Described as a unit that ‘understands education’, Walker Morris LLP is regularly tasked with assisting schools and colleges with work such as academy conversions and construction advice. The team is additionally seeing an increase in instructions from higher education clients, as showcased by its recent intervention in a mandate concerning a major student accommodation scheme at the University of Birmingham. Jules Harbage heads up the team and frequently assists clients from the education sector with the drafting and negotiating of building contracts. Alex Jones frequently brings his contentious and non-contentious construction expertise to bear on education matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team at WM are always quick to advise. This is greatly appreciated. During meetings they work well together which builds confidence. ’

  • ‘The individuals that we have worked with are knowledgable, empathetic, quick to respond and efficient. This all helps when working with the DfE!’

  • ‘ Very responsive and personable, provide sound advice always in the clients best interest.’

  • ‘Sam Parkinson is very knowledgeable, experienced and responsive.’

  • ‘They understand education and our organisation. ’

Key clients

  • Leeds Arts University
  • Bolton College
  • Burnley College
  • Dorrington Academy Trust
  • Eveleigh Link Academy Trust
  • Every Child Matters Academy Trust
  • Excel Academy Partnership Trust
  • Findel Education
  • Giles Academy
  • Hartwell Primary School
  • Hollickwood Primary School
  • Hoyland Common Academy Trust
  • Innovate Multi Academy Trust
  • King Edward Vi Education Trust
  • Leeds Beckett University
  • Leeds College of Building
  • London South Bank University
  • Monkwearmouth Academy
  • New Collaborative Learning Trust
  • New Collaborative Learning Trust
  • Rodillian Multi Academy Trust
  • Rossett School
  • South Lincolnshire Academies Trust
  • St Mary's Catholic High School
  • Spalding Academy
  • Stanley Learning Partnership Trust
  • The Consortium Multi Academy Trust
  • The Grammar School at Leeds
  • The Rutland Learning Trust
  • The University of Cambridge
  • Westgate Academy
  • Zenith Multi Academy Trust

Work highlights

  • Provided legal support and negotiated on behalf of Burnley College regarding development works for its £17.4m expansion plan of the college campus covering its Industry Hub centre expansion and new University Courses building.
  • Instructed by the Consortium MAT in relation to multiple construction projects undertaken via the Condition Improvement Fund scheme for a combined value of £6m.
  • Advising EQUANS on a £200m student accommodation scheme at the University of Birmingham's Pritchatts Park campus.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jules Harbage

Other key lawyers

Alex Jones, Lucy Wild, Adam Bertram, Sam Parkinson