Kenji is a Partner in our Corporate Team and specialises in advising independent schools and special schools and colleges on a wide range of charity law, governance, corporate, commercial and strategic issues.  He has particular expertise helping schools consider strategic projects such as mergers, acquisitions, joint-ventures and collaborations.

Kenji and the award-winning VWV Education Transactions Team can help your school through all aspects of a strategic project, merger or acquisition. 

He also leads our team special schools and colleges team and is passionate about the support we provide to the SEN sector.  VWV are proud to be a corporate member of the National Association of Special Schools and many of our team and their families are invested in the sector as trustees,  governors and volunteers. 

Kenji has over 10 years working in the education and charity sector and 14+ years of experience on the boards of different education organisations and charities. He has also been seconded in-house to an international conservation charity and so understands first-hand the pressures directors, governors and trustees find themselves under as well as the importance of the commercial context into which legal advice needs to be given.

Working with schools through major strategic projects means Kenji gets to know his clients well, and he is recommended for his calm, light and pragmatic approach.

Kenji is based our Bristol office but can support you nationally.

Kenji has been extremely informative, knowledgeable and quick to  respond in these legal matters. He is a charming person to work with and has great integrity and  composure.

Head of Estates, children's hospice

What others say

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all your colleagues at VWV for a trojan effort on our behalf to get this over the line. Your advice has been so readily given with a seemingly limitless level of patience and courtesy which made this marathon endeavour a much calmer and more enjoyable process for me and I am sure the rest of the board too." - School Governor

"Many, many, thanks for the huge contribution you have made. You have always remained cool, calm and collected. Never once have you raised your voice or shown any element of intransigence. I am in admiration of your knowledge, discretion and patience." - School Governor, Strategic Project

''It is a real credit to you and the team for getting us to the end of what was a very (very!) long and complex process, maintaining exactly the right level of support, advice and guidance to allow the Board to make the best possible decisions throughout. We certainly could not of got to a successful conclusion without your very wise counsel.'' - School client

''Very responsive and approachable, plus good value for money, I would certainly recommend you again.'' - Private client 

What You Might Like to Know

Born in West Africa, raised in Asia and educated at a British boarding school, Kenji can embrace, bow or shake hands at will, but not all at the same time.

Outside of work, Kenji enjoys spending time with his family, neglecting DIY and attending a local church.

He is a member of the Charity Law Association and Lawyers' Christian Fellowship.

Other teams Kenji works with

As well as or Education team, Kenji works across many teams, including Real Estate, Employment, Regulatory Compliance, Charities, Commercial, Data Protection, SFRS and Dispute Resolution.

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Contact Kenji Batchelor

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