Solicitor at Birkett Long LLP
Madeleine Oakley
Solicitor - Solicitor
SRA ID: 651879
I specialise in Education Law and provide advice to parents, carers and young people on all matters relating to special educational needs and disability laws. I also advise on admissions and exclusion appeals. With extensive litigation experience, I have an analytical approach to identifying the key issues and reaching a resolution. Access to education is fundamental to a child or young person’s life. I enjoy working directly with parents, carers and young people to give them a voice in exercising their legal rights. I provide clients with clear, practical, and succinct legal advice. I am solutions driven and focus on how best to achieve my client’s desired outcome. I have extensive litigation experience, and I understand the pressure on clients as a result of their legal disputes. I have a calm and proactive approach to resolving sensitive issues and keep my clients updated throughout on the progress of their case. Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, I obtained my Police Station Representatives Accreditation to represent clients in respect of interviews under caution. I have extensive experience representing clients and managing a busy caseload. Initially, I qualified as a Criminal Defence Solicitor and I obtained my Duty Solicitor status before retraining in education with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs. My time in Criminal Defence practice means I am well adapted to dealing with high-pressure cases and have extensive advocacy experience. Outside of work, I enjoy running. I have completed over 100 parkrun's and regularly attend my local course or tourism courses with friends. I also volunteer as a course marshal.
1 Amphora Place, Sheepen Road, CO3 3WG
Licensed for 4 years
Practice Areas
Education
- Education 100%
3 Client Reviews
Overall experience
- Value For Money
- Approachability
About Madeleine Oakley
I specialise in Education Law and provide advice to parents, carers and young people on all matters relating to special educational needs and disability laws. I also advise on admissions and exclusion appeals. With extensive litigation experience, I have an analytical approach to identifying the key issues and reaching a resolution. Access to education is fundamental to a child or young person’s life. I enjoy working directly with parents, carers and young people to give them a voice in exercising their legal rights. I provide clients with clear, practical, and succinct legal advice. I am solutions driven and focus on how best to achieve my client’s desired outcome. I have extensive litigation experience, and I understand the pressure on clients as a result of their legal disputes. I have a calm and proactive approach to resolving sensitive issues and keep my clients updated throughout on the progress of their case. Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, I obtained my Police Station Representatives Accreditation to represent clients in respect of interviews under caution. I have extensive experience representing clients and managing a busy caseload. Initially, I qualified as a Criminal Defence Solicitor and I obtained my Duty Solicitor status before retraining in education with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs. My time in Criminal Defence practice means I am well adapted to dealing with high-pressure cases and have extensive advocacy experience. Outside of work, I enjoy running. I have completed over 100 parkrun's and regularly attend my local course or tourism courses with friends. I also volunteer as a course marshal.
Languages Spoken: English
Contact Madeleine Oakley
Resume
WORK EXPERIENCE
Title
Name
Duration
Solicitor
Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP
18-08-2022-2023
Solcitor
Birkett Long LLP
130723-present
Judicial Review
Madeleine helped us by writing a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) letter to our LA to challenge their decision not to provide our SEND daughter with any education following the failure of her specialist school placement, for which they conceded in the end.
Madeleine was professional, astute and caring which was appreciated as the whole situation was extremely stressful and upsetting.
She also had extreme patience when dealing with the what can only be described as incompetence by the LA.
While things are far from perfect - it broke the stalemate we were in and we can hopefully move forward to ensuring our daughter has the provision she is legally entitled to.
Lawyer named in this review: Madeleine Oakley
A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 03 June, 2024
Thank you, Victoria, for entrusting us with your daughter's education matter. We're pleased to hear that Madeleine's professional, astute, and caring assistance helped resolve the situation, despite the challenges posed by the LA's actions. Your feedback is valuable.
Was this review helpful? Yes
EHCP Refusal to Assess Appeal Won
Our solicitor was Madeleine Oakley and she was brilliant - incredibly helpful, professional, honest and we always felt we had the best person fighting our corner. Previously, we had tried to get 2 LA's to accept our EHCP Assessment. After the 2nd refusal, we hired Madeline after finding Birkett Long on a Facebook group.
When we read the evidence that Madeleine had compiled - we just smiled and thought yeah!
We never expected to win, because our school wouldn't support us, so we were delighted when we did! Rest assured, if we need to appeal any other stages, she will be the first person we contact!
Lawyer named in this review: Madeleine Oakley
A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 18 April, 2024
Dear Carrie, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We're delighted to hear that Madeleine Oakley provided you with exceptional service and support throughout your appeal. At Birkett Long, we strive to deliver professional, honest, and effective legal assistance to all our clients. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we're grateful for the opportunity to have assisted you.
Was this review helpful? Yes
EHCP evidence review
Madeline provided an excellent EHCP draft review response that enabled me to challenge the draft copy and resulted in my son receiving a high level TA in all of his lessons and ensuring provision was specified in mins/hours per week.
Lawyer named in this review: Madeleine Oakley
A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 15 January, 2024
Dear Hannah, Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased to hear that Madeline provided an excellent EHCP draft review, resulting in positive outcomes for your son. If you have any future needs or questions, feel free to reach out.
Was this review helpful? Yes