JUNIOR PROFILE

John Friel

UK Bar 2026

3PB Barristers

Ranked in 1 practice area

Education

London (Bar)

24 years ranked

About

Provided by 3PB Barristers

Practice Areas

https://www.3pb.co.uk/barristers/john-friel/

John Friel is a highly experienced practitioner with particular expertise in public law issues. He has developed a strong practice with extensive experience acting for local authorities, private applicants, charities, independent schools, maintained schools governing bodies and provides a prompt response to instructions.

John is an expert in all aspects of education law, particularly complex cases involving Special Education Needs, and in disciplinary and regulatory proceedings. His wide ranging and successful track record encompasses professional conduct disputes, professional negligence and administrative law cases.

He has won leading cases in the House of Lords, Court of Appeal, and High Court.

John is available for direct client access in certain cases.

Career

Called 1974.

Publications

Special Needs and Legal Entitlement: The Essential Guide to Getting out of the Maze, written by John Friel and Melinda Nettleton.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Education - London (Bar)

Band 4

Individual Editorial

John Friel is a hugely experienced and impressive education barrister, who regularly advises on disability matters. He is routinely sought out by educational institutions in both the private and public sectors, and represents charities and governing bodies. His extensive track record includes appearing in significant cases before the House of Lords, the High Court and the Upper Tribunal.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

John Friel is a longstanding and hardworking barrister with an enormous amount of expertise. He has an in-depth understanding of education law across the board and how it's evolved over time.
EducationUK Bar
John has excellent knowledge of not only the law but also the individual medical disciplines in the area, so he frequently puts experts through their paces. He is extremely forensic in this respect.
EducationUK Bar