Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) | UK

Mills & Reeve is a market leader in further and higher education, advising clients on significant legal and policy developments. The team boasts a broad range of expertise which covers disputes, intellectual property, finance and student accommodation projects. The firm is at the forefront of major developments in the sector, including data protection and pension issues. It acts for a diverse body of clients, including universities, specialist institutes and FE colleges.

Pinsent Masons has a comprehensive education practice that specialises in the procurement of information technology, governance and constitutional matters. The team offers noted expertise in regulatory challenges and student and academic staff immigration issues. It is also strong on corporate and commercial matters, including joint ventures and the establishment of new institutions. The firm is frequently instructed by public and private institutions in the UK and abroad. It also defends universities in high-profile student disputes.

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. It routinely assists with student disputes, construction and international partnerships. The group is also proficient at representing clients in employment tribunals and judicial review proceedings.

Farrer & Co represents a range of significant clients, including universities, business schools and professional training bodies. The team is noted for its expertise in data protection law, commercial contracts and real estate work. It offers comprehensive representation in employment issues, student disputes and reputation management. The team also advises on large collaborative projects between universities and commercial organisations with increasing regularity. The firm is particularly adept at advising on charity law issues in the sector.

Bates Wells is highly active across a wide range of education issues, including discrimination claims, data protection matters and various commercial and corporate transactions. The firm's deep resources in public law, charities, property and employment as part of a full-service offering. The team frequently advises adult and professional education institutions and education support services. It possesses significant expertise in relation to mergers in the further education sector.

Blake Morgan has a respected team of education specialists working mainly across the South East, London and Wales. Its practitioners have extensive experience handling commercial contracts, as well as charity and immigration matters, for a range of higher and further education clients. The firm is highly adept at assisting clients with significant redevelopment and construction matters. The team is also recommended for advice on governance, discrimination claims and disciplinary investigations.

Browne Jacobson houses a full-service offering for further and higher education institutions. The firm is capable of representing clients in judicial reviews, employment disputes, internal investigations and general corporate matters. In addition, the firm has an impressive roster of large UK-wide clients and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities for the eduction sector.

Penningtons Manches Cooper has a strong universities practice with significant experience in Tier 4 sponsor licences, data protection and freedom of information work. The team also deals with academic litigation, pensions and industrial relations. It possesses considerable strength in immigration and regulatory matters, as well as employment disputes.

Stone King has a respected team with a strong track record of advising further education clients on an array of issues. The team is particularly adept at assisting with governance reviews, alongside broader expertise in handling data protection, intellectual property and employment mandates. The firm's clients include prestigious colleges from across the country and national sector organisations.

VWV provides a full suite of services, including advice on real estate and employment issues, as well as student complaints. The team fields particularly strong expertise in the development of university facilities and student accommodation. The firm is recommended for assisting universities with the procurement of systems and services of all kinds and is highly regarded for work at the intersection of education and charities law. It also offers clients a significant and highly rated offering in intellectual property matters.

Weightmans fields a multidisciplinary education practice with considerable experience in strategic planning and funding work, as well as governance, commercial and employment advice. 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.