Lucy Atherton

Lucy is a senior associate at Irwin Mitchell LLP, specialising in education and children’s rights. Based in Newcastle and advising clients across England, she represents children, young people and parents in education-related public law matters, with a particular focus on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Her work spans both privately funded and legal aid cases, and she has significant experience in the health and social care elements of SEND matters.She regularly appears in SEND Tribunal appeals, including cases before the Upper Tribunal. Lucy also advises on judicial reviews involving failures to deliver EHCP provision, unsuitable placements, and other education and community care issues. She supports families throughout the EHCP process, from securing assessments to obtaining suitable provision and placements.Alongside her SEND practice, Lucy advises on broader education matters, including exclusions and admissions. She also advises schools and colleges on a range of issues including disability discrimination, safeguarding and formal complaints.