Leading Education Lawyer Graham Shaw Joins VWV as Partner

30 Jun 2025

VWV is delighted to welcome Graham Shaw as a new Partner in the firm's Academies and Maintained Schools Team to help grow the reach of the team in the North and the Midlands.

Shaw has more than two decades of experience advising schools and trusts on some of the most complex and high-impact legal matters in the education sector.

Shaw joins VWV from Wrigleys Solicitors LLP, where he was a Consultant in the Education Team. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading education lawyers, his expertise covers trust growth, governance, compliance, education law and commercial contracts. His career highlights include forming and advising over 80 multi-academy trusts and supporting more than 200 academy conversions and transfers.

Commenting on Shaw's appointment, Chloe Brunton, Head of VWV’s Academies Team, said:

"We’re thrilled to welcome Graham to VWV. His experience, insight and passion for the sector are clearly evident to us. He brings a rare combination of deep technical knowledge and genuine care for the schools and trusts he supports. His arrival strengthens our ability to support clients with the complex challenges and opportunities facing the education sector today."

Chloe Brunton

Shaw added:

"I’m excited to join VWV – a firm I’ve long admired for its values and commitment to the education sector. I look forward to working with colleagues and clients to continue delivering exceptional service and solutions that help schools and trusts make a difference in their communities."

Graham Shaw

Shaw's appointment reflects VWV's ongoing investment in its growing Academies and Maintained Schools Team. His arrival comes at a time when more clients are navigating a range of pressures in education provision and in their finances and operations shaped by emerging policy and legislation as well as the needs of pupils and budget pressures.