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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- '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.'
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Laxmi Patel