Samantha Hale

Areas of expertise - Education Law

Samantha is recognised as an expert in education law with particular expertise in special educational needs cases.

Education legal issues she advises on include:

• Securing an Education Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment
• Appeals against a refusal to make an EHC needs assessment
• Appeals against a refusal to make an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• Appeals against content of Statement of Special Educational Needs (Wales)
• Appeals against the content of EHCPs 
• Securing preferred school placement in an EHCP
• Obtaining specialist and / or residential school placements for children and young people with complex needs
• Appeals to the Upper Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability)
• Exclusion appeals
• Disability Discrimination claims
• Admissions appeals
• Home to school transport appeals 
• Failure to provide education and SEN provision 
• Judicial Review for education and social care issues

Samantha also has extensive experience in Public law and Community Care law. This experience is a considerable advantage for clients as these areas regularly cross over with education issues.

Approach
Samantha has substantial experience in supporting children, young people and their families through what can be a very difficult and distressing time. This includes experience of dealing with the most complex cases. She always looks to achieve the best outcome for each client as quickly as possible, by providing individually tailored advice using a practical and sensitive approach.

"Sam Hale is dedicated and tenacious. Always goes the extra mile for her clients. A real star. Manages to find new ways to tackle and solve her client’s problems."  - Legal 500 (2021) 

Focus
Since 2007, Samantha has practiced education law coupled with Community Care and Public law. The majority of her experience has been working with children, young people and their families. She also has experience working for a Local Authority and the Department for Education, broadening her education experience. 

Her experience, reputation and success has led to Samantha being recognised as a leader in the field of education law and is regularly approached to appear on TV and radio as an expert. She has featured in Education law in articles in the Law Society Gazette, Solicitors Journal, The Times Law, The Independent, Buzzfeed, TES, SEN magazine and Inclusion Now, in addition to charities and regional publications.

Samantha regularly provides representation and appeal and Tribunal Hearings. She is also able to carry out her own advocacy in the High Court after gaining her Higher Rights of Audience in 2017. Samantha’s work has led to leading case law within the Upper Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability). She has also provided training to professional groups including experts, schools and other legal professionals, in addition to delivering seminars to parenting groups and charities.

"Samantha Hale is highly regarded for her work on SEN matters. She regularly represents clients in tribunals and court proceedings to secure educational placements and provision." - Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession (2022)