The range of issues educational institutions face are many and complex, whether they are government or non-government, schools or tertiary.
We have a wealth of experience in identifying and managing the legal aspects of education, and extensive experience acting for educational institutions, in both an advisory and dispute resolution context. We also have a strong track record in defending educational institutions in litigated and non-litigated claims both directly and under instructions from insurers.
We have expertise on the scope of duty of care and standard of care required by educational institutions. This includes responsibility and liability around monitoring students’ online behaviour, cyberbullying, sexting and other misuse of social media. We can also advise educational institutions on how to deal with mandatory reporting of suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to government authorities, which can vary across jurisdictions.
With over 40 years’ combined experience in the field of education-specific law and education administration, our education law team is testament to our long-term commitment to the education sector. Several of our team members are involved as board members of educational institutions and have practical insight into their governance and administration, particularly in secondary education.
Recent legal experience with educational institutions includes:
- an appeal to the Land and Environment Court over failure by a council to approve extensions and developments
- a detailed review and finalisation of the Child Protection Policy for secondary schools
- handling various insurance claims in respect of liability alleged against educational bodies
- involvement in coronial inquiries for educational bodies
- preparing employment contracts for senior staff in educational institutions
- acting in unfair dismissal claims by staff of educational institutions
- preparing and advising on building contracts for secondary and tertiary educational institutions
- general corporate and contractual advice
