UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Geldards LLP
Geldards’ Education team is a leading national education law practice, with a growing market share and renowned expertise in Special Educational Needs (SEN). Its core specialism is representing parents across England and Wales in Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) appeals before the First-tier Tribunal (SEND), alongside growing expertise in disability discrimination, school admissions and exclusions.
Recent senior hires have strengthened the team’s capabilities and expansion across disability discrimination, higher education disputes, and Wales’ Additional Learning Needs (ALN), including Individual Development Plans and Education Tribunal for Wales appeals.
A key strength is its expertise at the intersection of mental capacity, social care and SEN. It also advises on educational Judicial Review, including home-to-school transport, EHC plan compliance, home education and failures to provide special educational provision.
The team is renowned for Education Otherwise Than In/At School or College (EOTAS) packages, supporting children unable to access mainstream education. Its strong social media presence and popular ‘SEN Talks’ podcasts provide an important source of referrals and establish the team as a trusted authority.
The team is consistently praised by clients, counsel and experts for its comprehensive service, empathy and attention to detail.
Provided by Chambers
Geldards has a dedicated education team that offers specialist expertise in SEN matters and demonstrates extensive experience in the SEND Tribunal. The team regularly acts for parents and students regarding Education, Health and Care Plans and appeals, as well as disability discrimination claims.
Provided by Chambers
Geldards represented the parents of a student with special educational needs, securing them an independent specialist school placement through an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.
Provided by Chambers
Geldards has an incredibly skilled team, and is also very considerate of the family's needs and the challenges they are facing.
We always feel we’re in the best hands with Geldards.
Geldards is highly responsive and timely.
Geldards has experience and expertise in the field of SEN and is particularly supportive to parents in distress.
Geldards has represented learners with the passion and tenacity to bring about the outcomes they need.
Provided by Chambers
Adam Friel is noted for his broad education practice, which sees him represent clients in a variety of matters, including school placements and provision aspects of Education, Health and Care Plans.
Adam Friel is very knowledgeable and supportive of clients, and finds time for them in his busy schedule
Adam Friel is a first-rate and highly experienced solicitor who is always a pleasure to work with.
Adam is knowledgeable, approachable and excellent at networking and sharing his own experiences in the world of SEN.
Salise Dourmoush is a senior associate in Geldards' education team, based in the London office. She specialises in SEN matters, with particular expertise in SEND Tribunal cases and assisting clients with Education, Health, and Care Plans.
Salise is extremely well-organised, fast and efficient.
Salise is positive and has a unique way of empathising with parents and validating their experiences, whilst at the same time being very dynamic and strategic in her advice.
Salise Dourmoush always shows a great level of insight into the barriers that are holding back cases.
Douglas Hamer is an associate in the firm's education team. He has notable experience in SEN matters handling Education, Health and Care Plan appeals.
Doug is a well-rounded and hard-working solicitor with a high level of knowledge and a heart of gold.
Doug goes above and beyond to ensure our best interests are met.
Doug is always very thorough and copes well with the detail of cases. He makes time to talk to clients and prepares cases effectively.
Douglas has gone from strength to strength. He is such a powerful advocate for children and young people with special educational needs, and his eye for detail is second to none.
Douglas has an extremely knowledgeable superior skill set and he is well prepared to challenge anyone.
Education: Individuals
Education: Individuals
Education: Individuals
Provided by Geldards LLP
Salise Dourmoush
Douglas Hamer
View profile of Douglas HamerAdam Friel
View profile of Adam FrielSalise Dourmoush
View profile of Salise Dourmoush
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