Displaying vast knowledge in securing council funding for those with autism spectrum disorders and ADHD diagnoses predominantly, Shoosmiths LLP regularly advises private clients. EHC plans and appeals for residential placements are key areas of expertise, with the Birmingham-based co-leads Gurvinder Samra and Kashmir Uppal being specialists in the area of special educational needs. In particular, Samra routinely oversees complex cases covering children with disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy to autism, with an additional focus on securing funding for school placements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Extremely knowledgeable in their field and how to work with the local authorities.'
‘Guv Samra - Full of knowledge and confident in her field, she filled me with a new confidence. A decision I've never regretted.'
‘Guv Samra was the lead for the education tribunal we worked on and was brilliant in all of her approach. Well informed, responsive and incredibly knowledgeable.’
‘Guv Samra led the education section and was pivotal in managing our case.’
‘The education department led by Guv Samra was exceptional.’
‘Guv's knowledge about education law was exceptional. She was able to guide me through the process with ease and her care and attention to detail was excellent. She was also very efficient and returned calls/emails straight away. Having Guv on my side made a very stressful time infinitely more bearable. I cannot recommend Guv highly enough.’
Work highlights
Conducted and advised on First Tier SEND appeal proceedings for a young person with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, with associated short stature and developmental delay securing council funding for an independent specialist college.
Conducted and advised on First Tier SEND appeal proceedings for a young person with Downs Syndrome securing council funding for an independent specialist school and improvements to EHC plan provision.
Conducted and advised on First Tier SEND appeal proceedings for a young person with autism securing council funding for a placement at an independent specialist school.
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Practice head
Gurvinder Samra; Kashmir Uppal