The education team at Kingsley Napley LLP acts for individuals in a range of education issues, including misconduct allegations, disability discrimination claims and disciplinary cases. Melinka Berridge spearheads the department and specialises in representing students and professionals facing investigations and disciplinary actions. Criminal defence expert Sandra Paul is sought for defending allegations of sexual offences in the education sector, and Shannett Thompson advises students on academic investigations. Another key member of the team is Alfie Cranmer, who focuses on disciplinary proceedings and safeguarding. The team was further strengthened with the arrival of Andrew Sanderson in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Shannett Thompson draws on her huge experience in dealing with professional disciplinary matters, and uses it to provide a first-class service to students facing disciplinary matters.'
- ‘Sandra Paul - the go-to solicitor for the most serious and complex student disciplinary matters. Unrivalled experience, excellent judgment and tactical sense, and brilliant with anxious clients.'
Key clients
- Ten claimants and the Independent Schools Council (ISC)
Work highlights
Instructed by ten claimants supported by the ISC to lead a judicial review challenge to the Chancellor’s decision to impose VAT on independent school fees from January 2025.
Practice head
Melinka Berridge
Other key lawyers
Sandra Paul; Shannett Thompson; Alfie Cranmer