Universities
We have a particular specialism in advising students at Russell Group universities, both in disciplinary investigations and proceedings and in fitness to practise proceedings for those entering regulated professions. We focus on the student’s welfare, seeking to prevent escalation to outside agencies, minimising disruption to their studies and safeguarding their academic record.
We advise on a wide range of matters which includes issues of an academic nature but also allegations, both within and external to the confines of the university such as violent incidents, inappropriate behaviour or even sexual complaints.
Where necessary, we work alongside leading counsel and specialist experts in medicine, mental health, rehabilitation, and welfare to ensure that students have the support that they need during these processes, and to provide supporting material to the university if appropriate.
We regularly come across matters that have arisen via student social media and communications between student devices. We have access to technical experts to conduct analysis and are experienced in assisting clients to gather, preserve and present relevant digital material.
We often advise on the application of student policies and processes and can assist a student or family either by being the point of contact with the university or simply by working ‘behind the scenes’ to guide them through what are often very stressful circumstances.
Our advice is tailored to each student or family’s goals, whether that is maintaining the relationship with the university, or facilitating a smooth transfer to a new institution with guidance from an external educational consultant.
We also regularly support students facing parallel criminal investigations or prosecutions, ensuring coordinated representation across both education and legal processes.
In student fitness to practise cases, we represent students from the initial investigation through to full panel hearings. Given the potentially career-ending consequences of an adverse outcome, we understand the critical importance of achieving a positive result at this stage.
We can assist with:
- Advice and liaison with universities
- Guidance on disciplinary policies and procedures
- Preparation for disciplinary meetings and interviews
- Representation in investigations and hearings
- Parallel representation in criminal investigations and proceedings
- Fitness to practise investigations and panel proceedings
- Access to external experts
