Laura is a principal associate in the education team at Browne Jacobson. She advises on a wide range of education law issues, including pupil behaviour, exclusions, admissions, disability discrimination, school policies, and parental complaints.

Laura has a particular specialism in SEND she brings a depth of sector knowledge that enables her to deliver pragmatic, solutions-focused advice tailored to the unique pressures facing the education sector. Laura advises schools, academies and multi-academy trusts on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious education matters and regularly delivers training across all key areas. Laura’s core areas of practice include:

• SEND funding and placement challenges and advice around EHC needs assessments, EHCPs and appeals before the First-tier Tribunal.
• Disability discrimination claims in the education context.
• Advising on suspensions and exclusions as well as clerking and representing Independent Review Panels.
• Handling complex parental complaints and supporting with the complaints appeal process.
• Reviewing and advising on admissions policies and clerking admissions appeal hearings.

Laura also acts for local authorities in SEND appeals before the First-tier Tribunal and has appeared in the Upper Tribunal on several occasions. Laura’s representation before the Upper Tribunal has led to reported decisions that have helped shape the SEND landscape. She is recognised for her ability to manage complex, multi-issue proceedings and to achieve favourable outcomes for her clients.

Recognition

Laura regularly delivers training to schools and local authorities on all of the above issues and has also provided training for key education partners, including the National Association of Headteachers and the National Governance Association.

Laura has written for, and provided comment to, a number of national and education publications such as Education Journal, Schools Week, Law Gazette, Local Government Lawyer and Lexis PSL.

She has played a key part in the firm’s School Leaders’ Survey and has delivered training through the firm’s EdCon initiative.

Laura has twice been ranked as a ‘Rising Star’ in the Legal 500.