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Special Educational Needs Solicitors

Special Educational Needs Solicitors

Why choose us?

Our education team are leading legal experts in special educational needs and disability law, with a strong reputation for delivering high quality legal support. We work closely with some of the best independent experts in the field, ensuring that each case is backed by the most credible and persuasive evidence. Our priority is always to work towards a swift and positive resolution with the local authority, helping to secure the right support for your child as quickly as possible while saving you time and expense. However, if reaching a resolution proves difficult, we won’t hesitate to challenge decisions tirelessly on your behalf.

The team is spearheaded by our distinguished Legal Director – Qaisar Sheikh, and closely supported by our Legal Directors Tracey Eldridge-Hinmers and Laura Martin all widely considered as being amongst the best in the sector. Our Legal Directors are also supported by an enthusiastic team and highly experienced team of lawyers, including Adam Jackson (Senior Associate) and Jack Howes (Solicitor). The team is led by Theresa Kerr, a partner in the Education team with years of experience advising on SEND and equality issues.

Qaisar has acted in a broad range of SEND matters, many of which were highly complex cases and involving young people with significant needs. In 2023, he won the prestigious Law Society Legal Hero award for his far-reaching work in education. Prior to this, he won the widely respected Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year award in 2022 (Public Law category). Qaisar is nationally ranked in Chambers and Partners (Band 1 for Education). Chambers describes him as “very highly regarded in the field for his broad practice” and who frequently assists with “appeals to the SEND Tribunal.” His strengths noted include – “a strategic decision-maker,” “an incredible tactician,” “very calm under pressure” and “extremely skilled at working with vulnerable clients.”

Tracey has been admitted as a Solicitor for over 30 years’ experience specialising in all areas of education law, particularly special educational needs and disability matters. She has acted for parents, schools and local authorities and able to use her broad prospective to provide well-rounded advice and support. Tracey was referred to in Legal 500 as “the star of the team” and “bringing a lifetime of judgment to bear. Unflappable good sense”.  She features in the prestigious UK Best Lawyers guide.

Laura qualified as a solicitor in 2005 before training as a primary school teacher in 2009. Prior to joining Winckworth Sherwood, Laura taught in both the maintained and independent sectors before moving into the Special Educational Needs service for two local authorities in South West London as a Deputy Service Manager with responsibility for supporting the local authority in SEN Tribunals so her experience is invaluable in helping parents to challenge local authority decisions.

SEND Q&A Series – Education Health and Care plans

Our exceptionally experienced education law solicitor, Qaisar Sheikh continues his SEND Q&A series, focusing on Education Health & Care plans.

DOWNLOAD SEND Q&A Series – Education Health and Care plans

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