Why You Need an Education Law Solicitor If you work for an educational establishment then you're bound to need an education law solicitor at some point.
Here's why.
1. Schools, colleges and universities need to be just as accountable as other organisations, and private companies, so you'll want to make sure that everything is managed properly and complies with all relevant laws.
2. Healthy and safety is perhaps more important in an educational environment than in other workplaces, due to the ages of the pupils and students. You'll need to make sure that your working practices, and out of school activities meet the necessary legislations and law, so that you minimise the risk of accidents and incidents to staff and students in and out of the classroom.
3. You'll want to make sure that your pupil and staff discipline policies are up to date and that unruly pupils are dealt with properly and in accordance with the relevant policies.
4. Although you work in the education sector, you need to know that employment laws still apply. Any instances of discrimination need to be taken seriously and any issues with staff contracts or working hours will need to dealt with efficiently and effectively. An employment solicitor may be able to assist you in addition to an education law solicitor.
5. You'll need to make sure that your recruitment policies are up to date, and that they are not discriminatory. You might need to carry out further checks and investigations on potential new staff before you can employ them, and so will need to make sure that this is done legally.
6. As you will be dealing with a lot of paperwork, such as staff contracts and school policies, you'll want to make sure that these are reviewed regularly so that any advances in technology, or changes to staff
duties are incorporated. For example, you'll need to make sure that your staff and students are aware of the implications of the potential effects of breaking IT or privacy policies.
7. You might be dealing with different suppliers and contracts, and so will want to make sure that you get the best deal for you. An education law solicitor can prove invaluable so that you're not wasting time and resources on finding out whether the contract is legally binding, and what it really means to you.
8. Some educational establishments are reliant on donations or funding. All contributions and payments need to be properly processed and everything will need to be above board and legal for auditing and accounting purposes.
9. Estate management is an important aspect of modern educational work, and so your duties might involve negotiate the buying or selling of land, or need to be aware of the importance of planning, and dealing with the board of governors. You might also want to know how to make better use of the space that is already available to the school, college or university.
10. Perhaps you're considering a new building for your educational establishment, and want to know how to get the planning permission you need and meet the relevant environmental and construction laws that will affect you. An education law solicitor will be able to share their expertise, skills and knowledge in order to help you.
Education Law Solicitors specialising in School Admission Appeals : my school appeal