Education expert barrister strengthens VWV's Education offering

An accomplished barrister with long-standing expertise in Education Law, Human Rights and Equality, Miriam will lead VWV’s regulatory compliance work in the Academies and Maintained Schools sector and assist the work of the team more broadly.

Miriam brings a depth of experience to the firm, having advised educational institutions, local authorities and families on a wide range of education law issues from early years to higher education.

Tabitha Cave, Head of the Regulatory Compliance team at VWV, commented: "We are delighted to be welcoming Miriam to the firm. We have worked with her over a number of years and have been impressed by her knowledge, pragmatism and collaborative approach".

Prior to joining VWV, Miriam was a practising public law barrister at the 36 Group, where she established a robust practice representing a wide range of clients within the education sector. At the Bar, she provided advice and representation on issues such as judicial review and human rights claims, admissions, exclusions, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, discrimination, school complaints, and matters involving Ofsted and the Office of the Schools Adjudicator. Miriam has appeared before all levels of courts and tribunals in England & Wales, including the Supreme Court and internationally before the European Court of Human Rights.

Instructed by VWV, Miriam represented a MAT in the first ever substantive judicial review against the Office of the Schools Adjudicator and as part of her wider human rights work, she represented Freddie McConnell in a judicial review challenge to the birth certificate system as it affects transgender parents. Miriam recently represented Brent Council in the high-profile Michaela case about the observance of prayer rituals in school, which attracted significant media attention. Following the case, she led a well-received webinar, in collaboration with VWV, that explored the broader implications of the judgment on schools nationwide.

In addition to her legal practice, Miriam is an ambassador for Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro-Bono Unit), a member of the Equality and Diversity Network of the Bar Council, a mentor with Bridging the Bar and a regular volunteer with Inspiring The Future (an Education and Employers Charity). Widening access to the legal profession is her passion when time allows.

Regarding the opportunity to join VWV, Miriam stated: "Having worked as a barrister with VWV for a number of years, I am thrilled to be joining such a collaborative and innovative firm where legal excellence and client service are at the heart of the organisation.  I look forward to working with VWV’s superb Regulatory Compliance Team to continue to provide market-leading advisory services to our clients and address their critical needs.”

Chloe Brunton, Head of the Academies and Maintained Schools sector at VWV, shared her excitement about Miriam's appointment, "As a leading national law firm recognised for its standout sector expertise to schools and trusts, we're absolutely delighted to welcome Miriam to join the team to further strengthen our offering. Miriam is a true expert in her field, and I am confident that our clients will gain enormous value and comfort from her advice and support."