Two experienced lawyers working across the education sector have been promoted to partner at leading North East independent law firm Muckle LLP.

Jill Donabie has over 16 years’ experience and specialises in complex employment and HR issues with an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by schools, colleges and universities.

She has advised on many school conversions, governance and student issues and has provided highly acclaimed and accredited employment law/HR training to schools and MATs.

Robin Adams has 20 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer. In addition to the extensive work he continues to do within Muckle LLP’s commercial team, Robin acts for schools, colleges and universities on commercial transactions, advising  on constitutional and governance matters, charity and corporate structures and public procurement.

Following their promotions, Robin will lead the firm’s advice to its higher education clients, Jill will lead on school client services and partner Joanne Davison already leads Muckle LLP’s further education work.

Tony McPhillips, partner and head of the education team, said: “We are delighted to have promoted Jill and Robin to partner and congratulate them both on their new roles, which enhance the support we offer the region’s education sector.

“It is important that North East educators have access to local legal advisers with the required technical skills, capacity and understanding of sector and regional challenges.

“Our education team has advised many of the region’s universities and colleges and has helped deliver over 150 academy conversions within the North East alone, and I am immensely proud of our team’s growth.”

Newcastle based Muckle LLP’s education team works with universities, colleges, multi-academy trusts and independent schools across the UK but particularly in the North East.

The firm sits on the one-stop-shop legal panel for the Higher Education Procurement Consortia which means it is one of only 10 law firms that can offer its full range of services to scores of higher education organisations across England and Wales.

To find out more, please visit www.muckle-llp.com