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30 Park Place - Barristers Chambers
Background

Education

30 Park Place offers clear, dependable legal support to public bodies and individuals involved in education disputes, regulatory matters, and tribunal proceedings across England and Wales. Our advice is practical, precise, and focused on resolving our clients’ real challenges in education law. Our barristers have played key roles in cases that set important legal precedents and shape the direction of education law in Wales.

We act for a broad spectrum of clients, including local authorities, parents, schools, children, NHS bodies, Welsh Ministers, and government departments.

30 Park Place is one of the UK’s few multi-disciplinary sets and a recognised authority in education law in Wales. Our barristers are respected in court, trusted by solicitors, and regularly instructed in significant cases.

We blend expert legal knowledge with local insight and national reach. Our recent work includes the first Upper Tribunal decision interpreting the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, and the first Judicial Review brought under its provisions.

Our barristers are known for their clarity, approachability, and skill. They are trusted advisers and compelling advocates with a strong record across all areas of education law.

We build lasting relationships by providing what solicitors value most: precise advice, prompt turnaround, and consistent communication at every stage.

Our members are ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for their clear thinking, persuasive advocacy, and sound judgment.

We also deliver training for local authorities and schools across Wales, helping them meet their legal duties with confidence.


Areas of expertise

  • Appeals Against IDPs & EHCPs
  • Appeals & Claims to Tribunals
  • Disability Discrimination Claims
  • Educational Negligence Claims
  • Judicial Reviews

Barristers

Christian Howells

Call 2007

Abla O’Callaghan

Call 2011

Laura Shepherd

Call 2016

Neil Rees

Call 2019

Lewis Harrison

Call 2019

Cat Jones

Cat Jones

Call 2021

Emma Meadows

Call 2022

For more information
Contact our clerks for assistance with choosing the right barrister for your matter.

civil@30parkplace.co.uk
+44 (0)2920 727668

For assistance
Contact Kayleigh Jefferies
Lead Civil & Public Law Clerk
+44 (0)2920 727650
Email

"The clerking team is always courteous and helpful. They are efficient and professional to deal with."


Chambers UK 2025

"The clerks are second to none, they are vey helpful and quick to respond to queries raised."


Chambers UK 2025

"The clerks at 30 Park Place Chambers are excellent, some of the best around. They are very prompt at responding and are very professional indeed."


Legal 500 2025

"The clerks will always go the extra mile to ensure clients receive the best service possible."


Legal 500 2025
Laura Shepherd successfully appeals ETW on second case concerning new education law

Laura Shepherd successfully appeals ETW on second case concerning new education law

News | 28 July 2025

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…

Christian Howells successful in Court of Appeal ALN case

News | 27 May 2025

The Court of Appeal has held that parents do not have the right to be accompanied by a solicitor at an IDP review meeting under…

View all related news and resources

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