Prior to joining The 36 Group Sherelle completed her pupillage at the employed Bar, developing her practice in education and coronial law. She has experience advising and representing public bodies and other institutional clients in complex and sensitive matters, combining effective advocacy with clear, pragmatic and solutions-focused legal advice. Sherelle takes a considered and practical approach to her work, providing high-quality legal services tailored to the needs of her clients.

Areas of expertise

  • Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND): Regularly instructed to represent Local Authorities in appeals concerning Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) before the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability). Her experience includes disputes concerning the identification of special educational needs, the specification of special educational provision and the naming of educational placements. She is familiar with the legal framework governing EHCPs and the duties of Local Authorities to secure appropriate provision for children and young people with SEND.
  • School exclusions: Acted as Counsel for schools across England, representing headteachers at governing board hearings and Independent Review Panels in cases challenging decisions to permanently exclude pupils. Her work involves consideration of the statutory framework and relevant guidance, procedural fairness and the decision-making process, as well as the preparation and presentation of legal submissions.
  • Disability discrimination: Advises and represents clients in education matters involving disability discrimination and the application of the Equality Act 2010. This includes consideration of the duties owed to disabled pupils and the legal issues arising in relation to their access to education and participation in school life.
  • Safeguarding and school policies: Advises on the legal framework governing school attendance, safeguarding responsibilities and education policies, assisting clients to understand their statutory duties and apply the relevant guidance to the circumstances of individual cases.
  • Advisory work: Prepares detailed written advice for schools on the legislative framework and relevant guidance applicable to forthcoming proceedings and contentious education matters. Her approach combines careful legal analysis with practical, proportionate advice designed to help clients understand their obligations, assess potential challenges and make informed decisions.

Sherelle’s education practice is underpinned by a practical understanding of the challenges facing schools and Local Authorities. She provides clear, focused advice and effective advocacy in matters involving complex statutory duties, contested decisions and the educational interests of children and young people.

  • Mental health-related deaths: Regularly instructed to represent NHS Trusts across the country at inquests following the deaths of individuals who had received mental health care. Provides legal representation and advice to Trust representatives and clinicians throughout the coronial process, including preparation for oral evidence and support in navigating the requirements of inquest proceedings.
  • Complex clinical care and systemic issues: Represented NHS Trusts at Coroner-led inquests in Essex concerning deceased individuals with extensive mental health histories. Prepared legal submissions and undertook advocacy in proceedings involving scrutiny of the care provided and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. No Prevention of Future Deaths reports were issued in the cases described.
  • Sensitive and complex inquests: Represented an NHS Trust at an inquest concerning the death of a transgender prisoner with a complex history of mental health concerns. The inquest pre-dated Chapter 19 of the Coroners’ Bench Book (Trans People in the Coroner’s Court). Sherelle prepared detailed written submissions addressing clinical care and systemic issues, with the deceased referred to using the family’s preferred pronouns. No Prevention of Future Deaths report was issued in respect of the Trust.
  • Written submissions and legal analysis: Prepares detailed written submissions addressing the evidence, relevant legal principles and issues arising from the circumstances of a death. Her work includes assisting clients to address complex questions concerning clinical care, institutional responsibilities and matters requiring consideration by the Coroner.
  • Witness preparation and client support: Advises clinicians and Trust representatives in advance of giving evidence, helping witnesses understand the inquest process and prepare for the questions likely to arise. Provides practical legal support throughout proceedings, ensuring clients are appropriately advised on the issues under consideration and the presentation of their evidence.
    Through her coronial practice, Sherelle has developed experience in proceedings involving sensitive factual circumstances, complex mental health histories and scrutiny of healthcare provision. She provides clear, practical advice and effective advocacy, with careful attention to the evidential, legal and reputational considerations that can arise for institutional clients following a death.

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