Advising further education and higher education institutions in a range of matters, Browne Jacobson LLP‘s higher and further education team is co-led by Bettina Rigg in Exeter and Dominic Swift in Birmingham. While Rigg emphasises employment law, student matters, equality, diversity and inclusion and discrimination claims, Swift is an expert in property development and regeneration. Nick Smee is the key contact for intellectual property and Scott Mounfield is the department’s construction specialist, in contentious and non-contentious matters. Nathalie Jacoby-Danesh joined the department from Mills & Reeve in April 2023, bolstering the firm’s regulatory and charities offerings. Selina Hinchliffe departed to Shakespeare Martineau LLP in June 2023.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The firm has strength in procurement and commercial which some of its sector competitors cannot match.'
- 'Bettina Rigg is immersed in the sector and has multi-layered experience from her time as a non-executive within a university and at various sector-leading firms. She anticipates legal needs of the sector and is always on hand to support if needed.'
- 'The firm has shown expertise and versatility when called upon in some difficult and complex circumstances. It has always been responsive and offered value for money.'
- 'Bettina Rigg has been most impressive in her delivery of advice, and organising that of her colleagues.'
- 'One element which stands out with BJ is their ability to support in depth reviews of people management challenges in a way which provokes critical thinking and helps to reframe problem solving solutions.'
- 'Browne Jacobson is a full-service firm, but from our point of view has unique and unrivaled experience of Higher Education.'
- 'Bettina Rigg has exceptional expertise in HE governance, constitutional matters, complaint handling and dispute resolution amongst other areas. As our contact Partner she is always contactable and never fails to ensure that calls are returned same day.'
- 'The team always go above and beyond to ensure that you are well supported with any issues. The response time is the best I've come across yet. They are always willing to help, and will go above and beyond to ensure that you have all the information needed.'
Key clients
- King’s College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- University of Nottingham Students’ Union
- University of Hertfordshire
- Wrexham University
- University of Brighton
- Nottingham Trent University
- Brunel University London
- Loughborough University
- Pembrokeshire College
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Bettina Rigg, Dominic Swift