Education

David Wolfe KC is a leading light in the education sector who has been involved in some of the landmark decisions over the course of his stellar career. He is a legal aid and SEN expert and specialises in judicial review, frequently advising individuals, education groups and organisations on matters around religious education curricula, school reorganisations and admissions policies.

"David is the very top of the game."

"David remains the fount of knowledge on everything education."

"David is an encyclopaedia of knowledge when it comes to education law. His advocacy and written work was really exceptional throughout."

Helen Mountfield KC is a pre-eminent education silk and a seasoned authority on safeguarding and matters concerning faith schools. She has acted in some of the leading education cases in recent times, and frequently advises universities on free speech and equality matters. Education constitutes a key aspect of her renowned public law practice.

"Helen is absolutely outstanding at picking up complex issues and running them with sophistication and ease."

"Helen is a real expert on the Equality Act and really responsive in her written advice."

Sarah Hannett KC is a member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's A Panel of Counsel and specialises in education cases with equality aspects. She is adept at handling safeguarding and discrimination matters for education institutions, regulatory bodies, and local government. She has co-authored two leading law handbooks - one on special educational needs, the other a guide to the Human Rights Act 1998.

"The breadth of Sarah Hannett's knowledge is utterly astonishing. She is a brilliant advocate, calm and unflappable."

"Sarah is a really measured opponent who is very fair and knowledgeable."

"Sarah is extremely responsive and great at explaining difficult legal issues to clients."

Claire Darwin KC is an expert in education and equality law and is highly active in judicial reviews and private claims brought against schools and universities. She has acted for numerous institutions as well as the Department for Education, in matters concerning tuition, admissions and employment.

"Claire Darwin is a very composed and impressive courtroom advocate. She cuts to the point in a clear, concise way that lands persuasively with the judge."

"Claire is extremely bright and has very good client care, with an advocacy style that is effectively robust."

"Claire is incredibly good at what she does. She is very knowledgeable and very client-friendly."

Daniel Squires KC is a prominent education silk and a member of the A Panel of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. He is highly commended for his knowledge of community care and employment law, and has appeared in several important education cases before the Court of Appeal, High Court and SENDIST. He acts for both claimants and defendants and is often instructed by universities and other educational institutions to handle complex work regarding breach of contract and educational negligence. He is also regularly called upon to advise on important topical socio-political matters and judicial reviews.

"Daniel Squires is measured and confident in his advocacy and brilliant in his ability to manage complex fact patterns and marshal them to his side."

Mathew Purchase KC is an erudite education specialist with a deep knowledge of judicial review, contract law, and school exclusion matters. He represents a diverse list of clients in complex equality law claims and has notable experience handling cases at the intersection between education and employment law.

"Mathew Purchase is fantastic to work with - brilliant and very approachable, straightforward and very empathetic."

"Matthew is fantastic. He is clear and firm with clients, and brilliant at mediation."

Nicholas Armstrong KC has a strong reputation in the education sector and routinely counsels schools, colleges, and universities on a variety of issues. He is well-versed in equality law, cases relating to special educational needs, and complex matters with crossover into other areas of his broad public law practice (including immigration). He regularly represents clients before tribunals and in civil proceedings.

"Nicholas Armstrong is a very conscientious and thorough lawyer. He is so astonishingly committed to the work he does."

"Nicholas has an excellent grasp on the detail and is strategic and commercial."

"Nick is a very robust lawyer, who lays out the issues very concisely and succinctly."

Raj Desai has a wealth of experience in education law and is a sound choice for judicial reviews and SEN appeals. He has received instruction in cases concerning innovative education law issues, and has appeared in the First-tier and Upper Tribunals as well as the Supreme Court.

"Raj Desai is a very reliable and intelligent junior."

"Raj has real skill all over education law and in wider aspects such as charity law. He can take new areas of law and apply them in a very practical way."

Mark Greaves is noted for his expertise in special educational needs, exclusion, and discrimination cases, often appearing before the First-tier Tribunal. He has experience pertaining to Ofsted procedures and judicial reviews. Greaves regularly acts for claimants and defendants, both institutions and individuals.

"Mark Greaves is excellent."

"Mark is incredibly knowledgeable and always keeps calm and maintains his humour."