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.
Laura has a growing practice in major statutory public inquiries, acting for core participants in some of the UK’s most significant inquiries. She has particular experience in inquiries concerning health and social care, governmental decision-making and questions of constitutional law.
Institute of Licensing
Criminal Bar Association
UK Environmental Law Association
Degree – English Language and Literature, 2:1, Oxford University (2013)
Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), University of Law, Birmingham – Commendation (2015)
Bar Practice Training Course (BPTC), University of Law, Birmingham – Very Competent (2016)