Jill is a Partner in the Employment team advising private and public sector clients, predominantly in the education sector, on people related matters.
She is a member of the firm’s Education team having advised clients in the sector for over 23 years on employment and education law. Jill is recognised as a Leading Partner in Legal 500 and was shortlisted for Public Sector Lawyer of the Year at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards in both 2025 and 2026.
Jill works with clients on both contentious and non-contentious staff and student matters.
She advises on projects such as: business transfers; college mergers; academy conversions/multi academy trust expansions; and insourcing and outsourcing of services; acting for colleges, local authorities, single and multi-academy trusts.
Jill also acts on general employment related matters including: complex day to day staffing issues and documentation; education sector specific working arrangements; safeguarding; Teaching Regulation Agency and Disclosure and Barring Service referrals; employment tribunal claims (including complex whistleblowing and discrimination matters); restructures and reorganisations; and collective consultation/trade union issues.
Jill also provides advice and guidance on student and parental issues to nurseries, maintained, academy and independent schools, colleges and universities. Jill has extensive experience of issues including: parental complaints; discrimination; exclusions; SEN and Education, Health and Care Plans; successfully defending schools in Special Educational Needs & Disability Tribunals.
She has strong relationships with clients, taking the time to get know them, their organisations and their needs. She acts as a trusted advisor providing straightforward advice, strategic support and reassurance in a friendly and approachable way. She has a clear understanding of the legal and regulatory framework and her extensive experience and broad network enable her to provide clear, sector informed, advice.
Jill regularly delivers training and frequently speaks at conferences.
She is also a longstanding governor of a school having served as chair and vice chair for a number of years.
Expertise: Sectors
Public & Third Sector
Expertise: Services
Businesses
Public & Third Sector