Winckworth Sherwood has strengthened its market-leading Education Law practice with the appointment of Partner Kevin McManamon. Kevin is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading specialists in special education needs and mental capacity law.
He joins Winckworth Sherwood from the law firm Geldards, where he was an associate partner. He brings to the firm almost two decades of experience and an exceptional record of impact for children, vulnerable individuals and families across England and Wales.
In 2024, Kevin was recognised by the Law Society of England and Wales as a Legal Hero 2024.
In giving the award, the Law Society praised his “career-long commitment to representing the rights of children with disabilities and special educational needs” and his steadfast dedication to ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the education and support to which they are entitled.
Commenting on his appointment, Kevin said: “I am thrilled to be joining Winckworth Sherwood. The firm’s culture of compassion, excellence and genuine client service aligns perfectly with my own approach. The Education Department has a leading reputation for advising schools, and I look forward to cementing the same in relation to advising parents and families.”
Richard Tinham, Managing Partner at Winckworth Sherwood, added: “Kevin’s appointment marks a significant expansion of our commitment to advising parents and young people with special educational needs to secure the provision and placements they are entitled to from local authorities.
“Kevin has built a formidable career advocating for those facing barriers as a consequence of disability, bringing both lived understanding and legal excellence to his work. His appointment further demonstrates the firm’s commitment to recruiting the country’s leading practitioners in each of the areas it operates.”
Consistently recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, Kevin is one of the very few lawyers in the country with genuine expertise spanning special educational needs (SEN) across both the English and Welsh jurisdictions, combined with specialist knowledge of mental capacity law. He has acted in numerous reported cases in the Upper Tribunal, High Court, Court of Appeal and beyond, cases that have directly shaped education law and strengthened protections for children and young people.
Kevin’s practice is known not only for high-level expertise but also for humanity and impact. In a recent Law Society interview, he shared that “the best part of my job is when a case is over and I receive a picture of a child on their first day at school.” His commitment extends beyond paid work, he regularly runs free advice clinics, webinars, and community support sessions to empower families who may not otherwise have access to a specialist.