Education Legal Specialists

Bermans Education team has extensive experience in a wide range of education legal services.

The team advises Universities, Colleges & Schools and Charities, and a range of public and private
sector bodies.

Specialist Employment Services

• Child protection and safeguarding including multi party inquiries involving LADO
• Data Protection
• Employment law and HR advice
• SMT exit strategy
• Employment tribunal representation
• Intellectual property in teaching materials
• Pupil behaviour and school exclusions
• School admissions and appeals
• Special educational needs and disability
• Fixed Price Employment and Education advice retainers
• Bespoke services provided upon request

Our Team

Neil Gouldson, Consultant

Neil has advised in employment and education law for over 20 years. He has been trusted to lead on serious child safeguarding inquiries in professional sport involving LADO and other third parties. Neil’s expertise includes:

• Supports Governors and SMT with pupil behaviour issues, school exclusions, school admissions and admission appeals.
• Represents clients in the employment tribunal and provides advice on day-to-day HR matters for schools.

t: 0151 224 0500 e: neil.gouldson@bermans.co.uk

Sophie Robertson, Solicitor

Sophie is described by her education clients as “super-efficient” and “always one step ahead”, dealing with internal disciplinary matters or managed exits involving SMT members. Sophie’s expertise includes:

• Makes multi-faceted situations simple when considering complex child safeguarding issues or
  applying teaching standards within the context of internal disciplinary hearings and managed
  staff exits.
• Assists clients with preparing their case in the employment tribunal and provides advice on
  day-to-day HR matters for schools

t: 0151 224 0546 e: sophie.robertson@bermans.co.uk

What our clients say 

“If you need a first-class legal professional on your side, choose Sophie. I have engaged her services for nearly a year, and it is very clear that she is an expert in employment law with an uncanny ability to read situations accurately and quickly before giving easy-to-follow advice on how best to proceed.”

Ms A C Bingley (Principal of Tower College)

“Neil has provided continued support over a number of complex HR issues at School. While clearly having excellent employment law knowledge, delivered in a friendly and approachable manner, Neil balances this with pragmatic solutions, working through the HR practicalities and additional consideration points.”

Cheryl Wallace, Personnel and Compliance Manager, The Birkenhead School

“When we were looking for a legal firm to partner with MGL, Bermans were our first choice. They provide expert legal advice and really get to know and understand their clients’ needs. We are happy to introduce them to our schools, confident that they will offer the experience of the sector and the legal support that our clients need and all presented in a way that our schools are comfortable with.”

Phillip Ramsey – Chairman – MG