Based in Newcastle, Muckle LLP’s public sector education team takes on a range of matters for universities and further education providers, both regionally and nationally. Head of the sport, education and charities group Tony McPhillips is known for advising FE and HE institutes, schools and multi-academy trusts on major reorganisations, restructuring and employment processes. Joanne Davison is sought out by multi-academy trusts and FE institutes for advice on governance structures, frequently working on academy conversion, transfer and college merger projects. Employment law expert Jill Donabie is a key contact for clients on employment-related education matters. The trio often work together on matters involving employment law, data protection mandates and discrimination disputes. Real estate specialist Richard Nixon provides key support on property and land law issues related to academy conversion and school transfer projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Muckle's education team is superb. They are highly knowledgeable of the education sector, very professional in their approach, and they are both compassionate and clear when dealing with sensitive issues.’
‘Joanne Davison is always a very positive and solution-focused individual. She has a depth of knowledge in the sector and where issues cross over into other legal areas she always finds answers for us. She is highly professional, courteous and goes the extra mile.'
‘Working with Muckle is always a pleasure, the team make things very clear to us which is helpful when dealing with complex issues. The respond very quickly and are always available to support.’
'Richard Nixon is very responsive and progresses land issues with a problem solving and determined approach.’
‘Joanne Davison is responsive, pragmatic and always prepared to discuss a complex situation to come up with the most appropriate advice and solution.'
‘Jill Donabie is our lead partner and is very knowledgeable and helpful. She always responds quickly with a view of making our job a lot easier.'
‘Joanne Davison is great to work with. She is very knowledgeable of the education sector and the local education landscape and is also very approachable and an excellent communicator.’
'The team at Muckle is always very helpful and knowledgeable. We have always had our queries and requests addressed promptly with professionalism. The team know our sector very well and have the skills to help us address our issues.'

Key clients

NCG
Tyne Coast College
Bishop Auckland College
Bournemouth and Poole College
New College Durham
Newcastle University
University of Northumbria
Sunderland University
Spurgeon’s College
SMART Multi Academy Trust
Sedbergh School
Dame Allan’s Schools
Three Rivers Learning Trust
Emmanuel Schools Foundation
River Tees Multi Academy Trust
East Durham College
Park View School
Balmoral Learning Trust
Aspire Multi Academy Trust
Northumberland Church of England Academy
NEAT Academy Trust
Durham & Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust
Tyne Coast Academy Trust
Northern Leaders Academy Trust
Cramlington Learning Village
Pele Trust
Castle View Enterprise Academy
Tyne Community Learning Trust
Advance Learning Partnership
Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust
Nicholas Postgate Catholic Education Trust
North Tyneside Learning Trust

Work highlights

Providing day to day legal support to the FE provider, NCG. This includes employment, student affairs, property, governance, commercial and data protection and dispute resolution guidance.
Advised on the implementation of the academisation plan of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. This involved advising 2 MATs on the conversion into and transfer of all Catholic schools within the defined area.
Advising Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust on a range of day-to-day legal issues ranging from employment matters, commercial and data protection. We have also supported with strategic growth and completed significant projects for the MAT.