Shakespeare Martineau strengthens dispute resolution offering with key partner hire

As part of its ongoing strategic expansion, leading law firm Shakespeare Martineau has appointed experienced higher education disputes specialist Nicola Bradfield as a partner in its Birmingham‑based dispute resolution team.

Qualifying as a solicitor in 2003 and with 24 years’ sector‑focused experience, Nicola will head Shakespeare Martineau’s contentious education practice.

She joins from Coventry University, where she was associate pro vice‑chancellor and general counsel, and before that founded and led the contentious universities team at Pinsent Masons.

Throughout her career Nicola has advised universities and further education colleges on complex, high‑value and reputation‑critical disputes, ranging from student litigation and regulatory investigations to multi-million‑pound commercial claims.

She is nationally recognised for authoring Universities UK’s sector guidance on student misconduct that underpins the Office for Students’ current E6 condition of registration.

Nicola, who will work with clients nationwide from Shakespeare Martineau’s Birmingham office, said: “Shakespeare Martineau is the leading firm in the education sector, providing robust support to the sector and willing to test and challenge where appropriate.

“I’m excited to bring my in‑house and private practice experience to a team that already sets the standard for robust support across the education sector. My aim is to provide strategic, practical advice that empowers institutions to deliver their transformative missions with confidence.”

Nicola will lead a growing group of specialists advising on student and staff disputes, regulatory challenges, crisis management and high‑stakes litigation. Her appointment highlights Shakespeare Martineau’s commitment to investing in top talent to meet soaring demand from education providers for strategic, sector‑specific dispute resolution expertise.

Tim Speed, partner and head of dispute resolution at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Nicola’s arrival is a significant milestone for our team and for our national education practice. Her track record in resolving reputation‑threatening issues and guiding boards through urgent, highly regulated scenarios is second to none. Clients will immediately benefit from her insight, energy and proven ability to secure successful outcomes under intense scrutiny.”