Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Education - London (Bar)

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Matrix Chambers is widely renowned as a leading set for education matters. One source notes: "Matrix Chambers has an exceptional group of seniors and juniors capable of advising on innovative, developing and cutting-edge areas of education law." The set's enviable client base includes several local authorities, the Department for Education and Ofsted, as well as schools, colleges, universities, and individual students and parents. Members are regularly called upon to act for and advise on education judicial review challenges and disputes concerning SEN, discrimination, safeguarding, exclusions and school closures. Recent work includes Hamon v UCL, a case before the High Court in which members represent students seeking compensation due to disruptions caused by lecturer strikes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elizabeth Bousher is senior practice manager.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

David Wolfe
Star Individuals

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 was fantastic on a complex case. He is amazing. His advocacy style is extremely conversational; he takes complicated ideas and makes them easy to address.

David has been consistently at the forefront of education cases. He is excellent.

David Wolfe always provides an excellent service with exceptional advocacy skills.

1
Helen Mountfield
1
Band 1

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.

Her advice is really clear and assured. She has a real understanding of technical analysis that affects actual educational institutions.

Sarah Hannett
1
Sarah Hannett
1
Band 1

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.

Sarah is incredibly clear and hard-working, and she gets good results.

I can't speak more highly of her. She is a fantastic operator. She really knows her stuff, and her advice is very polished. She is a fantastic advocate.

Claire Darwin
2
Claire Darwin
2
Band 2

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 vigorous and powerful advocate.

Claire Darwin displayed excellent advocacy skills. She is very aware of what will be most commercially useful for the client.

3
Daniel Squires
3
Band 3

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.

3
Mathew Purchase
3
Band 3

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 worked on a very sensitive and complex case. He took to it immediately and was a joy to work with.

Matthew Purchase is very well established and a very reliable and steady pair of hands. He was super-efficient to work with.

3
Nicholas Armstrong
3
Band 3

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.

Nick offers an exceptional service and is very accessible.

Nick has a calm and persuasive manner, and he makes all of his points very clearly.

Nicholas Armstrong is excellent across all areas.

3
Raj Desai
3
Band 3

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 is an impressive barrister.

Raj is adept at turning his hand to new and innovative issues, particularly those concerning the interface of education law with other relevant areas, like public law, charity law and equality law.

Mark Greaves
4
Mark Greaves
4
Band 4

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 is very bright and a clear communicator, who has proven that he can give effective commercial advice in high-pressured situations.

Mark is very knowledgeable and thorough.

Mark Greaves is an exceptionally talented junior who displays excellent client care skills.

Ranked Barristers at
Matrix Chambers

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Education

David Wolfe KC
Star Individuals
1
Helen Mountfield KC
1
Band 1
Sarah Hannett KC
1
Sarah Hannett KC
1
Band 1
Claire Darwin KC
2
Claire Darwin KC
2
Band 2
3
Daniel Squires KC
3
Band 3
3
Mathew Purchase KC
3
Band 3
3
Nicholas Armstrong KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

London (Bar)

Education

3
Raj Desai
3
Band 3
Mark Greaves
4
Mark Greaves
4
Band 4