Alice de Coverley
‘Alice has an exceptional eye for detail. She is particularly sought after in education cases involving discrimination and exclusion. However, she is equally excellent in appeals concerning special educational needs.’
The barristers at 3PB handle the full range of education disputes including SEN issues, school exclusions, discrimination, educational negligence and higher education disciplinary actions among many others. Alice de Coverley successfully represented the claimant in KG and KG v The Governing Body of B School, a disability discrimination appeal. Charlotte Hadfield represents various clients on education matters with particular expertise in discrimination claims, safeguarding, and freedom of speech. Matthew Wyard left the set in August 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are always friendly and approachable and respond to enquiries promptly. Matthew Scanlan was particularly helpful when arranging instructions and was always willing to answer any queries.'
- 'We have a particularly good working relationship with Gemma Faulkner who always does her best to assist and ensure that a good range of counsel is available.'
Lawyers
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
John Friel
'John is extremely well versed in all things education law and provides clear and astute tactical advice on how to progress matters effectively. An authority in SEN law.'
Charlotte Hadfield
‘Charlotte is an excellent advocate and inspires confidence in all of her clients. She deals with complicated points clearly and succinctly.’
Emma Waldron
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
