Biography
I am a Solicitor in the Public Law and Human Rights team based in our Gatwick office. I qualified as a Solicitor in 2020 and joined Irwin Mitchell in October 2023.
I specialise in Education law and have experience representing children, parents and young people in a range of appeals to the SEND Tribunal. Since joining Irwin Mitchell, I am also gaining experience advising and representing parents on school exclusions, school admission appeals, judicial review actions against Local Authorities and complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman.
In addition, I have a background in Court of Protection work and am experienced in working with vulnerable people and their families. I understand how issues with a child or young person's education can impact other aspects of their life and care, and I understand how this runs alongside financial considerations and the duties of a Deputy to always act in the child or young person's best interests.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I knew from a very early age that I wanted to study law and join the legal profession. Having completed my studies, I joined a small firm specialising exclusively in SEND Tribunal appeals and I fell in love with this area of law.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
I enjoy solving problems and finding order in what might look like complete chaos. My job allows me to guide families through complex and difficult processes and help them find solutions amongst the chaos. I find it so rewarding when my clients can tell me their destination and I can lead them along the best path to get there, especially when that destination helps their child reach their full potential.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
The team are not only extremely knowledgeable, but also genuinely lovely people who care about their clients and the work they do.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
Outside of work, I love board games and escape rooms (I'm not joking when I say I enjoy solving puzzles) as well as spending time with family and friends.
Testimonials
"We were represented by Lauren Haines for 12 months regarding a complicated educational matter concerning our, at the time, 12-year-old disabled son. Her professionalism, knowledge and expert guidance were invaluable. She was also a great and calming influence when our world was falling apart. She represented our case with unfaltering competence and ensured we achieved the best outcome for our family. We would not hesitate to use her again in future and highly recommend her services to anyone." - Client review
"I used Lauren Haines at Irwin Mitchell for legal expertise in challenging my local authority regarding my daughter's college placement as my daughter has special educational needs. I found Lauren understanding and empathetic. She explained the whole process very clearly from start to finish and her communication throughout the process was also very pleasing.
"I can't praise Irwin Mitchell and in particular, Lauren Haines enough for being very professional and winning my case, before we even got to court, thus saving me money in the long run. I would therefore thoroughly recommend Lauren Haines and Irwin Mitchell if you have any educational legal issues." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Lauren Haines is an excellent communicator, always making herself available to support and diminish any difficulties in communicating to various parties. She is positive and highly effective, whilst being acutely aware and respecting professional boundaries." - Legal 500, 2024
"I found Lauren Haines extremely hard working... informative and explained everything thoroughly as I find it hard to take a lot of information in. Lauren learnt the backgrounds of our case so quickly, then presented it clearly so that the judge has seen how much support my son needed against a member of the local authority and a school where my son was wrongly placed by the local authorities. I would highly recommend Irwin Solicitors as this is the second time they have helped my case when it has come to my son and the Local Authorities. Thank you so much for changing our lives." 5* Google Review
"Very impressive level of professionalism and efficiency from the first time I contacted the firm inquiring if they could help me, right to the conclusion. Lauren did not only provide competent, clear and transparent recommendations but had been very friendly and reassuring during our interactions. I highly recommend her and Irwin Mitchell. After having experienced another firm, I can clearly see the difference in those who truly care and have great passion for their job helping others. Thank you very much Lauren!" 5* Trustpilot review
Publications
Article for WellChild on
Home Education and Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS)
