Geldards bolsters education law team with senior associate hire

Geldards has strengthened its specialist education law team with the appointment of Senior Associate Stephanie Hughes.

Hughes has a wealth of experience in the education sector advising both schools and parents, the firm said.

“Her experience advising schools encompasses a broad range of legal issues such as governance, admissions, contract advice and crisis management including data protection breaches, cyber-attacks and inquests,”

Geldards added: “She is well-versed in the practical realities faced by the parents of SEN children and is experienced delivering appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal, ECHP negotiations, school admissions, school exclusions, judicial review, and disability discrimination claims.”

Partner & Head of Education Law, Adam Friel said: “We are delighted to welcome Stephanie to the Education team, she is a highly skilled specialist who brings with her a raft of experience working with special educational needs (SEN) parents and schools. As a team we are proud to boast some of the leading experts in special educational needs (SEN) and disability law and this latest expansion of the team will enable us to support even more parents seeking a better educational outcome for their children.”

Stephanie Hughes, who has joined from Winckworth Sherwood, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Geldards and its specialist Education team. Alongside advising and representing families, I will continue to support schools in navigating the complexities of education law. With my experience working with both families and schools, I aim to provide clients with a holistic and compassionate approach to education law.”