England - London • Public sector
Moore Barlow
Moore Barlow is noted for its ability to handle high-value strategic work, with its Guildford-based team offering independent schools and sector associations ‘outstanding and very perceptive advice’ in connection with school acquisitions and mergers, charity matters, strategic policy and statute reviews, and estate acquisitions and disposals. Under the leadership of Joanna Lada-Walicki, who advises on employment, pensions, and pastoral issues, the practice is also capable of handling a wide range of contentious and non-contentious mandates related to reputationally sensitive terminations of employment, safeguarding issues, and discrimination claims. Ben Collingwood is a further key contact in this space and has advised on complex matters related to students with special educational needs, while Adam McRae-Taylor is noted for providing advice to schools seeking to exit the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. For charity and strategic matters, Gordon Reid is highly recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Customer care is exceptional. The timely response and the knowledge that you are receiving the best available advice is why I would always pick up the phone and call Ben Collingwood if I need legal advice.’
‘Ben Collingwood simplifies complex issues with consummate ease. He is supportive and quite brilliant in his ability to communicate effectively, with the advice I need. Nothing is ever too much and Ben will always make himself available quickly when the need arises. His advice is specific and totally reliable.’
‘Their knowledge of independent sector education matters is first-rate.’
‘The practice provides a wide range of advice covering simple debt recovery actions to complex educational, charitable and employment matters.’
‘All the individuals we have dealt with at the firm are confident experts within their prescribed fields, and they willingly refer you to the individual best able to deal with your issue. Joanna Lada-Walicki has been the senior partner lead on most of our educational issues and both Ben Collingwood and Adam McRae-Taylor have ably assisted.’
‘Moore Barlow has provided outstanding and very perceptive advice. This advice has always been well-thought-out and considered in a timely fashion. They are an extremely reliable source of valuable legal information, across the various different departments.’
‘Joanna Lada-Walicki offers wisdom and attention to detail. Her advice is always very thorough, perceptive and reliable. She listens and analyses the history before carefully considering the different options and their potential outcomes. These are well-explained to the client and help is provided to enable the best path to be followed.’
‘I’ve worked closely with Olivia Stanton, Joanna Lada-Walicki, Adam McRae-Taylor and Ben Collingwood. All four of them have been very quick with turn-around, friendly and approachable, hard-working, and have given excellent counsel.’
Key clients
- All Hallows School
- Alton School
- Badminton School
- Ballard School
- Bede’s School
- Brambletye School
- Charterhouse
- Effingham Schools Trust
- Forest School
- Girls’ Day School Trust
- Hurstpierpoint School
- King Edward’s School
- King’s House School
- Leighton Park School
- Manor House School
- Our Lady of Sion School
- Royal Russell School
- Seaford College
- St Albans High School for Girls
- The Study Preparatory School
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Russell School on the acquisition of St David’s School.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Joanna Lada-Walicki