Noted for being ‘ exceptional in both the quality of its members and the breadth of expertise available across the set’, 3PB’s members continue to advise on matters in the Education area. The chambers are active in cases involving school exclusion and teacher discipline, among other areas. Alice de Coverley was instructed to defend a disability discrimination claim against a well-known preparatory school. ‘Helping to diffuse tension while maintaining a strong and effective advocacy style’, Jennifer Agyekum acts on behalf of parents, educational institutions and local authorities and also represents teachers and students at local levels and tribunal proceedings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Excellent education law set.
- The clerking team is responsive, organized, and practical. In particular, Gemma Faulkner (Practice Manager) has consistently provided efficient support in relation to: coordinating availability, arranging conferences, providing fee quotes in a timely manner, and managing diary changes and hearing listings. Communication is clear and timely, and the clerks are proactive in keeping matters moving (for example, chasing papers, confirming availability, and quickly rearranging listings where necessary).
- 3PB Chambers is renowned for education law.
- 3PB demonstrates a strong and well-established depth of knowledge in SEND matters. Counsel consistently shows a clear understanding of the legal framework alongside the practical realities faced by families. This is reflected in the quality of advice provided and the ability to engage effectively with complex and nuanced cases. Overall, 3PB's expertise, professionalism, and balanced approach in SEND-related work is unmatched.
- The clerks' room is highly efficient, communicates well and timely, and is willing to make adjustments and alterations to meet the client's requirements.
- The clerks are always excellent and attentive, responding quickly when needed.
- Excellent set I have used for many matters from education through to UASC age assessment JRs and Court of Protection work. They not only cover the areas but have real expertise on offer to assist.
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.
Alice de Coverley
3PB is an excellent set that offers a wide range of services and excellent barristers. Their clerks are also very organized and respond very quickly; the set is managed impeccably.
John Friel
John is a household name when it comes to Education Law. I instruct John on my most complex cases. He is excellent at seeing the flaws in the case and offering solutions to try and achieve the client's outcomes. John is a very reliable barrister whom I instruct often and have no issues recommending to clients. It is a privilege for my career to work with him.
Katherine Anderson
I have worked with Katherine Anderson on a number of education law matters, primarily SEND Tribunal disability discrimination claims and associated case management proceedings. Much of our work together has involved complex, document-heavy tribunal litigation, including drafting responses to claims, advising on strategy (including strike-out considerations), preparing witness evidence, and attending conferences and hearings.
Jennifer Agyekum
Jennifer Agyekum is an exceptionally knowledgeable advocate whose expertise and command of the law inspire confidence from the outset. Her advice is consistently clear, practical, and well-reasoned, enabling clients to understand complex issues and make informed decisions.
One of Jennifer’s standout qualities is her calm and measured manner. She has a reassuring presence that comes across particularly well to both parents and the Tribunal, helping to diffuse tension while maintaining a strong and effective advocacy style.
She also possesses an exceptional eye for detail. I have seen her identify and successfully argue a point on behalf of a parent that had not been recognized or considered by anyone else involved in the proceedings. Her meticulous preparation and analytical ability can make a decisive difference to the outcome of a case.
Overall, Jennifer combines legal excellence with sound judgment, careful attention to detail, and an empathetic approach to clients, making her a highly effective and impressive practitioner.
Charlotte Hadfield
Charlotte Hadfield is an outstanding barrister with particular strength in education law and SEND matters. She is highly knowledgeable, pragmatic, and meticulous, and she combines strong advocacy with excellent client care. She is calm, reassuring, and very effective in handling complex cases.
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.
