Higher education legal specialist Gary Attle has joined UK Top 50 law firm Birketts as it looks to further strengthen its Education Team.
Gary joins Birketts as a consultant and has over 30 years’ experience as a solicitor in private practice. He has a strong track record of advising universities and colleges for most of his career on a wide range of legal issues, including governance, public law, charity law, equality law, data protection/freedom of information and student issues. He also gave evidence to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights for its 2017/18 Inquiry and Report into freedom of speech in universities and was previously Higher Education and Research sector lead as partner with another law firm for 20 years before joining up with Birketts.
Gary has advised universities and colleges on many significant disputes and inquiries relating to student and governance-related matters, including matters with an international element. He has also acted in leading Information Tribunal cases in the higher education sector concerning freedom of information and environmental information legislation.
On joining Birketts’ Education Team, Partner Abigail Trencher, Head of Birketts’ Education, said: “We welcome Gary to Birketts. He brings considerable experience and an excellent reputation from advising higher education institutions at a time when we are looking to extend our reach in the sector. Gary’s understanding of universities in terms of legal advice and disputes will be a major asset to the team and our clients.”
Gary said: “I am looking forward to playing a part in supporting the development of the Birketts’ existing legal practice in the higher education sector and joining a team and law firm which is ambitious and on an upward trajectory. It’s an exciting time to be joining the firm, especially with new developments in the higher education sector, such as in relation to freedom of speech.”
Gary has been recognised for many years in the legal directories as a leading adviser on higher education law. Beyond legal practice, Gary is also a member of the Advisory Panel for the social mobility charity IntoUniversity.
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