeney
Schofield Sweeney‘s education practice is recognised for providing ‘quick, sensible and pragmatic advice’ to schools and academics, advising on a wide range of issues spanning land acquisition, employment law, education health care plans, and multi academy trusts. Karen Crutchley leads the ‘approachable and personable’ team, and has complementary expertise in commercial and IT matters, with particular knowledge of software licensing and hosting arrangements. Simon Shepherd is key to the practice, and, along with Annie Gray, has extensive employment experience. Tina Morris is noted.
Responsables de la pratique:
Karen Crutchley
Autres avocats clés:
Simon Shepherd; Annie Gray; Tina Morris
Les références
‘Approachable and personable. Will explain things in both legislation terms but also practical terms, ensuring advice is appropriate, realistic and targeted to specific situations.’
‘Target advice to individual specific circumstance. Advice is comfortable. Will also help provide responses.’
‘The education practice offers quick, sensible and pragmatic advice and has unparalleled knowledge of the local educational context.’
Principaux clients
Carlton Academy Trust
BMAT Education
Wellspring Academy Trust
Moorlands Learning Trust
Attain Academy Partnership
Enhance Academy Partnership
Heckmondwike Grammar School
Oasis Community Learning
Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust
The Crossley Heath School Academy Trust Limited
Watergrove Trust
Bronte Academy Trust
St Mary’s Academy Trust
SHARE Multi Academy Trust
Ashville College
The Basildon Academies
South Westmorland Multi Academy Trust
The Adnan Jaffery Academy Trust
Peak Edge
AIM Academies Trust
South Cumbria Multi Academy Trust
Cumbria Education Trust
Furness Education Trust
Changing Lives Learning Trust
White Rose Maths
Carlton Academy Trust
BMAT Education
Wellspring Academy Trust
Moorlands Learning Trust
Attain Academy Partnership
Enhance Academy Partnership
Heckmondwike Grammar School
Oasis Community Learning
Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust
The Crossley Heath School Academy Trust Limited
Watergrove Trust
Bronte Academy Trust
St Mary’s Academy Trust
SHARE Multi Academy Trust
Ashville College
The Basildon Academies
South Westmorland Multi Academy Trust
The Adnan Jaffery Academy Trust
Peak Edge
AIM Academies Trust
South Cumbria Multi Academy Trust
Cumbria Education Trust
Furness Education Trust
Changing Lives Learning Trust
White Rose Maths
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Watergrove Trust with its planned expansion with the conversions of two schools during 2024.
- Advised Cumbria Education Trust on its continued expansion during 2024 as a further 3 academies transferred and successfully joined the Trust.
- Continuing to support Carlton Academy Trust with the academy transfer of an academy subject to a DfE direction to re-broker from its existing Trust which was to formally disband and later dissolve.
Stone King LLP
Stone King LLP boasts a ‘formidable team’ in the education sector, with particular expertise handling contentious work for schools. Members of the team advise on pupil educational provision issues, as well as strategic school mergers and employment issues. The practice is noted for its focus on the charity sector, and has an expansive Church of England school practice. Tom Morrison heads the team that is ‘knowledgeable and passionate about the sector’, and includes Craig Vincent, who has employment and HR expertise. Jamie Otter advises schools, further education, and sixth form colleges on complex corporate governance matters. Louise Castle is noted.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tom Morrison
Autres avocats clés:
Craig Vincent; Jamie Otter; Louise Castle
Les références
‘This team has very good knowledge of the further education sector, one of a handful of firms with that in-depth experience. They have exceptional knowledge of the way in which colleges work and are very supportive of the challenges faced. ’
‘Tom Morrison has very good contacts with the DfE and extensive experience of dealing with its regulatory practice. We have every confidence in the advice received from Tom, who has also provided review and support in difficult circumstances.’
‘Tamsin Eastwood comes highly recommended as someone with excellent regulatory knowledge,is incisive and whose analytical ability is impressive.’
Principaux dossiers
- Instructed to bring a judicial review against the Secretary of State for Education on behalf of the Sixth Form Colleges Association
- Acted for Luminate Education Group in relation to a judicial review challenge against Pearson PLC regarding a significant shift in the grade boundaries for an English Language GSCE in Summer 2024 without any prior warning.
- Supported numerous multi academy trusts of varying sizes in Yorkshire and the North of England with their growth plans, which included advising on multiple academy conversions and transfers of academies over the course of 2024.
Walker Morris LLP
Walker Morris LLP boasts a ‘friendly, approachable and willing to help’ education practice, and advises a diverse range of clients, including higher and further education providers, academies, and private education institutions. The team is skilled at handling matters across campus redevelopments, real estate, procurement, and governance work. Jules Harbage leads the practice, and has a focus on contentious and non-contentious construction and building matters. Alex Jones is key to the team, and is skilled at handling complex disputes in the sector.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jules Harbage
Autres avocats clés:
Alex Jones
Les références
‘All of the people I have worked with at Walker Morris have been friendly, approachable and willing to help. You need to be able to rely on your solicitors and to trust them, which I do with Walker Morris.’
‘I have found them to be attentive to our needs, provide a scope of services to meet our requirements, explain matters in a clear and concise manner, proactive in dealing with matters, and are a professional and friendly team.’
‘They ensure that we as the client fully understand the contents of the documents, and explain in simple terms why they have given the advice that they have. Naturally at the end of the day, it is us as the client who have to make the final decision, but in all these years we have found that the advice given has always protected our interest.’
Principaux clients
Leeds Arts University
Burnley College
Dorrington Academy Trust
Eveleigh Link Academy Trust
Every Child Matters Academy Trust
Excel Academy Partnership Trust
Findel Education
Giles Academy
Hartwell Primary School
Hoyland Common Academy Trust
Innovate Multi Academy Trust
King Edward Vi Education Trust
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds College of Building
London South Bank University
Monkwearmouth Academy
New Collaborative Learning Trust
South Lincolnshire Academies Trust
St Mary’s Catholic High School
Spalding Academy
Stanley Learning Partnership Trust
The Consortium Multi Academy Trust
The Grammar School at Leeds
The Rutland Learning Trust
The University of Cambridge
Westgate Academy
Zenith Multi Academy Trust
Aspire Schools Trust
Hollickwood Primary School
Rossett School
Endless LLP
National Autistic Society
Principaux dossiers
- Provided legal support and negotiation on behalf of Burnely College associated with development works for its £17.4m expansion plan of the college campus covering its Industry Hub centre expansion and new University Courses building.
- Provided continued advice to EQUANS Regeneration Limited in relation to a £200m student accommodation scheme at the University of Birmingham’s Pritchatts Park campus
- Advised Endless LLP, a UK based private equity investor and the Management Team, on the sale ofFindel Education, a market leader within UK educational resources supplies.
Wilkin Chapman Rollits
Wilkin Chapman Rollits boasts an impressive team of ‘highly qualified professionals’, representing universities, schools, and academic trusts in a wide range of complex work. The team is also adept at handling high-value work for specialist and charitable providers. The team consists of a number of skilled individuals, including Katie Davies and Tom Martin, who both act for a wide range of educational establishments. Also of note are Caroline Hardcastle, John Flanagan, and James Peel.
Responsables de la pratique:
Katie Davies; Tom Martin
Autres avocats clés:
Caroline Hardcastle; John Flanagan; James Peel; Tracy Rowbotham
Les références
‘The team at Wilkin Chapman Rollits are all highly qualified professionals that have the ability to connect to clients making the process easy to navigate and not daunting.’
‘We have used the team for many years as our advisors. We find that their knowledge and support is second to none.’
‘Katie Davies and Tracy Rowbotham are our go-to people and would highly recommend them.’
Principaux clients
Lincolnshire Gateway Academy Trust (LGAT)
The Corporation of Oundle School
Exceed Learning Partnership
Leger Education Trust
Kidgate Academy Trust
St Lawrence Academies Trust
John Leggott Sixth Form College
Franklin Sixth Form College
Caistor Grammar
Waltham Leas
Humberston Park Special School
New Waltham Academy
Horizon Academy Trust
Signhills Academy
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Lincolnshire Gateway Academy Trust (LGAT) on the transfer of Huntcliff Academy (a school in special measures) into LGAT.
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP boasts a ‘fantastic, highly knowledgeable education team’, that works closely with local authority schools, academies, and further and higher education institutions on a range of issues, including academy conversions, special educational needs issues, and regulatory and funding educational matters. Chris Billington leads the team that has a ‘deep knowledge of the higher education sector’, specialising in governance, partnerships, and funding issues. Tim Wrigley is key to the team, and is noted alongside Alacoque Marvin.
Responsables de la pratique:
Chris Billington
Autres avocats clés:
Tim Wrigley; Alacoque Marvin
Les références
‘Very knowledgeable around even niche areas of law. Thorough, timely and easy to work with.’
‘Deep knowledge of the higher education sector, committed to delivering what we wanted to achieve, rather than simply the lowest risk, easiest options.’
‘A fantastic, highly knowledgeable education team covering a wide range of education-related issues.’
Principaux clients
James Montgomery Academy Trust
Leeds Beckett Student’s Union
Ponteland Academy Trust
Coast and Vale Learning Trust
Principaux dossiers
- Advising James Montgomery Academy Trust on its continued growth involving a range of complex property issues.
- Advising Leeds Beckett Students’ Union on a pioneering new governance structure for the students’ union sector.
- Advising Ponteland Academy Trust on a complex property transaction involving funders and government consent.