As ‘exceptionally well regarded in the academy trust sector’ Browne Jacobson LLP’s education practice works with a significant number of schools and academies covering the full range of education issues, including safeguarding, data protection, challenges to Ofsted investigations, responses to industrial action, and handling parental complaints. The department is chaired by Birmingham-based Nick MacKenzie, noted for his focus on corporate and governance advice within the sector. Nottingham-based Mark Blois excels in handling various governance matters, while Charlotte Antoniou heads-up the London team. In Exeter, Julia Green is renowned for her expertise in academy conversions, while Birmingham-based Hayley O’Sullivan is noted for her experience in exclusion and equality issues. Manchester’s Dai Durbridge has vast experience in safeguarding and data protection issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Browne Jacobson education team is exceptionally well regarded in the academy trust sector.’
  • ‘Mark Blois has been a wonderful colleague to work with - he is hugely knowledgeable and very well-liked and respected by trust leaders.'

  • 'Nick Mackenzie has a wonderful legal mind and is also one hundred percent committed to education and to making the sector better.'
  • 'Emma Hughes is a force for good in the education sector.’
  • ‘A very strong and knowledgable team who never shy away from an issue. Provide clear and concise advice, with next steps always identified. Flexible and adaptable, with a genuine interest in us and what we do.’

  • ‘The firm are experts in the education sector, they have a deep knowledge of the breath of topics the sector encounters and offer robust advice, which is focused upon the specific circumstances.’

  • 'Julia Green and Victoria Hatton provide excellent customer service, are knowledgable and aware of sector needs; their products are tailored to school needs.'

  • ‘The partners, associates and specialist are all excellent at the delivery of service to us as a client. Dai Durbridge is an excellent client partner and ensures all our commissions are delivered and followed through.’

Lawyers

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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Nick MacKenzie

Other key lawyers

Mark Blois, Julia Green, Dai Durbridge, Charlotte Antoniou, Hayley O’Sullivan, Emma Hughes, Victoria Hatton