• Office
  • Faviell House
  • 1 Coval Wells
  • Chelmsford
  • Essex
  • CM1 1WZ
  • Tel: 01245 453800

Madeleine Oakley

Solicitor

I specialise in Education Law and provide advice to parents, carers and young people on all matters relating to special educational needs and disability laws. I also advise on admissions and exclusion appeals. With extensive litigation experience, I have an analytical approach to identifying the key issues and reaching a resolution.

Access to education is fundamental to a child or young person’s life. I enjoy working directly with parents, carers and young people to give them a voice in exercising their legal rights.
 
I provide clients with clear, practical and succinct legal advice. I am solutions driven and focus on how best to achieve my client's desired outcome. I have extensive litigation experience and I understand the pressures on clients as a result of their legal dispute. I have a calm and proactive approach to resolving sensitive issues and keep my clients updated throughout on the progress of their case.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, I obtained my Police Station Representatives Accreditation to represent clients in respect of interviews under caution. I have extensive experience representing clients and managing a busy caseload. Initially, I qualified as a Criminal Defence Solicitor and obtained my Duty Solicitor status before retraining in Education with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs. My time in Criminal Defence practice means that I am well adapted to dealing with high-pressure cases and have extensive advocacy experience. 

Outside of work, I enjoy running. I have completed over 100 Parkrun's and regularly attend my local course or tourism courses with friends. I also volunteer as a course martial.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS:

  • Police Station Accredited Representative
  • LLB Law Degree – Reading University
  • LPC and combined Masters – BBP Cambridge
  • Qualified as a Solicitor in 2020

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What our clients say

  • We use Birkett Long’s Legal and HR retainer services. The Education Team at Birkett Long have the experience and expertise in all the legal areas needed and when providing advice and assistance they always have the Trust’s reputation at the forefront. They are professional and effective and respond to a new query usually within a day if not on the day. If a request is for advice or assistance that falls outside of the retainer services, they are clear about the costs associated with the work and any quote is provided prior to work starting. - Business Manager of a 5 school multi-academy trust
  • We use Birkett Long’s Legal and HR retainer services. The Education Team at Birkett Long have the experience and expertise in all the legal areas needed and when providing advice and assistance they always have the Trust’s reputation at the forefront. They are professional and effective and respond to a new query usually within a day if not on the day. If a request is for advice or assistance that falls outside of the retainer services, they are clear about the costs associated with the work and any quote is provided prior to work starting.
  • Thank you so much for all your help with getting James the right placement. He is now halfway into the first term and doing really well. Just to let you know we had the SALT assessment for James last week. We now have his communication difficulties documented which without your help we wouldn't have had.
  • Please can we renew our Education Legal Retainer; it really gives me peace of mind and us all great confidence knowing that the BL team are there if we need them! - St Cedds School
  • Birkett Long represented us in the legal process of joining a multi academy trust. The Education Team were able to provide the appropriate service for all stages of the process. Input was timely, queries were given the appropriate attention and information was forthcoming to meet the schedule for the merger. The process was achieved in a timely fashion. - Headteacher of an academy school