Department profile
Education: Institutions
UK Guide 2026 : Scotland
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
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
Provided by Chambers
Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
Brodies continued to advise 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 has excellent knowledge and commercial awareness.
Education: Institutions respondentUKThe team at Brodies is always quick to reply and find the best colleague to assist.
Education: Institutions respondentUKBrodies knows the higher education industry well and offers swift, pragmatic advice.
Education: Institutions respondentUKThe team at Brodies has been supportive, understanding, knowledgeable, and ultimately flexible to meet our demands.
Education: Institutions respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Christine O'Neill
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 is there whenever we need her.
Education: Institutions respondentUK
Band 2 
Band 2 Niall McLean
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's client service is outstanding. He is a real go-to person for our team.
Education: Institutions respondentUKNiall McLean is a safe pair of hands in court.
Education: Institutions respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at Brodies LLP (2)
Scotland
Christine O'Neill KC
Education: Institutions
View profile Niall McLean
Education: Institutions
View profile
Members
Provided by Brodies LLP
Christine O'Neill
View profile of Christine O'NeillNiall McLean
View profile of Niall McLean
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