Louise Castle
Stone King LLPThe team of ‘experts in the field’ at Stone King LLP assists clients across the education landscape with issues spanning governance, banking, regulatory challenges and academy conversions. Tom Morrison, praised as ’a great supporter of the college sector’ is the key contact in Leeds. He is well-positioned to assist colleges with strategic advice. Jamie Otter, who divides his time between Leeds and Manchester, is well-placed to guide dedication clients through complex corporate governance issues. Louise Castle counts mergers in the further education sector among her practice strengths.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Tom Morrison is our primary contact. He is a great supporter of the college sector and is always calm and pragmatic.’
‘As chair of a multi-academy trust I find Stone King's specialist knowledge of education law extremely useful.’
‘The individuals I have engaged with are personable whilst also being extremely professional. Queries are responded to promptly and vital advice provided.’
‘Very professional service.’
‘Great communication from the team at Stone King. ’
‘Stone King has been excellent - always quick to respond and sufficiently resourced to meet our needs - even when out of the ordinary for an Education provider like ourselves.’
‘Highly responsive and experts in the field of all matters education. We are a large trust and have a diverse set of support requirements. The Stone King team dedicated to us is able to provide a high level of response and support on demand.’
‘I inevitably find my interactions with Stone King to result in a swift and productive outcome. Having a partner who acts as key contact and is able to promptly get the right colleague to pick up a matter we refer to them is extremely valuable. Really impressed with the way in which Stone King have fostered collaboration within the education sector.'
Key clients
- Luminate Education Group
- United Learning Trust
- The Sheffield College
- Astrea Academy Trust
- Red Kite Learning Trust
- Altus Education Partnership
- Kirklees College
- Venn Academy Trust
- NCG
- The Society of Mary (Marist Fathers) CIO
- Nottingham College
- David Ross Education Trust
- Abbey Multi Academy Trust
- Ethos Academy Trust
- West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges
- Learning Accord Multi Academy Trust
- Bury College Education Trust
- TEC Partnership
- Nelson and Colne College Group
- LTE Group (incorporating The Manchester College, training providers and Novus)
- The Co-operative Academies Trust
- Education Training Collective
- Education & Training Foundation
Work highlights
- Advised Luminate Education Group on capital loans to support new facilities across the Leeds City Region.
- Led a Pathfinder initiative with colleges and sponsored MATs from across the country to secure a change to the Academies Trust Handbook which facilitates closer working between state-funded education providers and reduces red tape.
- Advised on all aspects of the expansion of Altus Education Partnership including governance, funding, property, and transfer issues.
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.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Tom Morrison