Jennifer Wright

Faced with ‘unlawful’ sanctions by my daughters’ school I had to resort to getting a swift legal response to this nightmare scenario. Thanks to Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP’s speedy intervention and expert support, in particular from Jennifer Wright, the school were quickly put on notice and immediately reversed all decisions concerning my daughter. Thank you once again for all your help. – RH, Client

Caroline Barrett and Jennifer Wright have been absolutely amazing all the way through our case. Communication has been prompt, very supportive and always ensured that we understand the information that was given. We are extremely grateful that they not only represented us but that their dedication and expertise helped to find a positive outcome. This has made a huge difference to us and our family. – DK, Client

I would highly recommend this company, especially Caroline Barrett and Jennifer Wright. They have an excellent knowledge of the whole SEND process. With their help we have finally managed to secure a place for our daughter in our preferred specialist school and we have secured the best ECHP our child has ever got. Very good in recommending other experts like SALT and EP, always available, quick replying to emails, great advices, very professionals but also very understanding of our feelings as frustrated parents. – Marta, Client

Great supportive and pragmatic advice, always responsive. – Tamsin, Client 

Jennifer Wright, who joined the firm in April 2022 and regularly advises on matters related to the Equality Act 2010, is also highly recommended. – Legal 500, 2024

Jennifer is a public law and human rights solicitor with a particular interest in protecting and promoting the rights of disabled children, young people and adults through her work. She specialises in education law, community care, and mental capacity law, including claims for judicial review and applications in the Court of Protection.

She has significant expertise in advising on a broad range of educational issues, through acting both for parents and young people, as well as schools and colleges. She regularly advises on Education, Health and Care (“EHC”) needs assessment requests, the sufficiency of EHC Plans, and appeals before the First-tier (Special Educational Needs and Disability) Tribunal. Jennifer has advised schools and colleges on a range of complex matters linked to their policies and procedures, including safeguarding matters, Special Educational Needs and Disability (“SEND”) issues, issues relating to the Equality Act 2010, and more recently COVID related matters and the award of centre assessed grades.

She is experienced in acting for clients with judicial review challenges, both in relation to strategic litigation and individual claims, having successfully challenged local authorities on issues linked to education and/or special educational needs provision.

She also has expertise in bringing health and welfare cases relating to mental capacity, best interests and deprivation of liberty before the Court of Protection under instruction from the Official Solicitor, relevant person’s representatives and the families of disabled adults.

Jennifer worked at a number of human rights charities before entering the legal profession. She previously represented individuals on a pro bono basis in appeals to the First-Tier Tribunal following a decision by the Department for Work and Pensions (“DWP”) to remove, reduce, or not to grant a benefits award. Jennifer successfully overturned the DWP’s decision for all clients for whom she acted, including securing a 10 year PIP award for one client. Jennifer qualified as a solicitor in 2019 and joined Rook Irwin Sweeney in 2022.