Biography
I have 13 years of litigation and dispute resolution experience, having qualified in 2010. I initially specialised in defendant personal injury litigation before changing areas of law to education. In 2018, I started working in-house at a large local authority dealing with defending EHCP SEND tribunals before moving to the public law team at a large National firm to act for Claimants.
For the last 3.5 years I have represented children, parents and young adults in a wide range of education related public law matters in both private and publicly funded work. I specialise in all kinds of SEND tribunal appeals, advising clients on school exclusions, bullying, safeguarding, disability discrimination education cases, including race discrimination within an education context, education negligence/breach of contract actions and Human Rights Act damages cases.
I obtained the first ever award for legal aid Exceptional Case Funding (ECF) for a SEND tribunal appeal. In 2022 I helped to broaden the scope of ECF in SEND appeals for looked after children.
I run a variety of Judicial Review cases including SEN transport policy, S42 CFA 2014 failure to implement EHCP provision, failure to provide education under S19 EA 1996, ECF funding challenges against the LAA, failure to implement EHCP social care provision as well as a range of breach of statutory EHCP deadlines.
I regularly assist clients in preparing formal complaints against Local Authorities and through the LGO process.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
From a young age I understood the importance of the legal profession and that they could have a really big impact on peoples’ lives.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
I am passionate about helping children and young people get back into school with the right educational support; enabling them to reach their full potential and truly thrive.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
The Public law team are very friendly and they are committed to employee well-being.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I enjoy running and walking, learning to play the piano, singing for a large classical choir, baking cakes, travelling and spending time with my family and friends.
Testimonials
"Highly recommend Esther Salter for SEN appeals. Efficient service with clear explanation of the process. Great outcome for our daughter Thanks again to Esther and her assistant Yolanda." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Very good result with a judicial review in a CYP EHCP matter which got to the door of the High Court as the local authority seemed unable to get what they had agreed at tribunal in a consent order in place in any sensible timeframe. Esther Salter assisted by Heather Davidson did an excellent job and are highly recommended. They steered me through a stressful time as a parent and the persistence paid off with all the provision in place for the next academic year. Their knowledge and application of education and public law was very good. My child would not have got all the support he needed without them." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Very professional and friendly service from Esther Salter. It has been a very long journey with our solicitor Esther Salter to resolve our SEN Tribunal and we received a high standard professional service to get to a positive outcome of the case. She has always been friendly, encouraging us to keep it going until end of the resolution and most importantly taken prompt actions with appropriate discussions with us. I wanted to highlight that Esther is very well organized her work and kept us informed timely manner.
"Thank you so much Esther for your great support."- 5* Trustpilot review
"Esther Salter has amazing qualities, she's professional, she's really knowledgeable, friendly, kind, caring, attentive, efficient and an excellent communicator, she took all the weight off my shoulders and made everything easy for me, she was very considerate and she patiently explained everything to me when I was under pressure and struggling to understand, she opened my eyes and supported me throughout my daughter's case, she made me aware of all my rights and things that I didn't know I was entitled to. She's the best advisor and felt like she was part of the family, I am so thankful and I highly recommend Esther Salter to everyone and give her 7* for being the best solicitor and kindest down to earth person ever known. - 5* Trustpilot review
"Esther always provides the highest level of service. She is extremely knowledgeable and passionate in what she does. Esther is very thoughtful at all times, being understanding and very informative. I would recommend her at all times." - Chambers and Partners
Publications
Public law campaigners help vulnerable child's legal aid challenge - The Law Society Gazette
Legal aid widened for child cases following public law challenge - The Law Society Gazette
