Tees Law is recommended for its expert knowledge of SEND law. Polly Kerr heads the practice and regularly represents clients in tribunal hearings against local authorities. The team benefits from the expertise of Caroline Middleditch, who focuses on defamation matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is welcoming and enabled us to understand the laws relevant to us. We always were able to update the team on new developments and get advise on how to respond. The main attribute that makes the team unique is that they have insight into the field and understand the complex difficulties in managing situations.’
‘Polly Kerr - Outstanding lawyer, really has a grasp of the law, her clients needs and which barrister is the right fit. Polly really is the definition of a go-to solicitor.'
‘Approachable, professional and personal’.
‘This team has continued to go from strength to strength in the past year. Their unparalleled legal knowledge is paired with empathy to the client's situation which is essential in this area of law.’
‘Polly Kerr is a stand out solicitor.’
‘The team are all so passionate and hard-working. Their dedication to their clients ensures the best outcomes.’
‘Polly Kerr is one of the most dedicated lawyers. Her passion for helping parents in special educational needs appeals is remarkable. She goes above and beyond, and her hard work ensures that every case that gets to tribunal is advanced on as strong a footing as possible.’
Work highlights
Representing a client in the first tier tribunal to secure placement at a highly specialist independent school with a value of over £150,000 per year after contesting the Local Authority’s position that the client’s current mainstream school would be able to affectively cater to the child’s needs, which could include the administration of life-saving medication in an emergency.
Advised on a placement at a school where the client was happy to attend had been offered, however, was subject to time-constraints. The Local Authority did not agree placement, instead seeking an alternative which was inappropriate for the client.
Advised a client, with significant special needs a placement in his parent's preferred school. The Local Authority had stood firm in their position that the client should attend a mainstream school despite parents, teachers, and experts all emphatically stating that the client would be unsafe anywhere but a specialist environment.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Polly Kerr
Other key lawyers
Charlotte Middleditch