Counting higher education and further education providers, schools, academies and private education institutions among its key roster of clients, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises on employment matters, charity law issues, litigation and dispute management cases, real estate mandates, corporate and commercial matters, health and safety issues, and regulatory work, among others. The practice is also well-placed to leverage the firm’s international footprint to act for education institutions globally. Praised as ‘incredibly knowledgeable and technically excellent’, Chris Mordue spearheads the offering in Leeds alongside ’standout partner’ Ben Wood. Charlotte Tanikal, who advises independent schools, academies, further education and higher education clients on real estate matters, is another key contact in the group.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Very professional and willing to go the extra mile. Quality of legal advice is very good.’
‘Approachable and friendly. Good at listening and give considered responses.’
‘Great work from Chris Mordue.’
‘The team is outstanding both in terms of technical knowledge and its application to individuals and the sector.’
‘Ben Wood is consistently outstanding. Responsive, sensible and incredibly well informed. I have 100% confidence in his advice. Beyond that Ben has leveraged support from across the firm to deliver sector guidance, advice and speakers for our network which is invaluable.’
‘The Eversheds Education team is consistently strong; its online and in-person legal updates and training offering are highly relevant and delivered to a very high standard.’
‘Standout partner is Ben Wood. His expert advice, experience and availability is second to none.’
‘Chris Mordue is incredibly knowledgeable and technically excellent. Easy to deal with.’

Key clients

Durham University
University of Leeds
University of Sheffield
University of Hull
University of Roehampton
University of Huddersfield
University of Essex
Sheffield Hallam University
University of York
Leeds Trinity University
Norther School of Contemporary Dance
York St John University
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)
University of Leicester
University of Reading
Kings College London
University of Plymouth
Askham Bryan College
DN Colleges Group
Leeds College of Building
Luminate Education Group
RNN Group
Wakefield College
Windsor Forest Colleges Group
Beacon Multi Academy Trust
Batley Multi Academy Trust
Chelsea Academy
Jewish Community Academy Trust
LEAD Academy Trust
NOVA Education Trust
The Potteries Education Trust
The Prospect Trust
Trinitas Academies Trust
The Wensum Trust

Work highlights

Worked with the University of Roehampton to successfully deliver a major restructuring programme, involving around half of its academic staff, including staffing reductions of 65 full time posts and the transition of around 180 academic staff to new contracts.
Working with Universities UK, publishing a comprehensive briefing on the legal framework relevant to staff-student sexual misconduct in Higher Education, as part of a suite of policy and guidance documents published by Universities UK on this key issue in HE.
Advising the University of Manchester on its development known as “ID Manchester”, a 26 acre, £1.5 billion GDV scheme in Manchester City Centre.

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Chris Mordue

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