Paul Watkins
Harrison Clark RickerbysBased in Cheltenham, Harrison Clark Rickerbys fields ‘a great team of sector experts’, standing out for its strength advising clients across the independent education sector. Safeguarding matters make up one aspect of the practice, with strikes, complaints, transactions and investments being other areas of expertise. ’Superb lawyer’ Kristine Scott leads the team, and employment specialist Rachel Parkin is praised for her ‘consistent, clear, and practical advice’ on school performance management issues, disciplinaries and tribunal cases. Oliver Daniels also specialises in employment work and has been recently active advising on teachers’ pension schemes and industrial actions. Emma Swann handles academy conversions and expansions in addition to governance matters. Also noted are senior associates Paul Watkins and James Morgan.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Friendly, personable, and willing to give time for all our legal queries - complex or simple.'
- 'At the outset of the case for which we sought their help, Kristine Scott & Rachel Parkin of the Education Team made themselves available at short notice to discuss an emerging and significant challenge. They were excellent at setting perspective, offering reassurance, prioritising immediate action and following through.'
- 'Rachel Parkin offered consistent, clear, and practical advice. She made herself available for regular reviews of progress and at points of decision. Her written responses to the other party's legal team always reflected the nuance as well as the core of our agreed position and set out expectations for response with clarity and courtesy.'
- 'Depth of knowledge and quality of personal engagement combine to make this team so popular with education clients.'
- 'Kristine Scott is outstanding. Her care for clients shines through and she is highly strategic and looks for the big picture solution as well as clearly being a superb lawyer. She leads an excellent team with Rachel Parkin also standing out.'
- 'A great team of sector experts providing good advice and extremely responsive.'
- 'We have been extremely well supported and advised by Rachel Parkin who involves appropriate junior support and is a calm, thoughtful, balanced adviser.'
- 'Excellent responsiveness and understanding of the Academy Sector.'
Key clients
- Global Schools Group
- Sherborne School
- Tonbridge School
- The Independent Schools’ Bursars Association
- Canford School
- St Mary’s School Ascot
- Holy Cross Preparatory
- The Royal Masonic School for Girls
- Cheltenham Ladies College
- Uppingham School
- St Dunstan’s College
- Independent Schools’ Council
- Cheltenham College
- Wellingborough School
- Stamford Endowed Schools
- Stowe School
- St Peter’s York
Work highlights
- Provided advice and guidance to the ISBA on significant issues for the education sector.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kristine Scott