With particular strength in charity law, Withers LLP‘s education team advises a range of higher and further education institutions on issues such as US-UK dual qualified charitable structures, data protection, regulatory, employment, immigration, and governance. Practice head Philip Reed’s broad charity law practice includes a range of matters, including governance and strategic advice. Chris Priestley leads the wider charities and philanthropy team at the firm and is adept in national and international commercial projects. Consultant Alison Paines   specialises in assisting education charities; and Hugh More advises on contentious and non-contentious employment matters, while Jo Sanders  is contact for all aspects of reputation and privacy law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The Withers team is highly responsive, expert and my 'go-to' firm. The team's knowledge across universities and higher education (public and private) has noticeably grown over the last few years and they are able highly capable.'
  • 'Chris Priestley is exceptional. His grasp of issues is superb and he spends time thinking through the right answer for clients, not just the easy way forward that is seen in some of the contemporary teams.'
  • 'The Withers' team are very knowledgeable and helpful. Plus they combine an extensive charity law practice which we call upon from time to time. Good client updates on charity law.'
  • 'Hugo Walford - a very knowledgeable and user-friendly senior associate.'

Key clients

  • Two academics at leading London university
  • London School of Architecture
  • Regent's University
  • Galileo Global Education

Work highlights

  • Acted a long-standing dispute with between a multi-national publisher of an academic paper co-authored, and the two leading academic professors who authored it.
  • Advised the LSA on various mission critical matters including its move to new premises in London, matters of academic governance and student arrangements, and more.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Philip Reed

Other key lawyers

Chris Priestley, Alison Paines, Hugh More, Jo Sanders