Education

Supporting growth and innovation in the education sector

At McCullough Robertson, we partner with universities, schools, and other educational institutions to provide tailored legal solutions for today’s challenges while helping to future-proof their operations. Amid competition for funding, advancing technology, and complex compliance and regulatory challenges, we help education providers turn challenges into opportunities for growth and economic resilience.

Our dedicated education team has delivered comprehensive legal support to some of Australia’s most prominent educational institutions. From guiding long-term strategies to solving immediate commercial challenges, we draw on our deep sector knowledge to provide practical, strategic and fit-for-purpose advice.

Building and future-proofing your educational precincts

We specialise in delivering transformative educational precincts that drive growth and innovation. From planning and approvals to procurement and construction, our team provides end-to-end legal support for infrastructure development. By guiding you through every stage of the project lifecycle, we help you create facilities that support your institution’s vision and the needs of your students, staff and communities.

Strengthening governance, compliance and administrative decision-making

Effective governance and sound administrative processes are the backbone of a successful educational institution. Our expertise includes advising on governance frameworks, privacy obligations, policy development, record keeping and systems that enable strong decision-making. We have market-leading experience in internal reviews, merits reviews and judicial reviews in the context of administrative decisions, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and protecting your institution’s interests.

Complaint handling, misconduct investigation and integrity systems

We support post-secondary and higher education sector clients ensure complaint handling and investigations are conducted professionally, impartially and in a manner that withstands stakeholder and regulatory scrutiny. We have handled a range of complex and sensitive matters on behalf of our education sector clients. Our investigations and inquiry processes ensure procedural fairness, policy compliance and, where needed, effective and trusted liaison with oversight agencies dealing with corruption, public audit or other similar functions.

Embracing technology and commercial innovation

Our team has guided numerous education clients through the adoption of cutting-edge technology and digital infrastructure. This includes advising on digital engagement platforms, AI-powered solutions, online library systems, student management software, and IT procurement projects. With a deep understanding of the sector’s unique budgetary, social, and legislative constraints, we help institutions balance innovation with transparency, accountability, and best practices.

Ensuring compliance, safety, and operational excellence

We provide comprehensive legal services designed to maintain compliance, promote workplace safety, and protect the interests of all stakeholders. Our expertise spans:

Governance and structuring;
Finance and property development;
Planning and approvals;
Commercial contracts and corporate transactions;
Intellectual property and commercialisation;
Research and development agreements;
Technology, privacy and data;
Digital infrastructure acquisitions, CISP projects, QITC/IT software acquisitions;
Administrative review and judicial review proceedings;
Right to information and information privacy, including litigious appeal processes;
Discrimination claims;
Academic misconduct claims and appeals (internal and external);
Employment relations and safety;
Leasing and property; and
Construction, procurement and project delivery.

Embedded in the education community, championing change and inspiring innovation

Our involvement in education goes beyond legal advice. We are proud to contribute to the sector by championing industry boards and committees, delivering keynote addresses and lectures, supporting scholarship initiatives, and providing mentorship. Our close connection to the education community gives us unique insight into the sector’s needs and challenges, allowing us to deliver solutions that align with institutions’ goals and values. We perfectly balance the intimate service delivery of a local provider across Queensland and New South Wales but with the strength and resources of one of Australia’s largest leading independent law firms.