Education: schools

Farrer & Co

Farrer & Co is renowned in the education sector, serving a diverse client base that includes independent schools and associations, providing advice on the full range of issues, particularly regarding innovative guidance on safeguarding. The department is well-regarded for its experience dealing with parents and pupils, governance and institutional issues, as well as sensitive issues such as sexual assault and commercial matters such as school mergers and school closures. Maria Strauss' practice spans employment, education and safeguarding while the hugely experienced Jonathan Eley advises on parent, pupil and employee matters and on crisis management together with disciplinary investigation. Key members of the team are safeguarding expert David Smellie , commercial contracts specialist Paul Jones, and charity law specialist Sam Macdonald . Katie Fudakowski is valued for her County Court, Employment and Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunals expertise and 'stand-out' Alice Yandle is noted for her broad employment and education expertise.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘What is unique about Farrer is their in-depth understanding of safeguarding and education law; it is deeply reassuring as a school to work with them knowing that their knowledge base is second to none. Their approach is very modern and forward-thinking as well which is much appreciated.’
‘Katie Fudakowski is whip-smart, thoughtful and deeply knowledgeable about education law, employment law and child safeguarding. Her advice is always thoughtful and well-considered and it is reassuring to work with her as she leaves no stone unturned.’
'Alice Yandle is a stand-out. She combines exceptional compassion and clarity with pocket Rottweiler tendencies as the matter requires. She is exceptionally on it, acute and remarkably efficient.'
‘Katie Fudakowski is a former barrister with shrewd legal acumen and fantastic client care skills. She knows the private schools sector inside out and has expertise in safeguarding and discrimination law.’
‘The Farrer & Co team are deeply knowledgeable about all matters school and further education related. They boast an enviable reputation amongst the independent school sector counting some of the leading schools in the country amongst their clients.’
‘Jonathan Eley and his team are quite simply outstanding in their knowledge of employment law within the Independent School sector. Their support means they remain our go-to counsel when in need of advice.’
‘Maria Strauss is a superb person to work with. She is clear, thorough, professional and always punctual with her communication. She has a laudable ability to make highly complex aspects understandable to clients and her clarity is second to none.'
‘Jonathan Eley is a highly experienced and astute adviser, fully expert in safeguarding and employment, and brilliantly equipped to support schools through even the most labyrinthine of issues. He combines thoughtfulness and sensitivity with a sharply analytical mind, and is adept at identifying solutions with integrity and pragmatism.'

Key clients

Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA)
Westminster School
Nottingham High School
Latymer Upper School
Downe House
Charterhouse
The Manchester Grammar School
Eton College
Alleyn’s School
Harrow School
Cognita
Marlborough College
Magdalen College School
St George’s College Weybridge
The Mill Hill School Foundation
Tonbridge School
Uppingham School
Highgate School
Bryanston School
Hampton School

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