Call: 2016
Laura Shepherd is a specialist in public law, with a particular focus on Court of Protection cases, where she is ranked as a “Leading Junior” by the Legal 500.
Her practice spans complex health and welfare disputes, section 21A challenges, and property and affairs cases. She regularly represents all parties in these matters, including the Official Solicitor, local authorities, NHS bodies, and family members.
Laura is known for her calm, assured approach in cases involving vulnerable or disabled adults and children. She appears before judges at all levels in the Court of Protection and is frequently instructed in urgent and sensitive applications, including serious medical treatment cases.
Outside of the Court of Protection, Laura is highly regarded in Administrative and Public Law. She is ranked in Chambers & Partners as “Up and Coming” and in The Legal 500 as a Tier 2 junior in this field. She brings particular expertise in judicial reviews concerning community care, education, and local authority decision-making. Laura acts for both claimants and defendants, often advising at an early stage to help avoid litigation where possible.
Laura also has an established Education Law practice. As joint head of the Education Team at 30 Park Place, she represents local authorities and responsible bodies in tribunal proceedings and is equally happy to act for parents and learners. She also advises on data protection and information-sharing issues.
A recognised leading junior in the Court of Protection, Laura represents local authorities, NHS bodies, family members, and litigation friends in complex mental capacity matters spanning health and welfare applications, property and affairs, and serious medical treatment cases. She appears before judges at all levels, including in urgent hearings.
Laura co-leads the Education Team at 30 Park Place and acts in tribunals across England and Wales. She regularly acts for local authorities and responsible bodies in IDP appeals and disability discrimination cases, while also welcoming instructions from parents and learners. Her education work complements her broader public law practice.
Laura has been instructed in two of the most significant public inquiries of recent years: the UK Covid-19 Inquiry and the Infected Blood Inquiry. Her work in this area reflects her broader public law expertise and ability to handle complex, high-profile matters involving sensitive issues and large volumes of evidence.
Laura is ranked by both Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for her public law work, particularly in community care and education judicial reviews. She represents claimants and public bodies in challenges to service provision, transport decisions, and local authority responsibilities, and frequently advises at the pre-action stage.
For more information
Contact our clerks for assistance with choosing the right barrister for your matter.
Laura Shepherd appeared for the Respondent, the Vale of Glamorgan Council, in an appeal against the ETW’s decision that the Speech and Language Therapy provision…
As a result of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 there have been two key changes to education law in Wales:…
