Education: Institutions
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 1
Contact number
0131 228 3777About
Provided by Brodies LLP
We understand exactly how the education sector works in Scotland. From advising universities and colleges on day-to-day running, the delivery of strategically important initiatives, to supporting local authorities on school closure consultations and placement requests, we have a unique, three-way perspective of the regulators, representative or development bodies and a substantial proportion of the academic institutions themselves.
We offer genuine expertise in the many areas specific to education. We regularly advise our clients on governance, funding and employment issues, projects, property and commercial arrangements and educational provision issues.
Our education sector clients include: regulators; representative bodies; further and higher education institutions; local authorities and independent schools, including: Morrison's Academy, Scottish Qualifications Authority, University of Edinburgh and City of Edinburgh Council.
Key highlights:
- Consistently top ranked in the legal directories for Education. Brodies' experience and expertise covers all the legal issues faced by the education sector.
- A wealth of experience in assisting universities, founders and investors in relation to spin-out companies and commercialisation of technology.
- Established expertise on student matters including discipline, appeals, harassment/bullying and discrimination.
Chambers Review
Brodies has a strong education team that advises an array of clients including prominent higher and further education institutions and local authorities. The firm stands out for its handling of employment issues, judicial reviews and strategic development projects. It is also adept at assisting with governance, data protection and intellectual property matters.
Work Highlights
- Brodies advised the Scottish Qualifications Authority on a range of matters, including proposed legislation to replace the authority with a new qualifications body and its participation in the Scottish COVID-19 public inquiry.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Brodies provide a responsive service. They listen to our needs and anticipate our requirements in light of their deep understanding of the education sector."
"Brodies give timely, clear and insightful advice and support."
"Brodies have a track record of providing high-quality advice on a timeline that meets clients’ needs. The team approach the work with enthusiasm and a clear commitment to providing a quality response."
"Brodies provide a responsive service. They listen to our needs and anticipate our requirements in light of their deep understanding of the education sector."
"Brodies give timely, clear and insightful advice and support."
"Brodies have a track record of providing high-quality advice on a timeline that meets clients’ needs. The team approach the work with enthusiasm and a clear commitment to providing a quality response."
Notable Practitioners
Christine O'Neill KC has a broad practice in the sector, advising clients on a range of governance and regulatory issues, including malpractice investigations and judicial reviews. She frequently represents leading universities and public bodies, among others.
"Christine O'Neill is a true expert in her field who is extremely personable and easy to work with. She is a standout practitioner of huge technical ability with a modest and down-to-earth approach."
"Christine O'Neill gave fantastic support and advice with a high degree of awareness of organisational, policy and political context."
"Christine O’Neill’s eminence is evident when you work with her. She gives sage advice that is clear and shows sensitivity to clients’ needs creating a highly trusted and valued relationship."
Brenda Scott co-leads the education department at brodies and is noted for her adept representation of a range of clients in the education sector, including public bodies and leading universities. She possesses considerable experience in matters relating to joint venture arrangements, mergers and governance issues.
Niall McLean co-leads the education department at Brodies. He has experience dealing with clients across the educational landscape, including authorities, independent schools, higher and further education institutions, and professional bodies.
"Niall McLean is very strong on education law."
"Niall McLean does not shy away from fearlessly defending the best interests of his client in difficult and challenging circumstances. He provides pragmatic strategic advice on complex issues."
Ranked Lawyers at
Brodies LLP
Scotland