Shakespeare Martineau LLP maintains a broad expertise in the education sector, with experience in property, construction, governance, employment, compliance and disputes matters. At the head of the practice, Smita Jamdar specialises in governance, regulatory and constitutional advice for her clients. Mark Taylor, who joined the practice from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in September 2023, is adept at providing support with mergers, collaborations and joint ventures. Geraldine Swanton handles instructions relating to student complaints, disciplinaries, equality concerns and human rights law. Selina Hinchliffe joined the firm from Browne Jacobson LLP in July 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Broad based expertise; B-Corps values.’
‘The team has expert knowledge of the sector. They make a point of keeping up to date with developments nationally and are therefore able to provide helpful perspectives and context in their advice.’
‘Smita Jamdar, Tom Long and Mark Taylor, Gerry have all provided advice with unfailing courtesy, efficiency and good humour. It is always a pleasure to work with them.'
‘The team have a sound understanding of the sector. They are pragmatic in seeking to find the most appropriate solutions, whilst always keeping a focus on risk to the College.’
‘Shakespeare Martineau colleagues have provided excellent support.’
‘The team at Shakespeare Martineau are incredibly helpful, understand our sector exceptionally well and provide pragmatic advice. They are always responsive and willing to discuss matters, providing advice that is understandable and user friendly, even for non-legal colleagues.’
‘Geraldine Swanton is one of the most pragmatic and approachable lawyers I have every worked with. She takes time to understand our requirements and provides appropriate advice in a pragmatic way.’
‘Smita Jamdar is excellent, a real thought leader and fantastic to work with.’
Key clients
- University of Hertfordshire
- Brunel University
- University of Cambridge
- University of South Wales
- University of Exeter
- UCLAN
- University of Sheffield
- University College London
- Cardiff University
- University of Greenwich
- Oxford Brookes University
- Liverpool John Moore University
- Leicester College
- Barnsley College
- Wiltshire College
- University of Leeds
- Abingdon and Witney College
- North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
- Quality Assurance Agency
- West Dean College
Work highlights
- Advised the University of Essex in connection with an inquest into the death of a former student in its Halls of Residence.
- Provided a huge amount of training to institutions across the country in relation to free speech.
- Acted for a Russell Group university in respect of complex and multi-faceted litigation brought by an academic member of staff.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Smita Jamdar