Specialising exclusively on cases involving special educational needs, Douglas Silas Solicitors represent parents of children and young people, going ‘above and beyond’ with their ‘care and compassion for every individual case’. The practice is led by the hugely experienced Douglas Silas, who frequently assists in disputes with local authorities regarding EHCP, EHC needs assessments and represents clients in SEN and disability tribunal appeals.
Education: individuals in London
Douglas Silas Solicitors
Practice head(s):
Douglas Silas
Testimonials
‘Their care and compassion for every individual case from everyone is above and beyond.’
‘Deals solely with EHCP tribunal. This is a small dedicated team, who are very experienced and knowledgeable about this subject. ’
‘Individuals in the team are incredibly empathetic and understanding. Passionate.’
‘Douglas’ specialism and express clear from the outset. Being a person with additional physical needs himself, it was clear that he bought his personal experiences and insights to the case, but with it very much being about our child and his needs.’
‘Douglas and his team are simply fantastic, they supported us to fight for the correct school placement for our child with SEN and ensured he had a robust ECHP. They are professional, great communicators and give excellent advice. They are efficient and lovely to deal with. Throughout, Douglas Silas, Samantha Hill (personal assistant) and Adam Long (SEN specialist) always made time to explain the options and hear any concerns. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again and are forever grateful for their dedication and perseverance.’
‘Douglas is an inspiration. He seamlessly blends his professional legal talents with unwavering empathy, decency and generosity. We felt in extremely capable hands and trusted his advice throughout. We were delighted with the result. Adam Long (SEN specialist) and Samantha Hill (personal assistant) are key members of his team and we have the greatest respect for them too. This is personal service and it felt like we were a strong team.’
‘Specialist experience in this sector, which can be very difficult and emotional to navigate, due to the fact that the issues being dealt with are mainly based around the well-being of children and children’s education. A firm like Douglas Silas can help support in multiple ways.’
‘Douglas Silas himself has special needs. He is able to relate to problems being encountered. His practice is therefore very capable and is backed by first hand experiences. He is actually quite a motivational personality, having achieved impactful work, despite the clear health and mobility challenges he faces on a day to day basis. His team are superbly supportive, both Samantha Hill (personal assistant) and Adam Long (SEN specialist) are attentive and helpful.’
Work highlights
Doyle Clayton
Doyle Clayton handles the full range of advice to various education providers, from prep schools to large multi-academy trusts, working collaboratively with professional associations, trade unions and examination boards. Acting for parents, students, lecturers and teachers, the education team is led by ‘outstanding’ Simon Henthorn and assists with issues such as safeguarding, discrimination and freedom of speech or in respect to education, health and care plans. ‘Sensational’ Amara Ahmad is the firm’s key contact for special educational needs (SEND) and safeguarding matters. Legal director James Murray joined in October 2023 and has particular expertise on academic freedom and free expression on campus, while Rose Smith‘s broad practice covers employment and education issues.
Practice head(s):
Simon Henthorn
Other key lawyers:
Amara Ahmad; James Murray; Jonathan Robinson; Rose Smith
Testimonials
‘Simon Henthorn was outstanding. He was very clear in his assessment of options, very open about likely outcomes, and entirely dependable.’
‘The team is highly impressive. It has an exceptional focus and depth of expertise in the field of academic employment law that places it ahead of every other major firm in London.’
‘Simon Henthorn was a model legal adviser: always impeccably prepared, swift to respond, and the source of detailed and ultimately victorious advice.’
‘Doyle Clayton Solicitors stands out for its exceptional representation in educational rights cases. Amara and Jonathan are key figures known for their dedication and expertise. Amara offers meticulous attention to detail and empathetic support, while Jonathan excels in strategic thinking and advocacy, often using the latest legal technologies.’
‘Jonathan Robinson at Doyle Clayton Solicitors played a pivotal role in my case. Jonathan’s strategic thinking and strong advocacy were crucial in resolving the dispute in my favour. He meticulously crafted compelling arguments and effectively presented them, ensuring a successful outcome. His expertise and dedication provided much-needed support during a challenging time, demonstrating his commitment to achieving justice for his clients.’
‘Amara Ahmad is sensational. Very empathetic, hardworking and strategic.’
‘Amara Ahmad is forensic, methodical, strategic, navigates a path with immense blend of legal prowess, sector insight and thoughtfulness. If you have a case or need representation in public sector/education law, you need Amara Ahmad on your side.’
‘Doyle Clayton, under the guidance of Amara Ahmad and Jonathan Robinson, is a shining example of professionalism, knowledge, and tenacity in the field of educational law. They are an invaluable resource for anybody navigating the complexity of educational legal concerns because of their uncompromising attention to getting the best possible solutions and their unwavering commitment to their clients.’
Key clients
Almut Gadgow
Work highlights
- Almut Gadow is suing her former employer and others for – among other things – discrimination arising from her gender critical beliefs and her belief in academic freedom.
Irwin Mitchell
Acting for children, young people and their families, Irwin Mitchell‘s education department covers all aspects of education law including special educational needs, disability discrimination and judicial reviews. Based in Sheffield, Yogi Amin
is head of the public law and human rights department and leads the firm’s national education practice. Angela Jackman KC (Hon) in London handles issues at the intersection of education, mental capacity and human rights, and Oliver Studdert is adept in children’s rights, community care and court of protection work. Rachael Smurthwaite has particular experience in dealing with SEND cases involving individuals with autistic spectrum disorder, and on education judicial review challenges. Associate Esther Salter who joined the firm from Simpson Millar LLP in March 2023 further strengthens the teams’ SEND work.
Practice head(s):
Yogi Amin
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Studdert; Angela Jackman KC (Hon); Rachael Smurthwaite
Testimonials
‘Rachael Smurthwaite has been extremely positive, responsive and successful in achieving a positive outcome for our son’s EHCP to get the college placement that was most suitable for him. This work has spanned several academic years as we have needed Rachael’s intervention each year at annual review to maintain this placement.’
‘The Team encourages diversity and, in my experience with the firm, it encompasses a great degree of clients, including parents of children with significant learning and medical needs, who ordinarily require significant adaptations.’
‘Esther Salter is a fabulous team player and communicator. She is highly effective in resolving disputes in advance of hearings. She brings parties together and skillfully facilitates communication, having her client’s best interest in mind but also looking for realistic solutions. She is an innovative person, also looking to skill up colleagues and improve the quality of the services delivered.’
‘Lauren Haines is an excellent communicator, always making herself available to support and diminish any difficulties in communicating to various parties. She is positive and highly effective, whilst being acutely aware and respecting professional boundaries.’
‘A top tier education law team that has grown in strength considerably in recent years.’
‘Angela Jackman and Ollie Studdert are the standout with many years of top education law experience behind them.’
‘The team at Irwin Mitchell are highly efficient and effective at collaborating in support of families who are in need of their expertise around children’s special educational needs. There is a culture of “excellent listening” and then of providing appropriate action which is wholly focused upon how best to address the often complex layers of a child’s special educational needs. Their trustworthiness – to keep a child’s rights and best interests central in all circumstances – is a particularly valuable feature, in my view.’
‘Esther Salter couples the provision of consistently excellent support and legal expertise with equally consistent and excellent, empathetic efforts to understand what is needed for a child’s special educational needs. Esther always listens to what is shared and then unpicks the legal options that are available with an awareness of the need for a timely response. I highly recommend her services and legal expertise without reservation.’
Work highlights
Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP
Noted for its capabilities when handling matters related to the rights and interests of disabled children and adults and their families, Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP‘s education department acts for individuals in the Tribunal, and in strategic cases in both the Tribunal and in claims for judicial review relating to special educational needs. ‘Standout’ Polly Sweeney who is the ‘go-to person for any tricky SEN case’; Caroline Barrett whose practice covers complex appeals at the crossover between special educational needs, healthcare provision, and social care provision, and Anne-Marie Irwin who is experienced in advising on social care and healthcare matters within the Tribunal, as well as judicial reviews, head the practice. Jennifer Wright deals with complex tribunal claims and ‘has been outstanding in her advice’.
Practice head(s):
Polly Sweeney; Caroline Barrett; Anne-Marie Irwin
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Wright
Testimonials
‘Probably the best out there for complex disabilities.’
‘Caroline Barrett and Polly Sweeney are first-rate and hugely proficient. Very good on disability discrimination and very complex EHCP cases involving children with rare disorders.’
‘Polly Sweeney is a first class lawyer with outstanding experience in this field; very engaging and personable; immediately puts clients at ease.’
Key clients
KR
TR
ADDV
CW
MS
Family members of residents of Purbeck View School
TW and KW
Work highlights
- Acted for the parents of an 18 year old with complex needs. Through issuing a SEND Tribunal appeal we secured a specialist 52 week residential placement.
- Assisted the client in an Upper Tribunal appeal in relation to a claim of disability discrimination. The Tribunal determined that the exclusion was disproportionate and therefore discriminatory.
- Assistance in challenging the decision to end the 52 week residential placements of three young disabled people at Purbeck View School with 3 weeks’ notice and nowhere to move.
Simpson Millar LLP
Simpson Millar LLP‘s education and children’s rights offering spans the full range of education law and social care issues, such as securing independent special school placements and residential provision, the full range of SEN matters, admission, discrimination and exclusion, and judicial reviews. The group is jointly headed by Sarah Woosey in Leeds and Dan Rosenberg in London. While Rosenberg has vast experience in exclusions, admissions, and SEN, as well as judicial reviews, Woosey frequently represents families in Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal appeals and in discrimination claims. She leads the firm’s education and children's rights team. Rachel Scales who is ‘a real asset to the team’, and Heather Davidson who ‘achieves brilliant results for her clients’ are of note.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Woosey; Dan Rosenberg
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Scales; Heather Davidson
Testimonials
‘The biggest and best legal aid education law team hands down. Great to work with, the leaders in the field for SEND and school exclusion matters.’
‘Dan Rosenberg is the best school exclusions solicitor in the country.’
‘Heather Davidson achieves brilliant results for her clients- so dedicated and a great strategist and drafter. A case from Heather is meticulously prepared.’
Key clients
Steve Bowen -Chair of Kent Humanists
Work highlights
- Instructed by Steve Bowen, a humanist and Chair of Kent Humanists. The case involved a successful judicial review challenge to the refusal of Kent County Council to allow Mr Bowen to join Group A of the local authority’s Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education on the basis because he was a humanist.
- Instructed by TTT, a Muslim pupil at Michaela School in Brent. She was challenging the school’s ban on ‘prayer rituals’. This ban prevented her from praying in what she considered to be her free time during the lunch break. There was very significant interest in the case, (effectively a test case on the banning of prayer in a school), and also because of the high public profile of the Defendant school and its headteacher. The Judgment is awaited.
- East Sussex v Sara Moult, a case in the FTT originally brought by the parent of Jake Moult. Jake has complex SEN and the Local Authority had failed to name a suitable school for him to attend. The parents challenged the Local Authority successfully. Unusually, they also secured costs against the Local Authority for their improper conduct through the case.
Sinclairslaw
Reputed by clients for covering ‘the whole area of education disputes’ Sinclairslaw represents children with special educational needs and their families. The education team is headed by ‘standout lawyer’ Helen Gill, who frequently acts for individuals in judicial reviews challenging local authorities on issues such as EHCP. In Cardiff, Michael Charles and Christopher McFarland‘s practice covers a range of issues, including SEN matters and judicial reviews. Senior consultant Paul Conrathe represents parents and members of academic staff in sensitive matters concerning hormonal treatment for adolescents suffering from gender dysphoria, prayer rituals and abortion legislation.
Practice head(s):
Helen Gill
Other key lawyers:
Michael Charles; Christopher McFarland; Paul Conrathe; Adam Mercer
Testimonials
‘The firm provide excellent legal and paralegal support in large-scale, important public law litigation. Service levels are equivalent to much larger firms, for significantly lower fees.’
‘Paul Conrathe did an outstanding job in fraught circumstances in the recent Michaela School case.
‘Adam Mercer is a highly efficient solicitor who keeps the show on the road no matter how tight the deadlines.’
Key clients
Swalcliffe Park
Heidi Crowter
Michaela School
Anna Castle
Sue Evans
Work highlights
- Advised Swalcliffe Park School regarding a judicial review of the Woking Council’s decision to name it in Section I of a child’s EHCP.
- Advised Michaela School regarding a judicial review of the school’s policy to ban prayer rituals on its premises.
- Advised Sue Evans regarding a challenge of the CQC’s decision to license the first paediatric clinic to provide hormonal treatment for adolescents suffering from gender dysphoria.
Bindmans LLP
Demonstrating vast experience in a broad range of education law matters, such as acting for children with Special Educational Needs in judicial reviews and tribunals, the Bindmans LLP education law practice also acts in discrimination, safeguarding and free speech cases within the education sector, as well as acting for clients in admissions, exclusions and education transport cases. Karen May heads the team, specialising in judicial review and tribunal cases and is praised as ‘a real leader in the field’. Other key members of the team are John Halford with a focus on judicial reviews and litigation; crime, fraud and regulatory partner Kate Goold who is reputed for her extradition work, and Alex Temple who ‘is clearly the next big thing in education law’.
Practice head(s):
Karen May
Other key lawyers:
John Halford; Kate Goold; Alex Temple
Testimonials
‘The team was amazing. As a parent who has felt like the system let my child down my faith was restored by the team at Bindmans. They endured my son was at the heart of every decision whilst also ensuring the law was followed. Everything was made clear, and I was kept informed throughout the whole process.’
‘Karen May is kind, professional, respectful and amazing at her job. You can tell she’s passionate about her profession and ensures that you as a parent of a SEN/ disabled child are informed thoroughly of the whole process. Her communication is amazing and I felt heard and that my child would finally receive the education he was entitled to. I am extremely happy and thankful for the help and support we received.’
‘Bindmans has a well-respected education practice. They know how to make successful applications for legal aid. They are tenacious on behalf of their clients, but more realistic than many claimant-only firms. Knowledge on the law and the system. I consistently recommend Bindmans to individuals looking for education solicitors.’
‘Karen May is a real leader in the field. Wonderful with clients and a terrific negotiator of settlements- she achieves great results for her clients.’
‘Alex Temple is clearly the next big thing in education law. Very articulate, he was the standout presenter at the Legal Action Group Education Law Conference. He acts in complex judicial reviews, particularly concerning the Equality Act 2010, school exclusions and higher education issues. A real standout performer.’
‘Bindmans has excellent cross-sector expertise and resources in order to assist counsel focus on the key issues. On each occasion I have worked with them the relationship between counsel and solicitors has been collaborative and fruitful.’
‘Emma Vardey was exceptional – a real pleasure to work with. Highly competent and collegiate.’
‘Karen May is a tremendous lawyer and really cares about her clients.’
Work highlights
Geldards LLP
With a focus on representing parents before SEND Tribunals, Geldards LLP has experience in mental capacity law, and judicial review claims relating to issues such as admission appeals, non-provision of special education provision, and home-to-school transport. The department is led by Adam Friel who has vast experience in acting for parents in first-tier tribunal (SEND) appeals. Kevin McManamon is well versed in SEN and mental capacity cases and Welsh education law. Douglas Hamer is praised for his ‘meticulously detailed and nuanced understanding of the factors that are necessary to build strong supporting evidence in the case of EHCP appeals’ and Salise Dourmoush is also highly recommended.
Practice head(s):
Adam Otterway Friel
Other key lawyers:
Kevin McManamon; Douglas Hamer; Salise Dourmoush
Testimonials
‘Adam Friel is the country’s top expert in this domain. He was not only knowledgeable but had the patience to explain things well to us and give us the best advice. Words cannot express how grateful we are to Adam. He was always calm, professional, friendly, caring, highly intelligent and knowledgeable.’
‘Overall the team at Geldards provided us with excellent legal care. They understood the complexities of our case, and dealt with all matters that arose in a timely and very efficient manner. We were thrilled with the service they provided.’
‘Douglas Hamer has a meticulously detailed and nuanced understanding of the factors that are necessary to build strong supporting evidence in the case of EHCP appeals. He has been instrumental in recommending educational and mental health specialists and they’ve all contributed to us building a solid case. His experience shows through, we would be lost without his knowledge and holistic understanding. We’re thankful to have found someone that intimately understands this area.’
‘Douglas Hamer is a brilliant neurodivergent lawyer who fully understands the law around the needs of SEND children as well as the life-changing impact the appropriate education can have on their lives and the lives of their families. He communicates extremely well and is highly approachable, as well as being extremely thorough in his legal approach.’
‘I would describe our solicitor Douglas Hamer as a genius. I quickly realised I had struck gold by instructing Doug. His attention to detail is unparalleled.’
‘I do not have enough words to describe how fantastic Salise Dourmoush is and would highly recommend her to any family seeking legal support for their child!! She is passionate, honest, incredibly caring, shows great integrity and is a genuine team player. She is also a ‘secret weapon’ having worked for a Local Authority in her earlier professional life which we found incredibly reassuring as she was able to predict how the other party might respond.’
‘Adam Friel – the Head of Department – has a very niche focus on English SEN law which he has practised ever since his training contract. This has given him an in-depth knowledge and expertise in the area. Whilst very strong on the law, he is unafraid to seek expert counsel or witness advice when needed. He has a real passion for what he does.’
‘Kevin McManamon – will always go the extra mile and genuinely cares about the children and young people he supports. He understands about making adjustments for parents who may have differences and needs to be accommodated. This is invaluable when as a parent you are facing the most stressful time of your life, he puts parents at ease.’
Key clients
KT
SD
AK
SR
OA
LN
SP
EL
AR
FS
IS and ES
SG
DH
HT
SP
RF
MS
MP
GR
Work highlights
- Successfully represented KT defending an appeal brought to the Upper Tribunal by the London Borough of Camden.
- Successfully acted for a child (SP) in Judicial Review proceedings enforcing on the non-provision of special educational needs against Wokingham Borough Council.
- Succeeded in establishing that the high threshold contained within s 19 Education Act 1996 was met and therefore obtaining an EOTAS package (“Education Other Than At School”) in an appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Payne Hicks Beach LLP
Payne Hicks Beach LLP‘s specialist education practice represents students and their parents in a wide range of matters, regarding admissions arrangements and appeals, exclusions and appeals as well as advice relating to byelaws, regulations and examinations. ‘Excellent’ litigator Ane Vernon spearheads the team and has extensive experience in education-related disputes, often involving sensitive issues such as safeguarding issues and allegations of sexual and other misconduct, as well as in judicial review proceedings. Dominic Crossley assists his clients in disciplinary matters, while the head of the defence and investigations team Mark Jones covers education disputes overlapping with criminal allegations.
Practice head(s):
Ane Vernon
Other key lawyers:
Dominic Crossley; Mark Jones
Testimonials
‘Ane Vernon is simply excellent. A very fine legal mind, she is pragmatic, thinks of all possible angles, and is not afraid to give her assessment of the situation even if she knows that’s not what the client was hoping to hear (which is incredibly valuable). As an Education Law specialist, whilst her clients are typically a child’s parents, she remains focused on achieving the best outcome for the child. Her experience as a litigator is a particularly helpful additional skillset should the need for a more combative approach be required (even if matters do not end up in litigation). And she’s very reactive.’
‘Their experience in the private school sector was a big attraction for us and their success rate in winning parent vs school cases.’
‘Ane Vernon was very supportive and knowledgeable regarding the inner workings and mind set of private schools and their headmasters. She was also very supportive and mindful of our child’s wants and needs during the whole process meaning that their wishes were upheld and respected.’
‘Ane Vernon was on the other side in a dispute with a school. She was acting for the parents and I was acting for the school. She was excellent – technically very sound and very reasonable, pragmatic and constructive to deal with. We were able to reach a resolution in difficult circumstances.’
Work highlights
Russell-Cooke LLP
Russell-Cooke LLP is equipped to handle a wide range of matters for neuro-divergence and parenting children with SEN, alongside other education related matters such as school admissions and exclusion appeals, complaints to the local authorities and securing interim education options and school transport. The children and education department is jointly headed by Eva Akins, the head of education law, and Sarah Richardson, the head of children law. The firm’s reach was extended through the arrivals of associate Erin Smart and of legal director Victoria Federico who joined from Shoosmiths LLP in July 2023.
Practice head(s):
Eva Akins; Sarah Richardson
Other key lawyers:
Lenka Wall; Victoria Federico; Erin Smart
Testimonials
‘Victoria Federico’s clear, practical advise enabled us to quickly understand the EHCP and ensure the appropriate actions were taken by the relevant Local Authority, and her support during the preparation and amendment of the initial EHCP draft helped to ensure this properly reflected our daughter’s requirements and school placement.’
‘They were so organised I barely noticed having to do anything – which is probably the best testament you can have! It was seamless and simple and all staff were kind, efficient and friendly.’
‘Lenka Wall is razor-sharp, with a quietly astute approach that paid real dividends for my child. She filleted the LA arguments with forensic clarity and navigated attempts to muddy the waters with ease. I can unreservedly recommend her and, indeed, have done so. It was apparent, despite the rather terrifyingly effective approach, that she genuinely cares about the children she serves; she was steely in her determination to secure what was needed. I was grateful to have her on side, and not opposing us, and really, is there a better testimonial?’
‘It’s the detailed knowledge of the children and families act that makes the solicitors and their team that makes them stand out against their competitors in this field. It is amazing that this practice stands up and fights for the disabilities of those affected under this statute act.’
‘Eva Akins is simply one of the most impressive individuals I have ever met. Incredible professional and person.’
‘Lenka Wall has been excellent throughout. Creative, pragmatic solutions beyond the narrow question asked; extremely responsive at times of crisis. Sound on the process and procedure; thoughtful advice about options and risks. Very approachable and user-friendly. At a time of considerable difficulty for our family, she has been a great support and we have been very grateful to have her on board.’
‘Standout performers are Eva Akins and Lenka Wall. Savvy strategists and brilliant drafters. They really engage with the legal complexities. Very impressive.’
‘Victoria Federico and Erin Smart are specialists in their field. They know how to deal with matters both procedurally but also practically, to achieve the best outcome for their clients. They truly care about what they do and it really shows in how they support their clients. We would only send our clients to the best legal teams and they have demonstrated they are one of them.’
Work highlights
SEN Legal
Specialising in SEN and disability work, such as SEND tribunal appeals, disability discrimination, judicial review and social care, the boutique firm SEN Legal acts on behalf of parents to secure special education provision for children and young persons. The practice is co-headed by Hayley Mason-Seager in Cambridge, who leads all Court of Protection work, and Nicole Lee in Bury St Edmunds, who is experienced in all aspects of tribunal appeals and EOTAS cases. Other key members of the team are James Brown, Richard Nettleton and Idhren Drew. Melinda Nettleton left the firm in January 2024.
Practice head(s):
Hayley Mason-Seager; Nicole Lee
Other key lawyers:
James Brown; Richard Nettleton; Idhren Drew
Testimonials
‘The team’s strength is its knowledge of the special educational needs of the children and young people for whom they request assessment. Their knowledge of education law is second to none and this level of knowledge together with the application of their understanding of the provision necessary to meet individual needs make them a formidable force.’
‘Hayley Mason-Seager, Richard Nettleton and James Brown are stand out solicitors who are professional but also approachable and always ready to support parents. Idhren Drew is a thorough, kind and understanding Solicitor who, since more recently qualifying has shown a commendable attention to detail that has resulted in positive outcomes for the parents who are her clients.’
‘The teams’ insight into Special Educational Needs and the law around this is exceptional.’
‘Hayley Mason-Seager leads a tight team very expert in law and practice. Senior solicitor Nicole Lee backs her up no lees able. Richard Nettleton came from industry and adds good judgement to expert team. James Brown very talented. A leading team keeping ahead of field. Hayley Mason-Seager very expert on Cop matters.’
‘SEN Legal are industry experts in the field of special educational needs. They have very good relationships with a wide range of independent experts which inevitably assists their clients. They achieve fantastic results for their clients. They really care about the work that they do.’
‘Hayley Mason-Seager is an exceptionally bright individual. She works tirelessly for her clients and does not back down in the face of challenge. She is extremely hard-working and deserving of the highest praise.’
‘Hayley Mason Seager is a rare talent. Charismatic & approachable… charming or tough as required and ruthlessly efficient. She has a genuine interest in securing the best provision that the children at the centre of the processes she influences. Lawyers are expensive but when employing Hayley, you can be sure that you are being treated fairly and that you are getting the best.’
‘James Brown was incredibly knowledgeable about Education law but in addition to this he had substantial knowledge in other areas such as Social Care, children’s disabilities and how these impact not just on education but on family life as well and knowledge on the different approaches of Councils around the country. All of this made the advice and support provided by him as excellent. It allowed a real trusting relationship to build early on and we felt he really understood not just the Education matter on which we had engaged the practice but a wider understanding of the challenges we faced.’
Work highlights
Boyes Turner
Boyes Turner fields a nationwide team with an exclusive focus on special educational needs and related matters. Laxmi Patel leads the team, and is prominent as a thought leader in SEN law, regularly working alongside the department’s clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams. Core team members include Rachael Allison, who contributes experience in personal injury law, and a focus on dyslexia, and James Pantling-Skeet, who leads the community care and health & welfare subgroup. Lydia Dunford is a key name in the department.
Practice head(s):
Laxmi Patel
Other key lawyers:
Rachael Allison; James Pantling-Skeet; Lydia Dunford
Testimonials
‘They are very knowledgeable in the field of SEN, passionate about supporting parents who have children with SEN needs, exceptionally responsive and diligent in their work and determined to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.’
‘Rachael Allison is an amasingly knowledgeable and empathetic education law solicitor, who always goes the extra mile for her clients. She has great communication skills and is a great team player, who works closely with her selected team of professionals to get the best outcomes for her clients.’
‘Rachael Allison and her carefully selected team of experts used on our case were of the highest calibre in their individual experienced fields. The collaboration between all the experts was consistently interlinked and aligned through great communication and constant team liaising.’
‘This team is helpful, calm, knowledgeable, and realistic about possible success. This instils great confidence, and helps clients deal with situations of extreme stress.’
‘My experience of working with James Pantling-Skeet is that he is an extremely knowledgeable and conscientious member of the team. He remained tenacious and determined throughout the long and protracted process, keeping us informed of progress throughout.’
‘Laxmi Patel was so knowledgeable and gave some very helpful advice and guidance from the start, before we’d even committed to proceeding. Lydia Dunford, our solicitor, was very professional and knowledgeable too. She was responsive whenever we needed her, and also always gave us the option of doing things ourselves if we wanted to.’
‘The team have vast experience of challenging the decisions of local education authorities successfully. They have a thorough understanding of the capabilities of experts and are ready to litigate when matters cannot be resolved amicably. Client expectations are well managed and communication is effective.’
‘From the initial exploratory call with Laxmi, I found her approach refreshing, personalised, offering excellent legal advice without any expectations, and as a result she builds strong, long-term relationships with clients, offering tailored legal strategies.’
IBB Law
Supporting children, students and the parents of children, IBB Law acts on the full range of education related issues and disputes, such as SEN work, school exclusions, complaints and admissions, and issues such as bullying, safeguarding and academic misconduct. The department is headed by litigator Malcolm Underhill, taking over the post from Salima Mawji who joined NBB Law as consultant. Celia Whittuck handles safeguarding matters, as well as discrimination, exclusions, and special educational needs matters, while Priscilla Adu is well-versed in further and higher education issues, focussing on misconduct.
Practice head(s):
Malcolm Underhill
Other key lawyers:
Celia Whittuck; Priscilla Adu
Testimonials
‘Very empathetic and attentive to each individual clients needs. I felt heard and understood for the first time by professionals. The team was easy and quick to communicate with and the whole process made me feel at ease.’
‘Raveena Mehta was very quick and efficient. My matter was dealt and over with quite quickly with a happy outcome.’
‘IBB offer an excellent education law service, with particular expertise in higher education matters.’
‘Celia Whittuck is a star individual. She has gained considerable experience in education law and has excellent strategic litigation strategy, particularly for civil claims against independent schools and universities, and internal complaints and appeal processes in relation to these institutions. She puts the clients outcome at the heard of what she does, and has a track record for achieving good results.’
‘Growing education law team focusing on higher education law matters.’
‘Celia Whittuck is a phenomenally dedicated solicitor and a real delight to work with.’
‘Focused and determined education team.’
‘Celia Whittuck has growing reputation in the area.’
Key clients
XYZ
CE
AF
CC
SM
PK
SS
JW
KA
DO
Work highlights
Kingsley Napley LLP
Experienced in assistance in disciplinary proceedings, allegations of sexual misconduct, academic appeals, plagiarism, and harassment, Kingsley Napley LLP‘s education practice draws from the firm’s strengths on regulatory, criminal law and public law to assist students and their parents, as well as academic staff in a wide range of education matters. The department is led by Shannett Thompson who is an expert for education and healthcare and is experienced in relation to sexual misconduct allegations. Key members of the team are public lawyer Sophie Kemp, Matthew Hardcastle, who is an expert in police investigations involving child suspects, and criminal litigators Sandra Paul and David Sleight .
Practice head(s):
Shannett Thompson
Other key lawyers:
Sophie Kemp; Matthew Hardcastle; Sandra Paul; David Sleight
Testimonials
‘The team at Kingsley Napley are exceptional. They have excellent client care and are knowledgeable within the field.’
‘Shannett Thompson is brilliant within this field. She is very adept at dealing with complex cases and has a great approach to client care.’
‘A really diligent firm that makes sure their “I”s are dotted and “T”s are crossed. They instruct counsel promptly in matters with thoroughly prepared briefs using very slick and secure online systems. Their training of staff is fantastic meaning even the most junior and newest recruits are always on top of their work.’
‘Shannett Thompson is a fantastic solicitor at KN in their education professional regulatory team. Extraordinarily bright and tenacious she is able to come up with creative solutions that obtain fantastic results for clients. She is also an incredible mentor supportive of younger members of the profession, running diversity initiatives at KN and ensuring that she instructs diverse and talented counsel in a wide range of cases.’
‘Rapidly growing practice in student disciplinary law.’
‘Shannett Thompson is a rising star in this field. Strong heritage in regulatory law which she deploys to her clients’ advantage in student disciplinary cases.’
Work highlights
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Mishcon de Reya LLP assists students and their families on school placements, such as special school admissions, exclusions and refusals, and on sexual misconduct, protection from bullying and home education. Additionally, the education group advises on school investigations, academic freedom of speech, gender identity, and Equality Act discrimination matters. The team is headed by Robert Lewis who works on employment matters, safeguarding, complaints, exclusions and discrimination, and is well supported by associates Michelle Chiu, Alexandra Agnew and Shulamit Aberbach. Commercial litigators Victoria Pigott and Janet Tobin and family law expert Antonia Felix are valuable members of the team. James Murray departed to Doyle Clayton in October 2023.
Practice head(s):
Robert Lewis
Other key lawyers:
Victoria Pigott; Janet Tobin; Antonia Felix; Michelle Chiu; Alexandra Agnew; Shulamit Aberbach
Testimonials
‘Robert Lewis took charge of the situation very quickly, put in a significant amount of work to fully understand the matter and the legal aspects and provides calm and measured advice. It is clear he has an ability to empathise and react to an emotionally charged situation without losing the bigger picture.’
‘Robert Lewis is one of the best in the area. He combines very strong legal skills with sound judgment and is a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Robert Lewis has the capability to handle the cases in a considerable and practical way, which is very important for the clients to understand what would be the best options for them to pursue.’
‘Robert Lewis’ expertise are outstanding. They have been fundamental to the success of our work.’
‘The team at Mishcon are all personable and they provide an excellent, courteous and professional service.’
‘Robert Lewis clearly understood the education sector very well so was able to provide an empathetic and professional service.’
Key clients
Jewish Students at UJS