Simon Bevan to Retire from the VWV Partnership

13 May 2025

After 28 years as a specialist employment lawyer, having joined VWV as a trainee solicitor in 1997, Simon Bevan will be retiring from the partnership on 31 October 2025.

Simon is nationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading employment lawyers for independent schools. A member of the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, he has long been regarded as a trusted adviser to some of the most prominent schools in the sector, including Clifton College, Cranleigh School, the Haberdashers’ Monmouth School and Rugby School.

Simon has led VWV’s Safer Recruitment training programme and is known for his pragmatic and insightful advice on complex employment and safeguarding issues. One of his highlights was acting on the landmark Harpur Trust case, with judgment in the Supreme Court in 2022 and a change to the law on holiday pay in 2023. This was made extra special as he worked with his university friend, Caspar Glyn KC.

A former university lecturer, Simon has contributed regularly to national conferences and sector forums. He is known not only for his legal expertise, but also for his calm, strategic and relationship-driven approach.

Throughout his time at VWV, Simon has been deeply committed to mentoring and developing others, ensuring that client relationships are supported by individuals who understand the needs of each organisation. This long-term focus on continuity and succession means that all clients will be supported by lawyers who are already well known to them.

It has been a privilege to work with so many outstanding independent schools and school leaders over the years. I have learned a great deal from clients and colleagues alike. I am proud of the work we’ve done together. I know the team will continue to offer clients the market leading independent school sector insight, support and continuity for which VWV is famous.

Simon Bevan

Simon has been a trusted colleague and friend for over 25 years. His wisdom, integrity and calm judgement have shaped both our team and the wider independent schools sector. He has played a vital role in growing VWV’s schools practice into the largest in the UK and has mentored many of the lawyers who will now carry that work forward. His contribution has been exceptional.

Barney Northover, Partner and Head of Independent Schools

Simon will remain with the firm until the end of October to support a smooth handover. We are enormously grateful for his many contributions to VWV and wish him the very best for whatever comes next.