Shakespeare Martineau LLP offers clients an ‘outstanding service’ and routinely advises clients on estates, governance and regulatory matters, alongside disputes and statutory compliance work. Its client base includes both Russell Group universities as well as smaller specialist institutions. ’Absolute superstar’ practice head Smita Jamdar specialises in governance, student-related and constitutional matters, while David Browne‘s capabilities range from restructuring matters to addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and whistleblowing issues. As a ’fountain of knowledge and experience’, Geraldine Swanton adds further value to the team with expertise in data protection and freedom of information issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘They are very knowledgeable and explain the law and implications clearly, taking onboard the legal knowledge of the individual they’re advising. The advice is given in clear language, and they provide a holistic approach to dealing with cases and options and risks when considering remedies.’
‘The team have continued to provide an outstanding service to the sector, in particular their understanding of some of the key legal and regulatory matters that have been of direct impact on universities over the past year has been enormously helpful, and the advice always delivered in a highly engaging way.’
‘In particular, Smita Jamdar is an absolute superstar! She is a strong, respected and influential voice in the sector, providing interesting and insightful analysis across a wide range of subjects and is very engaged in speaking at events across the sector to share her insights.’
‘Geraldine Swanton is a fountain of knowledge and experience in her field. She is responsive, approachable and pragmatic. She can always be trusted to provide advice that is useful and understandable, especially when supporting non-lawyers.’
‘The education team provide outstanding service and are trusted advisers. In addition to their legal expertise, they have a real-world view and are highly responsive. They understand both the sector and how to work in partnership with the client.’
‘Excellent proactive team who provide regular updates via advice notes and podcasts. Clear and pragmatic advice delivered speedily and with ease of communication.’
‘Geraldine Swanton is swift to respond and understands the sector well, handling tricky questions in a clear and direct way that empowers people to make informed decisions. A very human approach to matters and great empathy makes her stand out.’
‘They not only remain abreast of the regulatory and political landscape, which seems to change on a weekly basis, but they are also prepared to challenge both the regulators and the government on these changes.’

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
Dudley College
Abingdon and Witney College
North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
Quality Assurance Agency
West Dean College
University of the Arts London
University of Derby
Staffordshire University
Aberystwyth University
University of West London
University of Lincoln
Capital City College Group
Halesowen College

Work highlights

Advising six universities being investigated by the Office for Students for alleged breaches of various registration conditions, including defending the allegations and challenging the OfS’s untested procedure.
Acting for Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust in defending a claim by a current student who alleges discrimination, harassment and victimisation arising out of content on the Trust’s Psychotherapy teaching and clinical training course.
Advised a Russell Group University on major IT procurement projects worth approximately £100m to re-shape and modernise its legacy IT systems and strategy in order to create a more agile and resilient IT framework, enhancing teaching, learning and research and improving the student experience.