Legal Services

The Head of Legal Services is James Fearn. He supports the University Secretary and others by giving a qualified legal opinion on a range of issues.  James's specialisms include joint ventures, third party contracts, the student contract, intellectual property-related contracts (such as licences), data protection, international agreements (such as on course delivery abroad), human rights law, advice on students and staff with criminal records, legal relationships with LUU, research ethics and generally anything with a legal tone that is not litigation, employment or real property-related.

James manages Legal Services, which includes five further solicitors, Caroline Coulsey, Chloe Dunn, Liz Pollock (all part-time), Heather Jefferson and Mark Warner (full-time).

Caroline has over 18 years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution. These will typically involve contract disputes either with suppliers, joint venture partners, research partners or international contracts. The disputes may arise due to non-payment for services and/or alleged breaches of contractual terms, either on the part of the University or another party to the contract. Caroline also deals with the legal aspects of Health and Safety, child protection, and any other contentious areas which do not involve real estate or employment.

Chloé is a solicitor with around 5 years’ experience in employment law matters. Chloé has experience in drafting contracts of employment, policies, and settlement agreements. Chloé advises the University and Human Resources on day-to-day employment law queries, such as disciplinary and grievance procedures, termination of employment and compliance with the law. Chloé is also experienced in dealing with Employment Tribunal claims, for example claims for unfair dismissal and/or discrimination.

Liz is a solicitor who has over 20 years’ experience of practicing employment law.  She assists the University and Human Resources to manage their employment issues such as recruitment, grievances, disciplinaries, poor performance, sickness absence and freedom of speech.  Liz also defends Employment Tribunal claims and provides training to Human Resources.

Heather is an employment solicitor with 5 years’ experience and worked as in-house solicitor before joining the University. Heather is experienced in drafting and reviewing a range of documentation including employment contracts, settlement agreements and HR policies and procedures. Heather advises the University and Human Resources on a wide range of issues including termination of employment, avoidance of discrimination claims and advice relating to potential tribunal claims.

Mark has practised as a solicitor in England and in Scotland and has specialised variously in litigation, dispute resolution, professional misconduct and negligence and university research contracts.  Mark now focusses principally on contracts and general commercial work for the University.

Legal Services do not represent staff or students in an individual capacity.

 

Other University policies on which Legal Services can be consulted include:

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
• Anti-Bribery Policy
• LUU Codes and Procedures
• FOI Publication Scheme
• Policy on safeguarding children, young persons and vulnerable adults

 

Contact

You can contact the Legal Affairs team by sending an e-mail to Tracey Crombie.

 

Updated: 15 August 2025 (HJP)