Shakespeare Martineau LLP remains a market leader in the higher education field, advising an array of universities and colleges on real estate, employment, mergers, governance and regulatory matters, as well as on disputes. Smita Jamdar heads the practice and has significant expertise in governance, regulatory, student-facing facing and constitutional matters. The Birmingham-based David Browne heads the employment offering and specialises in restructurings in the education sector, while Tom Long leads the further education practice and focuses on employment tribunal litigation. Real estate expert Clive Read advises universities and colleges on the development of campuses, and construction expert Ruth Phillips specialises in building contracts. Other key members of the team include Catherine Rustomji and Mark Taylor, who advise on mergers; Selina Hinchcliffe, who advises on IP-related matters; Joanna Forbes, who advises on student regulations; Anieka Sheppard, who handles data protection matters; and employment specialist Esther Maxwell.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Shakespeare Martineau has provided one-stop legal services for our organisation since 2023. The firm's strength has been in the quality of the relationships that they have built across our business and the expert understanding that they have demonstrated of our context and our sector. Advice is clear, timely, and practical.’
‘Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education, is outstanding and was a primary factor in our choosing to work with Shakespeare Martineau. Her understanding of the regulatory and governance landscape, and ability to provide clarity of thought and insight in a rapidly changing market, continues to be exemplary.'
Key clients
- University College London
- Rose Bruford College
Work highlights
Representing a number of universities in England and Wales in connection with the high-profile group claims brought by a large number of students in relation to the disruption to educational services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the industrial action from 2017 onwards.
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.
Practice head
Smita Jamdar
Other key lawyers
David Browne; Tom Long; Clive Read; Ruth Phillips; Catherine Rustomji; Mark Taylor; Selina Hinchcliffe; Joanna Forbes; Anieka Sheppard; Esther Maxwell