Education, Ireland

Competition from overseas colleges and distance learning providers, the need to internationalise activities, statutory requirements as to governance and financial reporting, the recommendations of the McCarthy Report, as well as contracting sources of income are just some of the issues facing the education sector.

Our cross-disciplinary education team advises education providers, whether at primary, secondary, further education or higher education levels, across all areas of their activities.

Corporate and Commercial

Our commercial team has wide experience in advising clients on commercial agreements, including extensive experience in negotiating and drafting contracts for the supply of goods and/or services, outsourcing contracts and agency agreements. We can advise you upon the rules regarding procurement, and guide you through tender processes where necessary.

In addition, our corporate team has extensive experience in advising in respect of all company and corporate matters. We can advise institutions on spin outs, joint ventures, acquisitions, disposals and restructuring. We are also experienced in advising upon corporate governance issues. We have a dedicated company secretarial team which can help you manage company returns and filings.

Employment and HR

Our employment team is experienced in handling complex employment disputes and issues, advising employers through disciplinary procedures, employment tribunals and court hearings, as well as giving advice in relation to non-contentious issues such as recruitment, contracts and policies, and equal opportunities issues. They can also help you negotiate industrial relations and trade union campaigns and consultations.

Dispute Resolution and Students

We have extensive experience in dealing with the issues arising in managing the student relationship. We can advise you on student complaints and student discipline, academic appeals and fair admissions policies, as well as equality and discrimination issues. We also provide practical advice in relation to confidentiality and data protection issues.

Intellectual Property and Information Technology

Whilst patents and software copyright are frequently the most important matters for education providers from a commercialisation perspective, our Intellectual Property and Information Technology unit also works with education providers to advise upon all copyright, designs, trademark and other IP rights. They are dedicated to putting in place agreements to protect your systems, networks or services.

International Partnerships

Our education team draws upon the vast experience in this sector of our colleagues in Eversheds Sutherland in the UK, and across the Eversheds Sutherland International network, to help you to establish your institution in overseas markets. In doing so, we provide a seamless, multi-jurisdictional service.