Browne Jacobson expands education team with new partner hire

March 26, 2012 - PRLog -- Browne Jacobson is to strengthen its burgeoning education law practice with the appointment of new partner Emma Swann from London solicitors Devonshires.

Emma is the second high profile appointment by the team in recent months and follows in the footsteps of Richard Freeth, the former joint head of education at Anthony Collins, who joined the firm in October last year.

Emma has specialised in education law for over 10 years, acting extensively for maintained schools, academies, local authorities and Diocesan Boards of Education.  

She has been actively involved in the academies programme for a number of years, advising community, foundation, voluntary aided and voluntary controlled schools across the country on converting to academy status.  This has included schools that are converting together and forming collaborative partnerships.  

In addition Emma has considerable experience acting for schools on a broad range of issues, including admissions, exclusions, employment disputes and judicial reviews.

Browne Jacobson has one of the country’s leading education law practices and is at the forefront of the Government’s flagship academy schools project. To date it has advised 1 in 10 of all academy schools nationally as well as a number of Catholic Diocese and further education colleges on the setting up of academy groups.

The firm’s 35-strong education team also provides advice and support to over 600 education providers on a comprehensive range of legal issues, including the Girl’s Day School Trust and the General Teaching Council for England.

Mark Blois, Head of Education at Browne Jacobson, commented:

“Emma has a very strong track record in the education sector and we are delighted that she is joining the team. Her expertise on the academies programme in particular will be invaluable. Attracting talented lawyers like Emma is a reflection of our status in the marketplace and our ambitions to grow and improve.”

Emma Swann added:

“It is a really exciting time in education and I am looking forward to work for one of the flagship education law firms in the country.”

ENDS

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