Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education)
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+ 44 (0)121 214 0000About
Provided by Shakespeare Martineau
Our education team is one of the most respected and experienced teams in the country, known for the breadth of advice and deep understanding of our client base. We regularly advise on the full range of estates matters, including construction disputes, large-scale capital projects, master planning and green campuses, complex regulatory and governance issues, and all aspects of employment law often involving senior leadership, disputes and statutory compliance work.
Our clients range from Cambridge University and members of the Russell Group to small specialist institutions, giving us a valuable insight into the sector as a whole (which the sector appreciates, given its own stratification into mission groups). We also have a thriving and expanding team focussed on further education institutions, academies and independent schools.
Chambers Review
Shakespeare Martineau has an established practice with a significant presence in the higher and further education field. The team possesses deep experience in advising prominent universities on constitutional and governance matters and routinely assists with student disputes, construction and international partnerships. The firm is also proficient at representing clients in employment tribunals and judicial review proceedings.
Work Highlights
- Shakespeare Martineau assisted Aberystwyth University on the transfer of the Welsh Higher Education Office in Brussels to Universities UK, a representative body for universities.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"It is refreshing to find a law firm that contributes so positively to the higher education sector in addition to the work that they undertake for individual institutions."
"Shakespeare Martineau have a great team who are very knowledgeable and practical in approach."
"They have a good understanding of the sector and also the commercial issues we face."
"It is refreshing to find a law firm that contributes so positively to the higher education sector in addition to the work that they undertake for individual institutions."
"Shakespeare Martineau have a great team who are very knowledgeable and practical in approach."
"They have a good understanding of the sector and also the commercial issues we face."
Notable Practitioners
Smita Jamdar frequently represents universities in relation to regulatory and governance matters. She is adept at assisting with student-facing issues, including complaints and reputational matters.
"Smita is a thought-leader in the sector. She is extremely personable and one of those lawyers who makes you feel like you're a very important client."
"Smita Jamdar is absolutely excellent in all aspects."
"She is an excellent lawyer who delivers pragmatic and sound advice and is a true star in the education sector."
Ranked Lawyers at
Shakespeare Martineau
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Shakespeare Martineau
Andrew Adams
Anieka Sheppard
Ben Humphreys
Catherine Savage
Clive Read
David Browne
Ruth Phillips
Tom Long
Uddalak Datta