With a ‘formidable reputation in the education law field’, 11KBW cover the full range of education law issues and education disputes and is home to barristers who lead in some of the most high-profile education cases. Jonathan Auburn KC appeared for the school and local authority in the inquest into the death of Ruth Perry, a headteacher took her own life following a critical Ofsted report. Aileen McColgan KC continued to represent the University of Bristol in an appeal on the judge’s finding that the university had not breached a duty of care brought by the family of a student who took her own life. Tom Cross was junior counsel for the school in R (TTT) v Michaela School, in which he defeated a challenge by a Muslim pupil regarding the prayer ritual ban imposed by the school, which was alleged to have violated her Article 9 rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. With significant experience in the higher education sector, Katherine Eddy regularly acts in high profile and sensitive discrimination challenges brought by students and academics against universities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks at 11KBW are always very responsive. Michael Smith in particular is very good at building rapport with instructing solicitors and provides a first class service.'
- '11KBW has a formidable reputation in the education law field.'
- 'A top notch set with a strong set of juniors.'
- '11KBW remains one of the stand-out sets dealing with education law at present. The range of counsel specialising in the sector is probably the strongest in England.'
- '11KBW has strength in depth, delivers excellent high-level training and is the market leader for Higher Education.'
Silks
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Peter Oldham KC
11KBW ‘Peter is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and quick to respond. He goes above and beyond and gives a faultless service.’
Jonathan Auburn KC
11KBW ‘Exceptional knowledge of the law, attention to detail and ability to process information under pressure. An exceptional advocate who gets results. Always approachable, making time to assist with urgent complex matters.’
Joanne Clement KC
11KBW ‘Joanne is the go-to for judicial review, complex student casework and inquiry work; she is highly personable and her advice and guidance is valued by both the in-house legal team and the internal client. She understands and takes account of the political context in which clients operate and also spots legal issues which enable clients to make novel and persuasive arguments.’
Jonathan Moffett KC
11KBW ‘Jonathan works particularly well with the specialist team. He does not come across or attempt to the “the big I AM” but instead recognises and acknowledges the client and legal experience that those instructing him bring to the matter.’
Aileen McColgan KC
11KBW ‘Unflappable. On complex and often emotional issues, she is excellent at taking the temperature of the room (or the court) and tailoring her advocacy without losing any of her tenacity.’
Andrew Sharland KC
11KBW ‘Andrew is brilliant with people - even very difficult clients – also, very good at getting to the nub of any issue. Very down to earth and does not attempt to upstage instructing solicitors.‘
Juniors
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Paul Greatorex
11KBW
Tom Cross
11KBW ‘Tom is an exceptional advocate and his drafting is hands down the best observed at the Bar. He has a very good knowledge of the relevant legal principles and is a pleasure to work with.’
Katherine Eddy
11KBW ‘Katherine is a fantastic barrister. She's extremely intelligent and is a fantastic advocate. She also builds trust from clients.’
Zoe Gannon
11KBW ‘Zoe is incredibly responsive and nothing is too much trouble. On her feet, she is quick, well-prepared and really knows her stuff.'
Hannah Slarks
11KBW ‘Hannah is very clear to define the issues and see a path through to success. Approachable and great client care too.’
Harini Iyengar
11KBW
Jane Oldham
11KBW
Ben Mitchell
11KBW ‘Ben has a good knowledge of the law in this area and has a clear and straightforward manner with clients, where there were some vulnerabilities in particular.’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
