Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education)
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
About
Provided by Weightmans
The Weightmans team are primarily focussed on the Higher Education sector; acting for around 25% of the country’s universities. The team is a full service offering delivering solutions for our clients around major projects, academic collaborations, student conduct and complaints, pensions, employment and restructuring, spin-outs, regulatory, real estate, planning and construction, procurement and governance – often with an international dimension.
We are true innovators, offering products that address sector needs; for example software tools for investigating sensitive sexual misconduct allegations, with another tool for assessing reasonable adjustments for a range of conditions that a student may present with; alongside a bespoke service solution for resolving student complaints.
Our recent projects include:
• Financing advice to a northern university for a £26m student bed build
• A £50 campus redevelopment
• £100m construction of a specialist Veterinary school
• Litigation enforcing the Intellectual Property of a research intensive university
• Representation at coroners court following a student death
Chambers Review
Weightmans fields a multidisciplinary education practice with considerable experience in strategic planning and funding work, as well as advising on governance, commercial and employment matters. The team is noted for supporting universities with international collaboration and campus development projects. The firm also represents educational institutions in legal proceedings brought by students concerning discrimination allegations.
Work Highlights
- Weightmans acted for The Open University on all aspects of preparing, negotiating and finalising a master services software agreement and a technology licensing agreement.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Weightmans respond swiftly, providing clear advice and guidance on how to handle a specific case."
"There has not been an issue which we have taken to Weightmans which they have not had the depth and breadth to manage."
"Weightmans delivered a fast response and sound practical advice."
"Weightmans respond swiftly, providing clear advice and guidance on how to handle a specific case."
"There has not been an issue which we have taken to Weightmans which they have not had the depth and breadth to manage."
"Weightmans delivered a fast response and sound practical advice."
Notable Practitioners
Martin Vincent specialises in advising university clients on contractual, outsourcing and procurement matters. He also has experience assisting with both domestic and international collaboration arrangements.
"Martin Vincent provided excellent service and advice."
Ranked Lawyers at
Weightmans
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Weightmans
Andrew Brammer
David Lewis
Josh Conroy
Head of Department
Melanie Steed
Richard Vaughan
Rose Moss
Susan Matthews
Clients
Provided by Weightmans
Chester University
Lancaster University
Leeds University
Newcastle University
QMUL