Blake Morgan LLP’s education practice offers charity, employment and governance advice, including misconduct, exclusions, reorganisations, and school conversions, school expansion, as well as data protection. Matthew Smith leads the department and has extensive experience in employment tribunal cases. Joanna Rees leads the Cardiff-based construction team, advising on new secondary schools in Cardiff. Legal director Trish D’Souza assists schools with a range of issues, such as special educational needs and student admission issues, while legal director Ben Brice heads the department’s charity work in the education sector.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Blake Morgan LLP have sector leading experience and knowledge of the regulatory/education sector.’
‘Delme Griffiths knowledge of regulatory law is encyclopaedic- in some of more complicated cases this knowledge has been invaluable. Delme exhibits a remarkable level of calmness which is very reassuring.'
'Graham Miles has a huge amount of experience and knowledge of regulatory casework. His level of experience is unsurpassed by any other lawyer. Once again Graham's manner, knowledge and confidence is greatly appreciated and he brings a remarkable level of reassurance to those people whom he is working with. He is always available to provide support and advice.'
'Eve Piffarretti has undertaken considerable work on our cases to an extremely high professional standard.'
'All of the lawyers from Blake Morgan LLP working with us on our cases are very good. I think that the very high level of customer care provided by Blake Morgan apart from many other law firms.’
‘One notable aspect of Blake Morgan and Trish D'Souza in particular is their emphasis on personalized service, ensuring clients feel supported throughout the legal process. Their team excels in areas relevant to educational institutions, offering expertise in employment disputes and regulatory compliance.’
‘At Blake Morgan, individuals like Trish D'Souza, Matthew Smith and Ian Jones distinguish themselves through their expertise, dedication, and client-centric approach. Their in-depth knowledge and proactive attitude ensure tailored solutions and responsive support for clients.’
‘I have a high level of confidence in the advice and guidance provided by Blake Morgan colleagues, notably Rachel Sales and Laura Sharratt. Both individuals demonstrate high levels of knowledge in their areas of specialism, and are keen to protect the interests of the Trust by providing detailed advice and guidance with a risk averse approach. It is a pleasure to work with Rachel and Laura.’
Key clients
- University of Chichester Multi-Academy Trust
- Education Workforce Council
- Teaching Regulation Agency
- Heart of Mercia Multi-Academy Trust
- The Gallery Trust
- South East Wales Education Achievement Service (“SEWEAS”)
- The Italia Conti Trust
- St Edmund’s School Trust Limited
- Winchester Diocesan Board of Finance
- Abingdon Learning Trust
- St Dominic’s Sixth Form College
Work highlights
- Advised Cardiff Council in relation three new builds for secondary school projects in Cardiff under the SEWSCAP frameworks in relation to its 21st Century Schools Programme.
- Acted for the Heart of Mercia Trust on the transfer of commercial assets and property from two existing academies into the Trust.
- Acted as the legal adviser to professional misconduct panels convened by the Teaching Regulation Agency in approximately 120 matters, several of which were high profile. Regularly provide training to panellists in relation to the conduct of fair hearings, decision-making and the recording of reasons. |
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Smith