Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides ‘knowledgeable, professional, and pragmatic’ advice to a wide range of state and private schools across the full range of education law, with a particular capacity for advising multi-academy trusts on conversions and acquisitions, restructuring matters, and contentious and non-contentious issues in relation to safeguarding and student inclusivity. The team is also well-regarded for its advice on employment matters, having been instructed to advise on industrial actions, restructuring programs, exits from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, and employment tribunal claims. The team is co-led by Diane Gilhooley, who has vast experience handling high-profile education governance and employment matters, and Ben Wood, who regularly handles academy conversions and is also a key contact for contentious student and staff matters. Further key contacts in the team include Nicola Bennison, who has advised on complex safeguarding and admissions issues, and real estate expert Charlotte Tanikal.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The flexibility and pragmatic approach stands out.’
‘Ben Woods, our contact partner, is always available via email or at the end of the phone, and offers succinct, practical advice. Ben also has a good sense of when to field a query himself and when to refer a matter for specialist consideration or advice.’
‘We receive an excellent service from the team. We have a main contact who may then refer us to another team member for specialist advice, depending on the topic.’
‘Ben Wood has a down to earth style with pragmatic approach to advice.’
‘The team at Eversheds are knowledgeable, professional, and pragmatic in the advice they give.’
‘Ben Wood is our contact, and without fail, we have received a timely and well-informed advice. Ben communicates in a way which is easy to understand and gives professional and practical advice. For us, one of the most valuable aspects is the sector-specific knowledge that Ben holds.’
‘Eversheds Sutherland have experienced and knowledgeable partners.’
‘The information that they provide is clear and concise, the communication is faultless.’
Key clients
- ASC International Schools
- Batley Multi Academy Trust
- Beacon Multi Academy Trust
- Beyond Schools Trust
- Chelsea Academy
- Compass Learning Partnership
- Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust
- Frontier Learning Trust
- Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation Trust
- Jewish Community Academy Trust
- LEAD Academy Trust
- Nova Education Trust
- The Harmony Trust
- Trinitas Academy Trust
- Twyford Church of England Academies Trust
- Windsor Learning Partnership
Work highlights
- Advised a higher education provider on the establishment of a new Maths School (i.e. a 16-19 academy) where the client acted as sponsor.
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Diane Gilhooley, Ben Wood