Bindmans LLP has an established education practice and specialises in advising vulnerable children and parents on disability discrimination, admissions and exclusions, free speech issues, safeguarding, and judicial review challenges. Karen May heads the practice and has in-depth experience in the education sector, with a particular focus on judicial reviews for those with disabilities and special educational needs. Verity Cannell specialises in safeguarding cases as well as representing individuals in a variety of judicial review challenges.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Really brilliant team doing cutting-edge work, particularly in relation to school exclusions.’
‘Karen May is vastly experienced and has built an impressive team.'
‘Karen May is a leading star of the education law sector. She knows everything about education law, and her client care and empathy are second to none. She has legendary status.’
‘Karen May has been the partner representing me as a litigation friend to my disabled son in court of protection hearings. Karen has been absolutely brilliant in supporting me throughout what has now been a lengthy process. She is extremely experienced and knowledgeable and compassionate. Her team is very efficient.’
- 'Probably the best claimant-focused education law firm out there.'
- 'Karen May has excellent education law knowledge and understanding of how local authorities function.'
Key clients
- DLE
- PSG
- RWU
- Diaspora Alliance
Work highlights
Acting for PSG in a claim against a university who banned an epileptic student because her seizure was ‘distressing’ to witness.
Advised on a Court of Appeal case heard in February 2025 concerning a 15-year-old child from London who has been recognised as a potential victim of Child Criminal Exploitation (“CCE”).
Successfully challenging, in judicial review proceedings, a decision by Isles of Scilly Council to severely limit the funding for 16-18 year-olds to access education.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Karen May
Other key lawyers
Verity Cannell