With a depth of experience in assisting higher education providers and universities in education-related matters, including regulatory, campus development projects, technology procurements and data projects, and in disputes, Pinsent Masons LLP also advises on student-related matters, such as student mental health and accommodation, as well as with education financing. Based in Leeds, Victoria Goddard heads the universities and higher education group and has vast experience in student accommodation projects and student mental health. Gayle Ditchburn in Birmingham advises the higher education sector on regulatory, constitutional, structuring and governance issues and commercial litigator Julian Sladdin in Leeds is the key contact for education disputes, involving industrial action, covid-19 restrictions and following student complaints and claims. Helen Corden and Rebecca Stephen handle employment work for the sector. In Edinburgh, Chris Owens leads the student accommodation team and senior associate Rebecca McCall is also noted.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Their Higher Education Sector coverage and knowledge is excellent, backed up by responsive and excellent customer service.'
- 'Their teams at all levels reflect their excellent HE sector coverage and knowledge and they all exhibit excellent and responsive customer service.'
Key clients
- Kings College London
- University College London
Work highlights
- Advising City, University of London on its merger with St George’s University of London.
- Acting on the University of Sussex’s procurement of 1,900 beds of student accommodation on their Falmer campus (West Slope) in partnership with Balfour Beatty.