Based in Manchester, Browne Jacobson LLP provides a wide offering to education sector clients, covering governance issues, strategic advice, employment matters, safeguarding issues as well as special educational needs. The team is adept in supporting their diverse client portfolio in complex, high-profile and media-sensitive issues. Education expert Dai Durbridge heads up the dedicated group and is specialised in safeguarding and data protection.While Ian Deakin works with academies, schools and colleges on the full spectrum of employment law issues from day-to-day advice through to complex employment tribunal claims and strategic matters, associate Tom Briant-Evans focuses on academy conversions, transfers and re-brokerages, governance matters and commercial agreements.
Education in North West
Browne Jacobson LLP
Practice head(s):
Dai Durbridge
Other key lawyers:
Ian Deakin; Tom-Briant Evans
Testimonials
‘As an education client the key for me is getting timely, robust and sensible legal advice that enable my organisation to judge risk and taken informed decisions. Brown Jacobson as our lawyers provide these requirement at an exceptionally high level, with clarity and a great deal of common sense. All their partners and associates are excellent, plus they cover the topics that effect our Trust with great expertise. The company’s unique offer is their breath and depth of knowledge and attention to detail.’
‘Dai Durbridge is our link partner and he is readily available, ensure we get to the right expert and provides expert advice in his own legal fields. He chases the work through and we always get a timely answer. As an organisation we work with a wide range of partners and associates from Brown Jacobson, for which all show the same level of diligence and Dai, which means we can run our organisation in a compliant and robust way.’
Key clients
Accord Multi-Academy Trust
Achievement Through Collaboration Trust
Aspire Education Trust
Beckfoot Trust
Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College
Champion Education Trust
Changing Lives Learning Trust
Cheshire Academies Trust
Coleg Sir Gar
Consilium Academies
Corpus Christi Catholic Academy Trust
Cumbria Education Trust
David Ross Education Trust
E-ACT
Ebor Academies Trust
Education Learning Trust
Empower Trust
Great Schools Trust
Hope Sentamu Learning Trust York
Keswick School Multi-Academy Trust
Learner Engagement and Achievement Partnership MAT
Learning Accord Multi-Academy Trust
Leodis Multi-Academy Trust
Northern Education Trust
Northern Star Academy Trust
North West Academies Trust
Oak Learning Partnership
Optimus Education
Pembrokeshire College
Rodillian Multi Academy Trust
Salford Diocese
Sea View Trust
SS Simon and Jude C of E Multi Academy Trust
St Joseph’s Catholic MAT
The Enquire Learning Trust
The True Learning Partnership
Three Saints Academy Trust
Trinity Multi Academy Trust
Vision MAT
Warrington Primary Academies Trust
White Rose Academies Trust
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s Manchester-based education practice ‘provides a bespoke flexible approach on all occasions, with exceptional knowledge of all education matters.’ The team led by Diane Gilhooley and Robert Gray supports a wide client portfolio ranging from schools, further education providers, academies, and most notably the higher education sectors on contentious and non-contentious matters including employment, a specialist area supported by senior associate Laura Marsh, charity law, immigration, constitutional and regulatory issues. Two recent areas of focus are the issue of free speech and academic freedom as well as sexual harassment and misconduct.
Practice head(s):
Diane Gilhooley; Nicola Bennison; Robert Gray
Other key lawyers:
Laura Marsh
Testimonials
‘Very experienced, globally recognized lead partner, Diane Gilhooley.’
‘Diane is both able and personable. She is also pragmatic and has provided us with sound advice for almost 30 years. Rob has worked with Diane for at least two decades. Rather more cautious, but hardworking and capable.’
‘Exceptional knowledge and experience.’
‘There has been consistency over many years of the people who are working with us and therefore they are aware of our culture allowing for good advice.’
‘Di Gilhooley and Rob Grey are very knowledgeable and always there to support, with a balanced and appropriate approach.’
‘Extremely client centred gaining an understanding of the overall aims of the organisation rather than just providing legal advice. Very strong background on the education sector.’
‘Very responsive and can be trusted to provide excellent support – especially Robert Gray.’
Key clients
Westminster University
University of Manchester
University of Central Lancashire
London South Bank University
Wigan & Leigh College
Loughborough University
Trafford College
Cardinal Newman College
Wigan & Leigh College
Sheffield Hallam University
Work highlights
- Advising on the completion of the University of Manchester on its internationally significant development – a 26 acre, £1.5 billion GDV scheme in Manchester City Centre.
Forbes Solicitors
Acting for a diverse client portfolio including further education colleges, multi-academy trusts, academies, maintained and independent schools, the specialist team at Forbes Solicitors provides ‘excellent support’ being ‘extremely approachable, knowledgeable and solution focused.’ The group led by Jonathan Holden, who has particular expertise in local government pension schemes and employment law, provides a comprehensive offering ranging from employment, data protection issues to governance, procurement and contracts. Daniel Milnes, Gemma Duxbury, Laura McHugh and ‘great legal mind and strategist’ Ruth Rule-Mullen who heads up the firm’s public sector employment team, form the core team.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Holden
Other key lawyers:
Ruth Rule-Mullen; Daniel Milnes; Laura McHugh; Lucy Harris; Gemma Duxbury; James Barron; Alice McKenna
Testimonials
‘It’s people are responsive, take the time to understand their clients and provide practical and innovative solutions which support and mininise risk. They continually adapt their approach in responsive to legislative change and the world in which we work.’
‘Ruth Rule-Mullen and James Barron have the personal touch, and take the time to understand the issues, which in turn enables them to provide the best solutions. They provide honest advice, with wrap around support which is invaluable when dealing with sensitive staffing situations. They run regular workshops for schools and colleges which are practical and show an understanding of the challenges facing education.’
‘We have worked with Forbes for a number of years, most recently with James Barron. We have been pleased with his practical advice and guidance over the years. He points out any risks and provides pragmatic and sensible advice. We have worked with a number of other individuals over the years who have all taken a similar approach.’
Key clients
Bolton School
CaldayGrange School
Chaigeley
Cidari
Community First Academy Trust
Corpus Christi
Dunstone Academy
Edapt
Herts for Learning
Leamington Primary School
MylnhurstPrep School
Olive Tree Primary School
Parbold Douglas
PendleEducation Trust
Penwortham Priory Academy
Preston College
Romero Catholic AcademyTrust
Sea View Trust
True Learning Partnership
Zest Academy Trust
Work highlights
- Advised True Learning Partnership on a complex safeguarding matter.
- Advised Leamington School prior to and during dismissal processes and representation during Employment Tribunal proceedings.
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP‘s education team is particularly noted for its focus on higher education acting for the full range of universities, including several Russell Group members, handling most notably, employment issues, construction projects as well as highly sensitive matters such as on-campus deaths and suicides. Having previously held senior in-house position at universities, Manchester-based Martin Vincent heads up the team with particular expertise in projects, international ventures, collaboration, income generation and procurement arrangements. While Josh Conroy specialises in high-value litigation and contractual claims and advises upon claims brought under the Public Contract Regulations 2015 commercial litigation expert Andrew Roberts acts as lead partner for further education.
Practice head(s):
Martin Vincent
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Roberts; Josh Conroy
Testimonials
‘An experience team who are clearly have depth of understanding in higher education matters’
‘They are easy to engage with and very personable which enables me to ask questions and explore complex case work with their guidance and understanding of the sector.’
Key clients
Newcastle University
Lancaster University
University of Keele
Royal Veterinary College
Solent University
University of Cumbria
Queen Mary University London
Nottingham College
The Open University
University of Leeds
Work highlights
- Advising Newcastle University in a coroner’s inquest following the death of a student.
- Acting on behalf of Lancaster University in successfully rebutting a claim for breach of copyright brought by a firm of US based “Copyright Trolls”.
- Advising Solent University on its entire suite of Knowledge Transfer policies and procedures in order to drive effective KT for the entire institution.
Hill Dickinson LLP
The team at Hill Dickinson LLP offers a wide range of advice to trusts, colleges and universities, including guidance on admission issues, parental issues and regulatory matters, in particular relating to data protection and freedom of information. The team is headed by Liverpool-based Luke Green who also oversees the firm’s national education operations. Caroline Prosser has expertise in intersecting employment and education matters and carries out complex investigations covering allegations of sexual assault, safeguarding and breaches of financial obligations. Legal director Joe Orme-Paul is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Luke Green
Other key lawyers:
Joe Orme-Paul; Iain Campbell; Alan Pugh; Kerstie Skeaping
Key clients
Wade Deacon Trust
iExel Education Trust
Methodist Academies and Schools Trust
Endeavour Learning Trust
All Saints Multi-Academy Trust
Cranmer Education Trust
Endeavour Multi-Academy Trust
The Heath Family (North West)
Great Academies Education Trust
Bright Futures Educational Trust
Work highlights
- Acted for Wade Deacon Trust in defending a significant number of term-time only claims issued following the Brazel v Harpur Trust judgment.
- Representing Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (‘MAST’) in the development of model articles of association for academy trusts which are to take joint faith schools shared with the diocese of the Church of England.
- Advising and drafting a licence agreement for a local partnership with language school, iExel Education Trust.
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP’s education practice provides a wide offering to education sector clients with expertise in governance, research legislation and regulation, campus redevelopment and student accommodation projects. The multidisciplinary team is led by Manchester-based Sara Barrett who is particularly experienced in employment matters, and Richard Skyes who splits his time between Manchester and Birmingham. His work includes litigation, liability and compliance issues, as well as equality legislation, data protection and freedom of information issues. Associate Siân Jones-Davies, previously at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, bolstered the practice with her arrival in October 2022, bringing expertise at the intersection of education, public law and regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Richard Sykes; Sara Barrett
Other key lawyers:
Paul Knight; Siân Jones-Davies; Christian Bull; Emily Revel; Miriam Guilding
Testimonials
‘Mills & Reeve have pooled their resources very effectively utilising specialist knowledge within the firm to address some challenging legal issues on my projects, whilst maintaining continuity with my main contacts.’
‘Emily Revel and Jennifer Lewis have both been excellent as my main contacts dealing with many varied legal issues.’
‘The team are incredibly helpful and very knowledgeable. They understand the university sector and take the time to understand individual institutions which enables them to advise appropriately. Mills and Reeve also have an Education Hub which contains a wealth of useful information for institutions.’
‘Paul Knight is exceptional at what he does and provides clear, concise and easily digestible advice.’
‘Mills and Reeve are able to cover all of our Education needs with expertise across all areas.’
‘The individuals we work with at Mills and Reeve are always personable, knowledgeable and flexible. Sara Barrett is our lead partner and we have worked a lot with Miriam Guilding too.’
‘Good sector knowledge. Experienced, skilled and approachable team who provide focused commercially sound advice.’
‘The practice has the skills, knowledge and expertise within the education sector and within the building and construction discipline. The team understands our aims and objectives and also understands the dynamic and the structure of our governance.’
Key clients
Academies Enterprise Trust
Anglia Ruskin University Higher Education Corporation
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
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
Nottingham Trent University
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford University Endowment Management
Peterhouse College, Cambridge
Royal Veterinary College
Sheffield Hallam University
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 Cambridge
University of Bath
University of Bedfordshire
University of Derby
University of East Anglia
University of Exeter
University of Hertfordshire
University of Kent
University of Lancaster
University of Liverpool
University of London
University of Manchester
University of Oxford
University of Salford
University of Southampton
University of Surrey
University of Worcester
University of York
Wellcome Sanger Institute
West Thames College
University of York
Work highlights
- Acted for the University of Lancaster on a £60 million sustainability-linked revolving credit facility with Santander UK PLC.
- Acting for Manchester Metropolitan University in respect of the proposed redevelopment of All Saints Square.
Pinsent Masons LLP
The practice at Pinsent Masons LLP draws on in-depth experience of advising education sector clients on campus development projects, and more frequently on strategic technology procurements and data projects as well as litigating in misconduct matters. The group’s education finance team is of particular note, regularly acting for leading banks and investors acquiring bonds as well as the education providers themselves. Manchester-based Michael Pocock heads up the team with particular expertise in student accommodation projects, together with national lead Victoria Goddard.
Practice head(s):
Michael Pocock; Victoria Goddard
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Brocklehurst; Zoe Betts
Testimonials
‘Zoe Betts is a very impressive, yet down-to-earth, health and safety lawyer. Her presentation and client care skills are particular strengths and she is our go-to lawyer for any health and safety training needs.’
Key clients
Bricks Capital
University of Chester
University of Huddersfield
University of Sheffield
Manchester Metropolitan University
Work highlights
- Advising Bricks Capital on the acquisition of a site at Discovery Quay in Salford for the delivery of 859 student accommodation bedrooms.
- Acting for the University of Chester in connection with the future of Thornton Science Park. Thornton Science Park with the aim of creating the UK’s first Net Zero Industrial Cluster in Ellesmere Port.
- Advising the University of Huddersfield in connection with its development of the strategically important Southgate site for the development of a Health and Innovation Campus.
Simpson Millar LLP
Fielding a team which ‘excels in breadth and strength‘, Simpson Millar LLP is well-versed in a host of education law matters, including SEN assessements, Education, Health and Care Pans (EHCP), and special educational needs tribunals. ‘First class‘ Leeds-based practice head Sarah Woosey and ‘superstar‘ Lancaster-based Emma Davies are the key names to note.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Woosey
Other key lawyers:
Emma Davies
Testimonials
‘At a very stressful time, Sarah Woosey has been hugely patient, kind and empathetic while simultaneously offering clear, informed and really constructive advice about the way forward. We are delighted that we found her and would recommend her to anyone needing help with an education issue. She’s wonderful and has eased the strain of an extremely difficult situation. First class.’
‘Totally brilliant team. Clearly the leaders in education legal aid, and particularly for SEND work. Deep understanding of the law, wonderful with vulnerable clients and willing to push the boundaries.’
‘Emma Davies is a superstar. You can tell that she’s also a part-time judge- terrific judgement.’
‘Team excels in breadth and strength; excellent place in market representing children and families.’
‘Dan Rosenberg, Lucy Atherton stand out to me.’