Smith Hamilton was founded in 2014 as a boutique firm focused on corporate and commercial law, with expertise in fund management and advising senior executives, shareholders and entrepreneurs.
In 2023, the firm became part of MEUM Group, a multidisciplinary platform supporting ultra-high-net-worth individuals, their families and their businesses. During this period, our practice broadened significantly to include family, private client, education, charities and regulatory work, employment, and dispute resolution.
The law firm is now building on that growth to operate independently once again under the Smith Hamilton name. This transition reflects a natural progression in our growth and allows us to focus fully on delivering an integrated legal service under a single specialist brand, while retaining the expanded expertise developed over recent years.
For our clients, it remains very much business as usual – the same team, the same relationships, and an even broader depth of capability.
Education
A specialist practice advising students, families and sponsors where academic decisions threaten future careers.
We advise students, families and sponsors on education matters where academic decisions have significant long-term consequences. Our work includes supporting clients through academic appeals, judicial reviews of university decisions where procedures may have been unlawful or unfair, and complaints to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) when internal processes are exhausted.
We also represent students in academic misconduct cases, appeals against termination, discrimination matters involving inadequate support or adjustments, and postgraduate supervision disputes. Our approach is clear, strategic and sensitive to the pressures students face, with a focus on securing fair outcomes and protecting future prospects.
Key Figure
Tanya Thomas
Partner
Our Education Services
Academic Appeals
Judicial Review of University Decisions
Complaints to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA)
Academic Misconduct Cases
Appeals Against Termination
Disability Discrimination Matters
Postgraduate Supervision Disputes
We support students seeking to challenge academic decisions that affect progression, grades or awards. Our work focuses on presenting strong evidence and ensuring institutions follow fair procedures.
- Preparing appeal submissions and written representations
- Identifying procedural errors or unfair assessment processes
- Advising on evidence and supporting documentation
- Communicating with universities on behalf of students
- Guiding clients through internal appeal stages
We advise on judicial review applications where university decisions may be unlawful, unreasonable or procedurally unfair.
- Assessing the legal basis for judicial review
- Preparing pre-action correspondence
- Drafting grounds and supporting evidence
- Liaising with external counsel where needed
- Managing time-sensitive court processes
We assist students in escalating complaints to the OIA when university procedures have been exhausted.
- Preparing detailed OIA complaint submissions
- Reviewing university decision letters for errors
- Gathering supporting evidence and documentation
- Advising on possible outcomes and remedies
- Managing communication throughout the OIA process
We represent students accused of misconduct such as plagiarism, collusion or exam irregularities, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
- Advising on allegations and evidence
- Preparing written statements and explanations
- Supporting clients in disciplinary meetings or hearings
- Identifying procedural or evidential issues
- Negotiating appropriate outcomes
We act for students facing termination from their programme due to academic performance, conduct or attendance issues.
- Reviewing termination decisions for procedural fairness
- Drafting appeals and supporting evidence
- Advising on mitigating circumstances
- Representation at academic or disciplinary panels
- Exploring alternative pathways or reinstatement options
We advise students who have not received appropriate support, adjustments or treatment in line with equality obligations.
- Assessing failures to provide reasonable adjustments
- Challenging discriminatory treatment or decisions
- Preparing formal complaints and appeals
- Negotiating support measures with institutions
- Advising on potential legal routes
We assist postgraduate students experiencing issues with supervision, academic progress, or research support.
- Challenging inadequate supervision or missed milestones
- Addressing breakdowns in supervisory relationships
- Advising on extensions, interruptions or alternative supervision
- Preparing formal complaints or submissions
- Supporting students through escalation procedures
Our Team
Who We Act For
Our clients value clear advice, commercial judgement and a calm, steady hand during complex transactions.