HIGHER EDUCATION - STUDENT CASES

For most students, their time at university runs smoothly. However, for some others, things go wrong – perhaps with admission to courses, with proper teaching or supervision during the course, or with awards and other funding. There may also be problems with disciplinary actions, or refusals to award qualifications. Students are also increasingly concerned that their university may not be complying with its obligations under the law relating to disability discrimination.

Elaine Maxwell has been advising both universities and students since 1991 which gives her a close insight into the issues that are likely to be raised. In addition we have been providing advice and training for student union advisors on legal remedies since 1994. Our experience of higher education law is among the most extensive in the country. Whatever the problem, we will assess your case from a background of in-depth practical knowledge, advise you on what action you should take, and whether legal proceedings are justified and (more importantly) likely to succeed.

We work closely with many student union advisors, who are often in the best position to negotiate initially with the university, once we provide them with legal back-up. Where you have been advised by a student union, we would normally expect them to telephone us on your behalf if they consider that yours is a problem that requires the help of a lawyer.

As shown in the following case studies, we have successfully acted for students over a wide range of issues including

• Refusal to admit students once formally accepted onto a course
• Unlawful expulsion from University
• Failure to run degree programme or placements adequately
• Failure to supervise post-graduate degrees
• Disability discrimination in admission, exclusion and provision of support
• Misrepresentation over bursary eligibility and funding
• Refusal of LEA to pay appropriate awards
• Refusal to issue degrees for non-payment of alleged debts