Winchester Vacancies

SPOTLIGHT

A zero sum game?

The number of SEND tribunal cases is rising and the proportion of appeals ‘lost’ by local authorities is at a record high. Lottie Winson talks to education lawyers to understand the reasons why, and sets out the results of Local Government Lawyer’s exclusive survey.

University appoints law firm as sole provider in £2m contract

Aston University has awarded law firm Pinsent Masons a £2m contract to provide legal advice over a five-year period.

The contract will run until 31 August 2025.

Aston had previously said it was “seeking a single provider with demonstrable experience in the higher education sector who will:

  • service all of Aston’s legal needs in the UK and overseas (as required);
  • deliver cost certainty through clearly articulated pricing menus that draw on automation as required;
  • provide a secure platform for all information including matters, documents and financials that delivers dashboard reporting;
  • deliver a service provider who will provide good project management; and
  • deliver added value services over the duration of the contract.”

The university appointed three firms in 2016 to its most recent framework: DLA Piper; Mills & Reeve; and Pinsent Masons.