Legal 500 ‘rising star’ James Betts joins Rook Irwin Sweeney

Rook Irwin Sweeney is expanding its education, community care and mental capacity expertise with the recruitment of James Betts, Senior Solicitor.

James specialises in education, community care, and mental capacity law, including claims for judicial review and in the Court of Protection. Having previously worked as a teaching assistant to children with special educational needs, over the last 10 years he has developed a particular reputation for his work in special educational needs and disability (‘SEND’) law and is recognised to be an expert in the field. He works with case managers and deputies to advise on their clients’ eligibility for statutory funding, advises schools on pupil related issues and regularly delivers training on special educational needs law to charities, schools and other lawyers.

James is ranked in both Chambers and Partners 2022 and Legal 500 2022. Sources recognise that

“He is precise, extremely knowledgeable and compassionate at all times. I would say his main strength is his high level ​of efficiency and resolute knowledge of what path should be taken.” “He understands the challenges for client a while being able to recognise key legal issues and focus on those for the purposes of the legal proceedings.” Chambers and Partners 2022 (Star Associate)

“I was very impressed by James Betts… James was able to provide me with a specialised bespoke service which was cost effective for me and fantastic in terms of the result we achieved for my son. James has very good knowledge of the law in this area and was always able to answer my (many) questions… James is a stand out individual for education work, particularly special educational needs and judicial review.”  Legal 500 2022 (Rising Star)

Rook Irwin Sweeney has continued to grow since its launch in April 2020, and now has four Partners and three solicitors. It has been instructed in a series of landmark cases relating to transparency in government decision making, and the protection of disabled people’s rights, during the pandemic. Its innovative social justice fund has enabled more than 20 clients to access free legal advice. In November 2021 it was named by The Times as one of the best law firms for 2022.