Geldards bolsters Education Law team with hire of new head of schools, colleges and universities services

Emmett joins from Knights, which recently acquired Birkett Long where he was a Partner and the Head of Education. 

Geldards said Emmett will provide expert legal advice to educational institutions from across the country, including maintained schools, single academy trusts, multi-academy trusts, independent schools, further education and higher education institutions.

His areas of expertise include SEN related matters, exclusions, safeguarding, disability discrimination claims, commercial contracts, data protection and academy trust mergers.

Emmett also assists parents, carers and young people with advice on EHC plans and SEND Tribunal matters.

“Thomas is passionate about ensuring that educational institutions are equipped to achieve the best possible outcomes for the students they teach and support,” Geldards said.

The firm added that its Education Law team had seen significant growth over the past few years to meet increased demand from parents, students and educational institutions seeking legal services.

Adam Friel, Partner & Head of Education Law at Geldards, said: “We are excited to welcome Thomas to our expanding Education Law team. Our team has earned a well-deserved reputation in the education sector as the ‘go to’ firm for education law matters and we are pleased to be strengthening our service further. Thomas brings an extensive knowledge of education law and a proven track record in advising parents, students, schools, colleges and universities in achieving successful outcomes.”

Emmett said: “I’m really pleased to have joined the talented and highly respected Education Law team at Geldards. With educational institutions facing an ever-increasing number of complex legal challenges, I look forward to working with the team and the wider firm to deliver specialist sector driven legal advice to school, college and university clients across the country.”