Douglas Silas Solicitors

Douglas Silas Solicitors (DSS) is a niche firm specialising exclusively in advising and representing parents of children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The practice, led by Douglas Silas, has developed a nationally recognised reputation in this area of law and has represented thousands of parents in securing appropriate educational provision or school placements for their children.

The firm assists parents in disputes with Local Authorities concerning Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), offering both advisory services and direct representation. Its work covers all stages of the process, from seeking assessments to appeals before the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. The practice also provides guidance on responding to draft EHCPs, challenging refusals to assess or issue EHCPs, and contesting final EHCPs that lack sufficient support or fail to name a preferred school.

In addition to tribunal representation, the firm supports parents in obtaining independent expert advice from professionals such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other specialists. It also represents families where Local Authorities seek to cease maintaining an EHCP.

Douglas Silas Solicitors has received numerous awards, including recognition as ‘SEN Law Firm of the Year,’ ‘Education Law Firm/Lawyer of the Year,’ ‘Outstanding Achievement,’ and ‘Niche Law Firm of the Year.’ Douglas Silas has twice been shortlisted by the Law Society for ‘Solicitor of the Year (Private Practice).’

Staffing

• 1 UK partner
• 1 other UK fee-earner