Counting higher education and further education providers, schools, academies and private education institutions among its key roster of clients, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises on employment matters, charity law issues, litigation and dispute management cases, real estate mandates, corporate and commercial matters, health and safety issues, and regulatory work, among others. The practice is also well-placed to leverage the firm’s international footprint to act for education institutions globally. Praised as ‘incredibly knowledgeable and technically excellent’, Chris Mordue spearheads the offering in Leeds alongside ‘standout partner’ Ben Wood. Charlotte Tanikal, who advises independent schools, academies, further education and higher education clients on real estate matters, is another key contact in the group.
Education in Yorkshire And The Humber
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Practice head(s):
Diane Gilhooley; Nicola Bennison; Chris Mordue; Ben Wood
Other key lawyers:
Alison Oldfield; Charlotte Tanikal
Testimonials
‘Very professional and willing to go the extra mile. Quality of legal advice is very good.’
‘Approachable and friendly. Good at listening and give considered responses.’
‘Great work from Chris Mordue.’
‘The team is outstanding both in terms of technical knowledge and its application to individuals and the sector.’
‘Ben Wood is consistently outstanding. Responsive, sensible and incredibly well informed. I have 100% confidence in his advice. Beyond that Ben has leveraged support from across the firm to deliver sector guidance, advice and speakers for our network which is invaluable.’
‘The Eversheds Education team is consistently strong; its online and in-person legal updates and training offering are highly relevant and delivered to a very high standard.’
‘Standout partner is Ben Wood. His expert advice, experience and availability is second to none.’
‘Chris Mordue is incredibly knowledgeable and technically excellent. Easy to deal with.’
Key clients
Durham University
University of Leeds
University of Sheffield
University of Hull
University of Roehampton
University of Huddersfield
University of Essex
Sheffield Hallam University
University of York
Leeds Trinity University
Norther School of Contemporary Dance
York St John University
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)
University of Leicester
University of Reading
Kings College London
University of Plymouth
Askham Bryan College
DN Colleges Group
Leeds College of Building
Luminate Education Group
RNN Group
Wakefield College
Windsor Forest Colleges Group
Beacon Multi Academy Trust
Batley Multi Academy Trust
Chelsea Academy
Jewish Community Academy Trust
LEAD Academy Trust
NOVA Education Trust
The Potteries Education Trust
The Prospect Trust
Trinitas Academies Trust
The Wensum Trust
Work highlights
- Worked with the University of Roehampton to successfully deliver a major restructuring programme, involving around half of its academic staff, including staffing reductions of 65 full time posts and the transition of around 180 academic staff to new contracts.
- Working with Universities UK, publishing a comprehensive briefing on the legal framework relevant to staff-student sexual misconduct in Higher Education, as part of a suite of policy and guidance documents published by Universities UK on this key issue in HE.
- Advising the University of Manchester on its development known as “ID Manchester”, a 26 acre, £1.5 billion GDV scheme in Manchester City Centre.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Commended for its ‘deep sector knowledge’, Pinsent Masons LLP is instructed by an extensive roster of leading universities and higher education facilities from across the UK; Cardiff University, University College London and Manchester Metropolitan University are just some of the group’s longstanding clients. The team of ‘industry experts’ is helmed by Victoria Goddard, who oversees both the Leeds-based department and the global offering. Julian Sladdin is the key contact for contentious work, while Louise Fullwood takes the lead on intellectual property and commercialisation matters.
Practice head(s):
Victoria Goddard
Other key lawyers:
Julian Sladdin; Louise Fullwood
Testimonials
‘The team has deep sector knowledge and industry experts from senior partners down to associates.’
‘Victoria Goddard is experienced and knowledgeable, honest and upfront, cares about the client and the work.’
Key clients
Aston University
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
Cardiff University
INTO University Partnerships Limited
Kings College London
Leeds Beckett University
Nottingham Trent University
Nurture Higher Education Group
Solent University
University College London
University of Brighton
University of Essex
University of Gloucestershire
University of Huddersfield
University of Leeds
University of Leicester
University of London
University of Nottingham
University of Sheffield
University of Sussex
University of York
Oxford University Press
Manchester Metropolitan University
University College Birmingham
Work highlights
- Successfully defended a major London University in judicial review proceedings brought against it and the Ombudsman for Higher Education by a Hong Kong-based student who had been expelled for academic misconduct.
- Representing several universities in the class actions being brought by Asserson and Harcus Parker on behalf of over 20,000 students for fee compensation relating to breach of contract due to Covid-19 and strike disruption.
- Acting for Northumbria University in a breach of contract and negligence claim brought by a former PhD student.
DLA Piper
With teams on the ground in both Sheffield and Leeds, DLA Piper is highly valued for its strong local presence across the Yorkshire region, and its consequent longstanding relationship with a roster of leading educational establishments in the arena. Andrew Clarke and Richard Taylor are the key senior contacts; the former has a particular focus on property law matters, while the latter is noted for his expertise in intellectual property mandates and grant-funded transactions.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Clarke; Richard Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Richard Norman; Nigel Howard
Key clients
United Kingdom Research and Innovation
University of Law
University of Sheffield
West Nottinghamshire College
The Northampton Roman Catholic Diocese Trustee
Diocese of Leeds
University Superannuation Fund
Work highlights
- Advising the University of Sheffield on the replication of its ministerially sponsored Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in various sites around the UK, including Wales, Derby and Doncaster.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell’s offering is helmed by highly regarded practitioner Jenny Arrowsmith, whose ‘ability to explain complex issues in an understandable and practical format and relate them to the regional context is invaluable’. Key areas of expertise include commercial matters, charity regulation and governance work, land and property issues, and student complaints. The firm fields a strong contentious practice and regularly acts in judicial reviews and challenges against public bodies. Recently, the team has been building its client roster, consisting of further education colleges and multi-academy trusts.
Practice head(s):
Jenny Arrowsmith
Testimonials
‘Jenny Arrowsmith’s breadth of knowledge, ability to explain complex issues in an understandable and practical format and relate them to the regional context is invaluable.’
‘Jenny Arrowsmith is not only very knowledgeable and skilled, but she is also very passionate about employment/HR/workforce-related issues and this shines through in our discussions and team meetings.’
Key clients
Association of Colleges
New College Durham
Services 4 Schools
Wickersley Partnership Trust
Work highlights
- Advising an association of higher education facilities on all its matters.
- Advising a provider of HR and other related needs to schools of all sizes throughout the North and Midlands on an ongoing basis.
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP has ‘a great depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to draw on in the education sector’. The multidisciplinary team fields ‘many standout individuals’, including IP specialist Mark Pearce and employment expert Stuart Craig. Martin Priestley, who focuses on commercial and sourcing agreements, heads up the practice. Recently, the group has been active in advising various universities and independent schools on bonds and private placements.
Practice head(s):
Martin Priestley
Other key lawyers:
Mark Pearce; Stuart Craig
Testimonials
‘Mills & Reeves have a great depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to draw on in the education sector. They are very active in the sector and often host HE forums for Universities which has benefits not only for the institutions but also gives this firm an insight into the practical challenges faced by in-house legal teams which in turn feeds into their provision of pragmatic and supportive advice.’
‘Mills & Reeves has many standout individuals.’
‘Good sector knowledge. Experienced, skilled and approachable team who provide focused, commercially-sound advice.’
‘The HE team are very knowledgeable and importantly are able to translate that knowledge into sensible practical advice. They respond quickly, pay close attention, and offer a variety of potential solutions, but they aren’t hesitant to say which they believe is the best option given the situation.’
Key clients
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
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 Derby
University of East Anglia
University of Exeter
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
- Advised the University of Hull on two financing transactions: a £40m sustainability-linked revolving credit facility with Lloyds Bank and an £86m privately placed issue of green debt securities.
- Advising Sheffield Hallam University on its new campus in London.
- Advising Arden University on its expansion into new premises in Leeds and Manchester.
Rollits LLP
Rollits LLP’s broad client base spans colleges, universities, student unions, schools, single and multi-academy trusts, nurseries, awarding bodies, and charitable and private training providers across the UK. Caroline Hardcastle, whose ‘passion and commitment are infectious’, leads on the contentious side. John Flanagan oversees mandates with a corporate element, while for commercial and intellectual property matters, James Peel is the key contact. Chris Crystal moved to gunnercooke LLP in November 2023.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Hardcastle; John Flanagan
Other key lawyers:
James Peel
Testimonials
‘The team at Rollits really know us. They work collaboratively with us and each other and you never feel like they will “drop the ball” – everyone knows what is happening and they keep us up to date at every step of the way.’
‘Approachable, knowledgeable and pragmatic.’
‘I have worked with James Peel very closely. He is extremely knowledgeable of our organisation and is always on hand to answer any queries I may have.’
Key clients
Heart of Mercia
Hull College Group
Bishop Burton College
DN Colleges Group – Doncaster College and North Lindsey College
Salford City College
Leeds College of Building
Edukos Trust (formerly Swanland Education Trust)
The Consortium Academy Trust
Hymers College
York College
Shipley College
National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure
Work highlights
- Advised Hymers College on its acquisition of Hessle Mount school.
- Advised Salford City College on its agreements with Greater Manchester Combined Authority for the provision of DfE-funded Skills Bootcamps.
- Advised Heart of Mercia on the terms of its agreement with Worcester Warriors RLFC for the delivery of the Diploma in Sporting Excellence programme.
Schofield Sweeney
Academy conversions, advice to multi-academy trusts, and assistance with specialised funding and development schemes for schools all form part of the regular workload at Schofield Sweeney. Andrew Hurst is the key senior contact in the Bradford office, with Tina Morris providing ‘exceptional’ support at the associate level. Over in Leeds, employment specialist Simon Shepherd ‘has superior knowledge of the education sector’.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Hurst
Other key lawyers:
Simon Shepherd; Tina Morris
Testimonials
‘The firm offers a personable service. The relationships mean they feel like an extension of our business rather than just a service we buy into.’
‘Simon Shepherd is exceptional, he has superior knowledge of the education sector. He responds in a timely manner and is always willing to support us with any issues we have.’
‘Tina Morris is always available. She always gives sound advice and her knowledge within the education sector on a range of issues is exceptional.’
‘Strong expertise in the education sector. Efficient in responding to queries, always helpful and supportive.’
‘Tina Morris is excellent and Simon Shepherd is outstanding.’
‘Tina Morris and Simon Shepherd have both been immensely helpful and generous with their time over both routine and complex/difficult matters. They explain legal matters and grey areas very clearly with a calm, reasonable approach and always provide a clear, measured way forward on any matter.’
‘Knowledgeable, experienced, approachable and timely advice and guidance. The legal team feel like our own colleagues rather than an external organisation.’
‘The individuals are personable and feel as if they are a part of our own organisation, rather than an external company.’
Key clients
Carlton Academy Trust
BMAT Education
Wellspring Academy Trust
Moorlands Learning Trust
Attain Academy Partnership
Enhance Academy Trust
Heckmondwike Grammar School
Beckfoot Trust
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
Shirley Manor Primary Academy
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
Work highlights
- Assisted with the academy re-brokerage of the PFI Academy University Academy Keighley to join the Trust.
- Assisted with the academy transfer of Castle Carrock School and the conversion of Petteril Bank School, with both joining the Trust during 2022.
- Assisted the Trust with its continued expansion, including the conversion of Vickerstown School, as well as Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School.
Walker Morris LLP
Walker Morris LLP is highly regarded for its work with schools and colleges, and is particularly active on academy conversions and building carried out pursuant to the Condition Improvement Fund. Recently, the group has also been expanding its client base in the university arena, with prominent names including Leeds Arts University and London South Bank University now featuring on the firm’s roster. Key senior contacts David Smedley and Jules Harbage are recommended for their employment and construction expertise, respectively.
Practice head(s):
David Smedley; Jules Harbage
Other key lawyers:
Alex Jones
Testimonials
‘Everything about Walker Morris is a joy. They are quick to respond, support us and are always helpful.’
‘They have always been knowledgeable, reliable and helpful.’
‘Very, responsive, personable, professional and practical.’
‘Walker Morris has gone over and above helping our client and myself navigate the legal and contractual process for a project that has been specifically difficult.’
‘They just provided the assurance that you need sometimes when we have difficult problems to overcome.’
‘I worked primarily with Alex Jones and I would recommend him without hesitation or reservation. Knowledge is key, and his interpretation in legal terms for our difficult situations always gives us confidence when we are dealing with delicate situations that could cause significant financial issues to the trust.’
‘They have supported us through many projects and are always very clear with their direction and instructions. To a non-legal person their support through the process has been invaluable. Their response times are excellent and they are always on hand to offer support.’
Key clients
Leeds Arts University
Leeds College of Building
Burnley College
New Collaborative Learning Trust
Exceptional Education Trust
St Mary’s Catholic High School, Chesterfield
South Wigston High School, Leicester
Kirkbie Kendal School, Kirkbie
Bradford Grammar Schools
Connaught School for Girls
Bolton College
Pontefract Academies Trust
Leeds Beckett University
Eveleigh Link Academy Trust
Hoyland Common Academy Trust
New Collaborative Learning Trust
Rodillian Multi Academy Trust
Findel Education
The Rutland Learning Trust
Spalding Academy
Hartwell Primary School
King Edward Vi Education Trust
Giles Academy
Monkwearmouth Academy
Stanley Learning Partnership Trust
Innovate Multi Academy Trust
Excel Academy Partnership Trust
Every Child Matters Academy Trust
Westgate Academy
The Grammar School at Leeds
London South Bank University
Dorrington Academy Trust
Rossett School
The Consortium Multi Academy Trust
Work highlights
- Advising EQUANS Regeneration on a £200m student accommodation scheme at the University of Birmingham’s Pritchatts Park campus.
- Assisting the Consortium Multi Academy Trust with multiple construction projects undertaken via the Condition Improvement Fund scheme for a combined value of £5m.
- Advising Leeds Arts University on a window replacement project, including associated infrastructure and controls, at the St Marks Road elevation of the University’s Blenheim Walk campus.
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP’s is highly regarded for its work with state-funded schools, as well as faith schools and academies. In addition to advising on conversions and transfers, which make up a core part of the workload, the team regularly assists with issues relating to safeguarding, exclusions, parental responsibility and reputation management. Chris Billington leads on governance and commercial matters, and also brings his experience as practice head of the employment department to the team. Graham Shaw and Tim Wrigley are also key members of the group.
Practice head(s):
Chris Billington
Other key lawyers:
Graham Shaw; Tim Wrigley; Alacoque Marvin; Alexandra Slater
Testimonials
‘Alexandra Slater is a very professional, efficient and approachable individual. She is clear on process and our contractual agreement for the work being undertaken. She ensures that risks are highlighted and actions recommended for our decision.’
‘We have direct access to a dedicated contact to ensure continuity.’
‘Experience to date has confirmed that Wrigley’s team continue to maintain their understanding of an ever-changing educational landscape. Their support on both educational HR and more generic legal matters has been extremely beneficial. The advice given is always comprehensive, having listened and discussed salient issues.’
‘Over the years, they have demonstrated a thorough understanding of issues discussed and developed a key understanding of establishment dynamics. They are also very approachable, friendly and overall would rate their support as outstanding.’
Key clients
James Montgomery Academy Trust
Ponteland Academy Trust
T.E.A.M Education Trust
Coast & Vale Learning Trust
Every Child Matters Academy Trust
Work highlights
- Advising James Montgomery Academy Trust on a number of academy conversions.
- Advising Ponteland Academy Trust on property, funding and staffing issues.
- Advising T.E.A.M Education Trust on a satellite provision by its special school on the site of a maintained school in a neighbouring local authority.
Lupton Fawcett
Lupton Fawcett advises academies and independent schools, and is noted for its expertise in assisting Church of England and religious designated institutions; an illustration of its prominence in this arena, the firm was recently instructed by five separate Diocesan Boards of Education to handle the implementation of the Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 2021. Christopher Burns heads up the practice, with Adam Wilkinson and Tom Watkins providing expert property and employment knowledge, respectively.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Burns
Other key lawyers:
Adam Wilkinson; Tom Watkins
Testimonials
‘Knowledgeable, specialist team members and reliable. They take the time to understand the client and are responsive.’
Key clients
Leeds Diocesan Board of Education
York Diocesan Board of Education
Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust
Leeds Diocesan Learning Trust
The Grammar School at Leeds
The King’s School, Canterbury
University of York
Diocese of York Educational Trust
Work highlights
- Advising the Leeds Diocesan Board of Education and school site trustees on academy conversions concerning schools within the diocese, academy governance issues, closed school issues and property matters relating to school sites.
- Advising the Bradford Diocesan academies on a broad range of legal issues, from academy conversions and academy governance, to issues relating to children and parents, real estate, data protection and intellectual property, as well as handling disputes.
- Advised five Diocesan Boards of Education on the implementation of the Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 2021.
Stone King LLP
Stone King LLP is singled out by clients for its ‘unrivalled understanding of and empathy with the further education sector’, and is able to assist with issues spanning operational, transactional, commercial, property, construction, HR, immigration and employment law. Leeds-based Tom Morrison acts as the national practice head, and is responsible for developing the firm’s education work across the north of the country, an area in which Jamie Otter is likewise active. At the senior associate level, Louise Castle is recommended.
Practice head(s):
Tom Morrison
Other key lawyers:
Jamie Otter; Louise Castle
Testimonials
‘The team at Stone King clearly care about the FE sector, they regularly support networks and events that we hold for our members and their input is always well received.’
‘Jamie Otter is extremely knowledgeable, such that we followed him to Stone King from his previous employment. Jamie has a sensible, down-to-earth approach that enables us to move forward.’
‘The team works hard to support clients and provides the specialist legal advice that is needed. Staff are approachable and committed to supporting clients.’
‘The Stone King LLP education practice is wholly unique. The practitioners I have worked with are extremely knowledgeable about the FE sector, have years of experience, work closely with me and my team to support us in making the right decisions and are extremely responsive.’
‘Tom Morrison is knowledgeable about the sector, experienced, responsive and easy to work with. In addition, Tom is extremely well-networked, connecting me with other experts both within Stone King and in other relevant organisations, and is able to very quickly get to the centre of an issue.’
‘The service is excellent. All the people we have dealt with have been knowledgeable and helpful, and all advice has been relevant, concise and high quality. Response time is very good, and we would recommend the service to anyone.’
‘Jamie Otter has been a fantastic support. He is very approachable, supportive, knowledgeable and ethical.’
‘The practice has an unrivalled understanding of and empathy with the further education sector, working with providers, funders, sector bodies and regulators. They seek practical, innovative solutions.’
Key clients
Luminate Education Group
United Learning Trust
The Co-operative Academies Trust
Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
The Sheffield College
Astrea Academy Trust
Red Kite Learning Trust
Altus Education Partnership
Rainbow Education Multi Academy Trust
Venn Academy Trust
Exceed Academies Trust
NCG
Northern College
The Society of Mary (Marist Fathers) CIO
Nottingham College
Shipley College
David Ross Education Trust
Abbey Multi Academy Trust
Ethos Academy Trust
West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges
Learning Accord Multi Academy Trust
The Challenge Multi Academy Trust
TEC Partnership
Work highlights
- Advised St Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic Academy Trust on the transfer of schools from St Margaret Clitheroe Catholic Academy Trust, thereby doubling the size of the Trust.
- Advising Luminate Education Group on the full range of commercial and legal matters, including arrangements for students on sports courses to train with high-profile sports clubs and agreements with suppliers of software and online services.
- Assisting Co-operative Academies Trust with two academy transfer projects.