Academy conversions, employment tribunals and advice on student issues - such as special education needs, safeguarding, and parent complaints - are noteworthy elements of the broad offering at Irwin Mitchell. In Leeds, Jenny Arrowsmith heads up the team and counsels clients on a range of employment law issues such as minimum service levels during strikes, irregular hours workers and discrimination claims. In the context of contentious work, the unit is praised for providing a ‘holistic and supportive service throughout the litigation process’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Experienced and approachable staff that explain the situation in layman's terms. The team presents options in a clear and concise way which enables the client to make an informed decision.’

  • ‘Jenny Arrowsmith and the academy conversion team are exceptional in their knowledge of the sector.’

  • ‘The team at Irwin Mitchell is highly experienced in dealing with complex employment law claims in the education sector, including claims involving discrimination and whistleblowing. They are highly approachable and responsive to client concerns.’

  • ‘Jenny Arrowsmith is a passionate, client-focused lawyer with excellent sector and regional knowledge.’

  • ‘Irwin Mitchell provides bespoke, sector-specific advice and guidance, a multitude of webinars and opportunities for face-to-face meetings, updates, and training.'

  • ‘In my experience, each individual is knowledgeable, professional and approachable. My current contact is Holly Butterworth who has provided invaluable support, advice, guidance and sign posting to key contacts outside of Irwin Mitchell.'

  • 'Jenny Arrowsmith has developed the team which means that there is a quick turnaround when advice and guidance is needed.'
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Key clients

  • North Huddersfield Trust
  • St Bartholomew’s C of E Multi-Academy Trust
  • North Halifax Grammar School
  • Inspire Learning Trust
  • Brighter Futures Learning Trust
  • Services 4 Schools
  • Central Learning Partnership Trust
  • Rose Learning Trust
  • Bradford College
  • Association of Colleges

Work highlights

  • Acting for the North Huddersfield Trust School in a complex discrimination and unfair dismissal claim listed for 15 days in the Leeds ET.
  • Successfully defended Bradford College in claims for unfair dismissal and breach of contract. The claims were struck out at a preliminary hearing.
  • Supported North Halifax Grammar School with employment law matters, together with data protection matters and commercial advice.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jenny Arrowsmith

Other key lawyers

Holly Butterworth