Rachel Parkin > Harrison Clark Rickerbys > Cheltenham, England > Lawyer Profile

Highly regarded for representing various independent schools in a wide range of matters, including Teachers’ Pension Scheme withdrawal, sensitive safeguarding issues and the issue of national strike action, Harrison Clark Rickerbys‘ education department is adept in transactions, trustee advice, data protection, employment and specialist education sector legal and regulatory counsel. Cheltenham-based Kristine Scott leads the practice, advising on a range of specialist education matters, in safeguarding, including sensitive dismissals, pupil exclusions and parental complaints. Rachel Parkin and Oliver Daniels are recognised for their expertise in employment law and teachers’ strike guidance. Emma Swann assists maintained schools, academies, independent schools and colleges on a wide range of issues, while real estate specialist Morgan West is a key figure for land transactions and academy conversions. Senior associate Paul Watkins is noted for his data protection work.

Based in Cheltenham, Harrison Clark Rickerbys fields ‘a great team of sector experts’, standing out for its strength advising clients across the independent education sector. Safeguarding matters make up one aspect of the practice, with strikes, complaints, transactions and investments being other areas of expertise. ‘Superb lawyer’ Kristine Scott leads the team, and employment specialist Rachel Parkin is praised for her ‘consistent, clear, and practical advice’ on school performance management issues, disciplinaries and tribunal cases. Oliver Daniels also specialises in employment work and has been recently active advising on teachers’ pension schemes and industrial actions. Emma Swann handles academy conversions and expansions in addition to governance matters. Also noted are senior associates Paul Watkins and James Morgan.