Simpson Millar strengthens national education law team

Simpson Millar, a renowned law firm, has announced a significant expansion of its Public Law division with the appointment of experienced Solicitors Bethany Parr and Ffion Davies. Both solicitors are set to join the firm's national Education Law team, operating out of Bristol.

Bethany Parr, with over eight years of legal expertise, specializes in matters related to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Her skills encompass offering legal advice on issues like EHC needs assessments, EHCPs, Statements of SEN, and Individual Development Plans in Wales. Additionally, Parr has extensive experience in First-Tier Tribunal appeals, securing placements in special schools, independent schools, and residential facilities. Her practice includes handling complex issues related to discrimination, mental capacity law, human rights, and community care within the education context.

Ffion Davies, based in Cardiff and working out of the Bristol Office, brings four years of experience as an education solicitor, representing parents challenging decisions made by Local Authorities across England and Wales. Her expertise includes appeals to the First-Tier Tribunal, annual education reviews, person-centered reviews, and admissions appeals. Davies has specific experience in assisting Welsh families with the Additional Learning Needs system, providing support for Individual Development Plans and representing parents and young people in the Education Tribunal for Wales.

These appointments come in response to increased demand for Simpson Millar's Legal 500 acclaimed Education Team, known for handling cases involving children with special educational needs, EHCPs, exclusions, bullying, discrimination, judicial reviews, and other school-related disputes. Sarah Woosey, Partner and Head of Education Law at the firm, welcomed the new additions, stating that their expertise would enhance the team's capabilities, allowing them to take on more cases and support families facing urgent and distressing education-related matters.

Woosey emphasized the importance of transparent and straightforward legal advice for families in distress, particularly in the face of funding issues across the education sector. Both Bethany and Ffion expressed their enthusiasm for joining the firm, citing Simpson Millar's outstanding reputation for supporting families in navigating their rights and accessing the educational support they are entitled to receive. The expansion aims to address the growing challenges faced by parents and carers in securing suitable educational provision in recent years, aligning with the firm's commitment to continued growth to provide timely assistance to families in need.