Qaisar Sheikh
Legal Director (Education Solicitor)
Qaisar has considerable experience in education, public and discrimination law, having acted in a broad range of legal matters, many complex and involving young people with significant needs. His practice benefits from his family law training, where he worked in areas that often cross over with education (such as care proceedings, child protection and private children disputes). He has acted in several reported cases that have brought about further judicial guidance and legal precedence in areas of SEN and discrimination. In 2023, Qaisar won the prestigious Law Society Legal Hero award for his far-reaching work securing education, health and social care support for young people with additional needs. Prior to this, he won the widely respected Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year award in 2022 (Public Law category). Qaisar has been nationally ranked in Chambers and Partners since 2020 and currently sits in Band 1 for Education, with only a small number of other solicitors. As his strengths, Chambers notes that Qaisar “provides an outstanding service” and is “an excellent education solicitor and rated very highly”. Further, “he is a fantastic and genuine solicitor who conducts himself professionally”.
Arbor House, 255 Blackfriars Road, SE1 9AX
He is an experienced Legal Director (Education Solicitor) who is able to assist you
Practice Areas
Education
Professional, knowledgeable and approachable
We have worked with Qaisar on a number of occasions and cannot recommend him highly enough for the support offered. He is extremely knowledgeable in the field and always goes above and beyond expectations in terms of getting us the right support - often working out of hours! In the legal minefield we have found him to be a reassuring and friendly voice - no question is silly - responses are quick!
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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Outstanding first class service
Yes, I would recommend Winckworth Sherwood LLP.
Qaisar helped me secure a place at a specialist independent school for my son, who has special needs. We were up against my local county council and faced many hurdles, as they were adamant that my son couldn’t attend his chosen school—the only one that could meet all his needs—due to cost.
Without Qaisar Sheikh’s help and continual support, my son would never have won his place at our chosen school and would most likely never have returned to a school setting.
My son is now thriving and has completely transformed as a person. He is happy, confident, and attends school daily, where he is learning and making new friends.
None of this would have been possible without Qaisar’s legal support, as navigating the SEN legal system is a minefield on your own.
Qaisar helped me understand every step of the process, explaining everything clearly. I would not hesitate to recommend him—my son is living proof that his services are first-class and unbeatable.
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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Focus on Special School Tribunals update and Q&A
Winkworth Sherwood [Qaisar] led a session for our Challenge Partners Special and AP Hub comprising 60 Special settings across the South East and Norfolk. The response from the Headteachers and Senior Leaders in attendance was tremendous.
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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Exceptional Pro Bono Support from Qaiser in Family Law Case
I recently had the pleasure of working with Qaiser, a solicitor who generously provided pro bono assistance in a complex family law matter concerning child access. From the very beginning, Qaiser demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge and an extraordinary level of understanding. He went above and beyond to help, offering both practical advice and emotional support during an incredibly challenging time in my life.
Throughout the process, I often found myself overwhelmed and unable to think clearly. However, Qaiser's calm and logical perspective helped me navigate the legal intricacies with confidence. His dedication and commitment to my case were evident, and I am incredibly grateful for all the hard work he invested.
Thanks to Qaiser's exceptional guidance, I achieved an outcome in court that was far better than I had ever imagined. I am exceptionally happy with the results and cannot express enough gratitude for Qaiser's invaluable support. If you are in need of a solicitor who truly cares and goes the extra mile, I wholeheartedly recommend Qaiser.
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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Professional and Caring
From the onset Qaisar worked above and beyond our expectations. He was keen to understand the family dynamics, showing particular interest in what was required for our special needs daughter. He was supportive throughout the educational tribunal preparations and showed persistence and diligence in ensuring reports arrived from other professionals in the correct format for the proceeding. Thank you Qaisar. A Success Story!
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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Excellent support and care
Mr Sheikh and his team have been tremendously supportive and helpful during our case.
A specialist and high-level of legal knowledge was backed with sensitivity and honesty, providing clear information and explaining options carefully. Communication was timely and easy to understand. It was a great relief to know that we were in the hands of such a caring and effective professional. We felt fully supported throughout the process and would not hesitate to recommend Mr Sheikh and Winckworth Sherwood to others. Thank you.
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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School Support
As a school, we have been through a very challenge set of circumstances and Qaisar has been very supportive. He has responded in a timely manner, provided advice for lots of different scenarios and I am very grateful for the support that we have received. He has also been proactive, contacting me to see how particular events resolved themselves and sending over articles and different information to support. Thank you
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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Really supportive
Qaisar was very approachable and thorough, ensuring that we all fully understood each step of the process.
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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Excellent support
We were required to attend a SEND tribunal, a daunting process having never been through this before. Qaisar was thoughtful, understanding and empathetic from the start. He understood our thoughts and feelings, and proved to gather information about our case, challenging us and helping us to prepare thoroughly. He was honest and forthright throughout allowing us to accurately consider all options and make informed decisions. I would highly recommend Qaisar to anyone in a similar situation.
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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Highly skilled SEN and discrimination specialist
I have known Qaisar in a professional capacity for over 10 years and have always been impressed by the quality of his work and his work ethic. When a family member required assistance to secure special educational provision, he was my first port of call. He worked tirelessly on this challenging case and secured a brilliant outcome for my family member. I recommend him often to others and cannot speak of him highly enough.
Lawyer named in this review: Qaisar Sheikh
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