Mills & Reeve LLP is well known for working on complex and significant education-related matters, such as mergers and collaborations. The department also assists with regulatory, freedom of information, data protection, litigation and liability issues. Martin Priestley leads the nationwide team with vast experience in assisting with major projects such as the University of Sussex outsourcing, taking over the shared lead with Gary Attle, who now focuses on the ongoing changes to education law and policy affecting the sector. Richard Sykes is adept at handling a wide range of education work, in particular governance and student disputes. While Poppy Short is skilled in the full range of commercial and corporate issues, and Sarah Seed specialises in lending to universities, Neil Burton assists universities and charities. Key employment education specialists are Nicola Brown and Alex Russell. Richard Noble, Christian Bull and Jennifer Lewis who supports clients with property needs, while Alexandra Pike leads the construction team. Helen Tringham assists with data protection compliance, student claims and cyber-attack responses; Jonathan Greenwood handles transactions; Jens Henniker Heaton is adept in student accommodation projects and Mark Pearce specialises in IP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'This is an excellent team which has helped us with an extremely complex transaction. The level of expertise and knowledge, pragmatic support and service from the team has been second to none.'
- 'Poppy Short has been the most fantastic support during an extremely complex transaction. Her pragmatic advice, expertise and knowledge and immense commitment to us as clients and to the transaction has been exceptional. We would not have reached this position without her support. It has been a real pleasure to work with her.'
- 'David Hollier has played a huge supporting role in this transaction. His commitment, engagement and attention to detail have been exceptional. It has been a real pleasure to work with him.'
- 'One of the leading higher education teams in England, working on the majority of major projects involving universities.'
- 'Nicola Brown leads an excellent, client-focused employment team.'
- 'Exceptional coverage of private placements in higher education. This gives clients the benefits gained from working on the majority of transactions and issues on these specialist areas, and they have great contacts and relationships with lawyers acting for issuers.'
- 'Sarah Seed has a wealth of experience and knowledge on transactions, legals and contacts. Always makes us feel we are safe hands.'
- 'Matthew Howling provides excellent support.'
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
- Cranfield 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
- 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 Hull
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Kent
- University of Lancaster
- University of Liverpool
- 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
- Advising University of Sussex on £100m transformational catering outsourcing with Chartwells (part of Compass Group) Chartwells renews partnership with University of Sussex prioritising sustainability.
- Advising NTU subsidiary Confetti on a groundbreaking partnership with Tileyard for music industry enrichment in London Unique new partnership set to redefine music education: Confetti and Tileyard Education join forces - CICT|Confetti London signs strategic partnership with Tileyard Education to expand student opportunities.
- Advising St George’s Medical School on merger with City University, most significant sector merger for 20 years.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Martin Priestley