England - London • Public sector
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Harrison Clark Rickerbys stands out for its relationships with schools and governing bodies such as the Independent Schools Bursars’ Association, who instruct the firm’s ‘high-performing and experienced’ education team to advise on a wide range of matters, including safeguarding issues, strikes, pensions, and new and emerging DfE guidelines. The firm also regularly handles corporate and governance issues related to mergers and school acquisitions, and it is well-equipped to provide strategic guidance on issues related to employment and charity law. Practice head and safeguarding Kristine Scott is based in Cheltenham and maintains close relations with a many of the firm’s governing body clients. Also in Cheltenham, Rachel Parkin and Oliver Daniels are recommended for their experience handling employment issues and their advice on teachers’ strikes, while real estate expert Morgan West is a key contact for land sales and purchases as well as academy conversions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Professional, effective and efficient.’
‘The Education team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys is a high performing and experience team of partners and associates who are market leaders in their sector. They provide a comprehensive and 'one stop' option for busy clients who require timely and pragmatic advice to complex issues.’
‘Kristine Scott is outstanding, recognised nationally by schools and various professional associations as the 'go to' person for advice and support. Despite running the busy Cheltenham office and heading up the education practice, she makes herself personally available to clients in order to provide boards and schools with the best support possible.’
‘Outstanding sector knowledge of all relevant legal issues. Advice is always focused, timely and comprehensive. All the team are friendly and approachable.’
‘Oliver Daniels is a star whose advice is characterised by being well thought through, comprehensive and realistic.’
‘Led by Kristine Scott, the team are exceptional throughout. They understand all facets of the sector and can advise schools confidently and knowledgeably. Their advice is pragmatic, on point and timely.’
‘Kristine Scott offers accessibility, quality of advice, and sector knowledge. Rachel Parkin is a deep specialist in employment law and a valuable advisor to schools. Oliver Daniels is also an employment law specialist whose detailed knowledge and practical answers to questions are very valuable to schools.’
Key clients
- Canford School
- Cheltenham College
- Cheltenham Ladies College
- Headington School
- Holy Cross Preparatory
- Independent Schools’ Council
- St Dunstan’s College
- St Mary’s School Ascot
- St Peter’s York
- Stamford Endowed Schools
- Stowe School
- The Independent Schools’ Bursars Association
- The Royal Masonic School for Girls
- Uppingham School
- Wellingborough School
Work highlights
- Advised the Independent Schools Bursars’ Association (ISBA) on significant issues for the education sector.
- Advised the Headington School (Oxford) on September 2022 updates to school guidelines, which formed part of the school’s inspection evidence when inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
- Advised St Edward’s School, Cheltenham on a proposed sale or merger by helping to find them a buyer or merging partner as well as providing the legal advice on the actual sale or merger.
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
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kristine Scott