Department profile
Shakespeare Martineau

Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education)

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Shakespeare Martineau

Rankings

About

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 members of the Russell Group to small specialist institutions, giving us a valuable insight into the sector as a whole. We also have a thriving and expanding team focussed on further education institutions, academies and independent schools.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) - UK-wide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Shakespeare Martineau has an established practice with a significant presence in the higher and further education field. The team possesses deep experience in advising leading universities on constitutional and governance matters and routinely assists with student disputes, construction projects and international partnerships. The firm is also proficient at representing clients in employment tribunals and judicial review proceedings.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Shakespeare Martineau advised the University of Lincoln on leasing matters related to the Barbican building in Lincoln, as part of the University's regeneration plans.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Shakespeare Martineau provides specific, actionable advice, and is able to do this quickly.

    Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) respondentUK

  • Shakespeare Martineau provided excellent advice in a complex case.

    Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) respondentUK

  • Shakespeare Martineau's advice is clear and delivered with an understanding of our context and organisation.

    Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) respondentUK

  • Shakespeare Martineau provides sector-leading expertise and standing, with high-calibre partners.

    Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Smita Jamdar
    Smita Jamdar

    Smita Jamdar

    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's knowledge of the sector and of the regulator is exceptional.

      Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) respondentUK

    • Smita provides timely, sound and considered advice, informed by a deep understanding of the political and commercial considerations, as well as a strictly legal view.

      Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) respondentUK

    • I am astonished at how quickly she gets back to you. Smita is very prompt.

      Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) respondentUK

    • Smita is excellent. She demonstrates a deep and sustained understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape and the wider context for our sector. She's proactive in her support for the institution.

      Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) respondentUK

    • I go to Smita for tricky education advice and have always found her to be brilliant.

      Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education) respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Shakespeare Martineau (1)

UK-wide

  • Profile image of Smita Jamdar

    Smita Jamdar

    Head of Education: Institutions (Higher & Further Education)

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Members

Provided by Shakespeare Martineau

  • David Browne

  • Catherine Rustomji

  • Tom Long

  • Clive Read

  • Andrew Adams

  • Ruth Phillips

  • Anieka Sheppard

  • Smita Jamdar

    Head of Department

    View profile of Smita Jamdar

  • Esther Maxwell

  • Joanna Forbes

  • Mark Taylor

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