Gary Attle

Gary is a Consultant in Birketts’ Education Team.
Gary has over 30 years’ experience as a Solicitor in private practice and has advised 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 was a contributing editor to the first edition of Farrington & Palfreyman’s text book The Law of Higher Education. Gary was invited to give evidence to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights for its 2017/18 Inquiry and Report into freedom of speech in universities.
In 2023, he retired from the partnership at Mills & Reeve LLP, where he had been Sector Leader for the firm’s work in the Higher Education and Research Sector for over 20 years.
Gary is continuing his career as a Consultant at Birketts LLP, supporting the development of the firm’s existing legal practice in the higher education sector.
He has been recognised for many years in the legal directories as a leading adviser on the law relating to higher education. He is also a member of the Advisory Panel for the social mobility charity IntoUniversity.
Recent work highlights
During the course of his career, 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 acted in leading Information Tribunal cases in the higher education sector concerning freedom of information and environmental information legislation.
Experience & education
2025 Consultant (Education Sector), Birketts LLP
1999 – 2024 Partner, Mills & Reeve LLP
1992 Qualified as a Solicitor, Mills & Reeve LLP
1990 College of Law
1986 – 1989 Degree in Jurisprudence, Lincoln College, Oxford University
Areas of Expertise
Accreditations
Chambers [UK 2025]
Ranked in Band 1
Legal 500 [UK 2025]
Hall of Fame