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.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘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.’
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Hayley Mason-Seager, Nicole Lee