Acting for a number of UK universities, providers of apprenticeships and work-based training, research and development organisations, as well as governing institutions, Bristol-based Burges Salmon LLP‘s education offering includes advice on university spin-offs, new campus developments and employment disputes. Additionally, the department assists the DfE regarding financially distressed education institutions. Matthew Ramus leads the department and is known for his expertise in PPP, PFI and outsourcing projects for education clients. Luke Bowery covers the full range of contentious and non-contentious employment law-related matters. Procurement expert John Houlden acts on contentious and non-contentious matters, often in connection with bid strategies for education-related contracts. Other key members of the team are corporate finance director Tim Roberts and senior associate Huw Cooke.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Excellent support and in depth knowledge of a highly complex legal environment. A trusted partner supporting the aims and objectives of the organisation.’
‘The team are highly responsive, knowledgeable and thoughtful. We can have good discussions about often challenging and unique complexities leading to sensible and effective next steps.’
‘Marcus Walters is an outstanding professional. Marcus can always be relied upon for thoughtful advice and discussion. Marcus deals with incredibly complex and often unique contextual challenges brilliantly. He makes himself available at all times to deal with any issues.’
Key clients
- Guernsey registered non-profit
- The Department for Education
- University of Bristol
- The Safeguarding Company Limited
- Ascent
- Trustees of the Cardiff University Pension Fund
- QS
- Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Children’s Trust Limited
- Shareholders of Firebrand Training
- Bud Systems
- W H Ireland Ltd
- Gemba
- University of Exeter
- York St John University
- University of Oxford
- University of the West of England
- Bath Spa University
- Cardiff University
- OFSTED
- Office for Students
- Reading Borough Council
Work highlights
- Advised central and local government on major Children’s Services restructuring programmes and “Alternative Delivery Models” for over 9 years since the DfE’s first statutory intervention of its kind (under the Education Act).
- Advises the University of Bristol this year in connection with a new £300 million campus development in Bristol city centre.
- Advise the Trustees on a significant proposal by the sponsoring employer to make benefit changes to the scheme following a strategic review (including closing the scheme to new joiners and amending revaluation/increase provisions).
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Ramus