At Doyle Clayton, the education team represents parents, children and educational professionals in a wide variety of cases, including SEND issues, exclusions, discrimination claims, immigration issues, misconduct allegations and employment matters. The experienced Simon Henthorn leads the practice and has a particular focus on employment issues in the education sector, as well as safeguarding. Promoted to partner in January 2025, James Murray has expertise in advising students and academic institutions on academic freedom and free expression on campus, as well as complex employment disputes. Amara Ahmad advises a full range of clients in SEND and safeguarding matters, while Rose Smith has a broad education practice advising on a variety of matters. Anna Blackden is experienced in immigration issues relevant to the sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked most closely with James Murray, who is highly knowledgeable and intelligent.'
- 'I found that engagement between myself and the lawyers at Doyle Clayton to be greatly facilitated by the fact that the firm was open, honest, upfront, and supportive from the very beginning.'
- 'Amara - I really appreciated the depth of her knowledge and experience in the field of education law. She was very clear and perceptive and made the whole academic complaints process understandable to someone who has never had any acquaintance with litigation before.'
‘The team was incredible throughout our whole legal process. The efficiency of communication and supportiveness in general was outstanding.’
'Deep knowledge of new laws and recent cases.'
'Exceptional team of dedicated professionals led by Simon Henthorn.'
Work highlights
Represented an academic who sued her former employer, the Open University, and others for – among other things – discrimination arising from her gender critical beliefs and her belief in academic freedom.
Acted for an individual as he has filed two claims against TL for the discrimination and harassment which he endured on the basis of his protected philosophical belief (under the Equality Act 2010), and separately for constructive dismissal.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Amara Ahmad
Practice head
Simon Henthorn
Other key lawyers
James Murray; Amara Ahmad; Rose Smith; Anna Blackden