Education Law

We act for specialist schools, state schools and independent schools. We offer advice and assistance to Boards of Trustees, Principals, Teachers, Employees, Parents and alternative stakeholders in the education sector.

Statutory obligations, employment matters and compliance issues can distract Boards of Trustees, Principals and teachers from their core role as educators, consuming teaching time and time with students and the school community. Early intervention is key to managing a problematic situation before it escalates. We provide practical solutions and legal advice to support educators or members of the school community to resolve any of a myriad of disputes that may strike at any time. We specialise in early intervention strategies and alternative dispute resolution. When that is not possible our team led by Heather Murdoch has expertise in:

Disciplinary issues and employment disputes
Employment law issues and employment relationship problems
Statutory and Regulatory compliance, including responsibilities and obligations under the Education and Training Act, Health and Safety at Work Act,
Employment Relations Act
Regulations and Our Code/Our Standards

Mandatory reports
Governance and Management
Internal and external workplace investigations
Parent concerns and complaints
Official Information Act and Privacy Act requests
Ombudsman Act complaints
Policy and Procedures

Stand-downs, suspensions, exclusions and expulsions
Medical capacity issues including mental health issues affecting staff and students
Health and disability
Facilitation, negotiation and mediation assistance

Ahakoa iti he iti māpihi pounamu

There is a singular beauty and immense value in the tiniest piece of pounamo

Heather Murdoch

Our education team is led by Heather Murdoch. Heather has over 35 years’ of experience. Through-out her career Heather has specialised in education law, dispute resolution/litigation alternative dispute resolution, employment law and civil litigation. Heather combines expertise in education law with a practical and common sense approach. She is regularly invited to be a presenter at education conferences and is specialist in skills based workshops.

Principal
LLB (Hons) AAMINZ , ANZELA
Education | Alternative Dispute Resolution| Employment | Investigations

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Hear from our happy clients

The appointed board of the two specialist residential schools, Halswell Residential College in Christchurch and Westbridge Residential School in Auckland, has on several occasions required the services of Trollope and Co for advice and support on various issues, including employment matters and issues of an historical nature. The advice received from Heather has always been provided in a manner and format understandable to lay people. Most importantly it has provided the board with assurance around its actions. This advice has always reflected Heather's wisdom and common sense approach to the law. It is without hesitation or reservation that I recommend Trollope and Co to any school requiring legal assistance,

Dave Turnbull

Board Chair

So reassuring to have someone of your calibre [Heather] and experience (and sense of humour) on board with us.

Glen McKenzie

St Albans School

Looking for help with Educational Law?

Get in touch with the Trollope & Co team, and we'll let you know how we can help.

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