Leah Jackson

Get to know Leah

I have worked as a Paralegal within Education Law for two years, and I joined Slater and Gordon at their Birmingham office in February 2025.

Prior to this, following the completion of my Law Degree, I worked in children’s services at a charity which specialised in movement disorders. It was here that I saw firsthand how difficult the EHCP and appeals process was for many parents, and it was this that motivated me to pursue a career in SEN Law.

As a Paralegal in the Education Team my work includes: providing advice to parents and professionals on matters relating to SEN Law, reviewing EHC plan’s to ensure they are fit for purpose, challenging local authority decisions, advising on and assisting with the appeals process, and representing parents at annual review meetings.

This area of law is incredibly rewarding. The goal of my work is to ensure that the children and young people we represent receive the provision they require, so that they are able to fully access education and realise their potential.

No child is the same and therefore no case is the same. This is something I love about my role and this area of law.

Career highlights

I have worked on various cases where we have been successful in obtaining EHC Needs Assessments and EHC plans; and in acquiring local authority funding for therapies, for placements at specialist schools and for dual placements.

Many of these results were accomplished through appeal; however on a number of cases we have also been able to achieve concessions before reaching hearing.

The extra mile

In April 2024 I completed a sponsored abseil down the Millenium Point building in Birmingham, to raise money for a charity which works with children and adults with movement disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, MS and Stroke.

This is a charity close to my heart as I worked here for over two years, prior to starting my career in Law.

As part of the Education Team at Slater and Gordon, I also provide advice and support to the parents and professionals linked to this charity, and have undertaken Pro Bono work for some of these parents to assist them in the appeal process for their children.