Education Law
We provide expert advice and representation to students and their families facing educational disciplinary investigations and proceedings at school, college, and university level. These cases often arise from alleged breaches of an institution’s Code of Conduct and can involve academic or behavioural issues, but also quasi-criminal or criminal matters which have arisen as an informal complaint, police investigation or prosecution.
We also have specialist experience in advising university students facing fitness to practise proceedings for those entering regulated professions, where the outcome can have a direct impact on their future careers.
Our team supports students and families at every stage of the process, from the very first signs of an issue, through to interviews and formal hearings before panels and committees. We also provide early-stage, discreet guidance for engaging in communications with the institution, and preparing parents and students for meetings to help resolve matters before they escalate.
With access to leading specialists, including educational consultancy, medical and mental health professionals, rehabilitation and welfare experts, and technical forensic analysts, we focus not only on the outcome of proceedings, but also on protecting and managing our clients’ reputations.
We understand the importance of a student’s education, the careful enrolment choices families make, and the additional challenges faced by international students studying away from home. Our team of Partners and in-house Counsel pride themselves on handling matters with discretion, sensitivity, and the highest standard of client care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does an education solicitor do?
We deal with various legal issues in educational settings focussing on investigations and proceedings concerning issues of student misconduct, along with the consideration of decisions made by the educational establishment about those matters. This includes schools, colleges and university level. The role can involve representing clients in proceedings, including attending meetings, interviews and hearings with a student and / or their family. It can also involve helping a student and their family to attend without a representative being present, which will depend on the specific facts of the case.
When should I contact an education law solicitor?
You should seek legal advice as soon as a dispute arises with a school, college, or university. This can include when an allegation is made against a student, whether formally or informally. It may involve a complaint being made by another students, being being raised by other parents, arising on social media, being communicated directly from the school / college / university, or even following contact from the police, local council or social services. Early legal advice can help to prevent problems from escalating. Even if legal advice is not sought at the outset it is still important to consider engaging a solicitor at a later stage, which can even include following a decision being made by the school, college or university where there is need to consider an appeal.
Our team at Blackfords LLP have the skills and knowledge to help you navigate the process and decisions of a school, college, or a university. Please speak with any of our key contacts for assistance with any of these issues.
