Acting for a broad spectrum of universities, focusing on London, Reading and the South West, Osborne Clarke LLP’s higher education team advises on a range of issues, such as estates transformations, commercialisation, digital transformation and brand and partnerships. Additionally, the group is adept at handling employment and pensions matters, health and safety as well as compliance and regulatory matters. The team is headed by Chris Wade in Bristol who frequently handles procurement and infrastructure projects. Corporate expert Justin Starling is experienced in advising education clients in technology transfers; Mary Lawrence is well-versed in health and safety, particularly in the context of student mental health, while Jon Fell handles telecommunications and internet related matters.

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Key clients

  • University of Bristol
  • King's College London
  • University of Oxford
  • Arts University Bournemouth
  • Royal College of Art
  • City of Bristol College
  • Davies Group Limited
  • University of Cambridge
  • University of the West of England
  • University of Bath
  • UCL Technology Fund
  • Institute of Cancer Research

Work highlights

  • Advised University of Bristol on their c.£300m development of the Temple Quarter academic building – a catalyst development for the wider regeneration of the Temple Quarter area.
  • Advisor to King College London (through the IP & Licensing team and King's Commercialisation Institute) on its commercialisation activity for close to 15 years.
  • Advised University of Bristol through the implementation phase of its strategically important Modern Network upgrade and renewal.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Chris Wade

Other key lawyers

Justin Starling, Mary Lawrence, Jon Fell