iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

We are delighted to be recognised in Legal 500 2027, as a ‘top-notch team involved in high-profile policy challenges involving the rights of disabled children’’ and to have secured a Tier 1 ranking in Education for the third year running. 1/2

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We're delighted to welcome Heather Davidson to @ris-law.bsky.social Heather joins us as a solicitor, bringing expertise in #EducationLaw, #JudicialReview and #CommunityCareLaw. Her appointment further strengthens the specialist support we provide to our clients. Welcome, Heather! 👏 #NewStarter

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

@ris-law.bsky.social Partner @anne-marieirwin.bsky.social and our client Lucy Robinson spoke to BBC Women’s Hour about her successful challenge to her NHS ICB’s refusal to allow her to use her care package abroad. Listen from 24:02: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

Woman's Hour - Thelma and Louise the musical, Continuing Care funding, Changelings - BBC Sounds

Oscar-winning screenwriter Callie Khouri on new stage version of 90s film Thelma & Louise.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

@ris-law.bsky.social Partner @anne-marieirwin.bsky.social speaks to @theguardian.com about acting for Lucy Robinson, president of the European Spinal Cord Injury Federation, to overturn her NHS ICB’s decision to refuse to allow her to use her care package abroad www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...

theguardian.com

‘I want to live’: the disabled people unable to go abroad because of care funding refusal

Campaigners say care users face a postcode lottery for support overseas – despite no extra cost to taxpayer

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

We're delighted to welcome Victoria Higgins to @ris-law.bsky.social. Victoria joins us as a solicitor, with experience in #JudicialReview, #CommunityCareLaw and #EducationLaw. We look forward to working with her as we continue to build on the specialist support we provide to our clients. Welcome! 👏

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Important Court of Appeal decision on personal welfare deputyships today. Acting for HB's parents, we successfully appealed a refusal to appoint them as welfare deputies and secured much-needed guidance on when deputyships should be granted. [1/3]

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

A new government consultation proposes significant changes to EOTAS, alternative provision and education for children who are unable to attend school due to health needs. Have your say before 18 September 2026. More information here: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk/new-governme...

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

The appeal in Re HDEB [2026] EWCOP 12, regarding welfare deputyship applications, will start at 10.30am on 17 June 2026 and will be live-streamed here: www.youtube.com/@RoyalCourts...

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

The appeal in Re HDEB [2026] EWCOP 12 will take place in the Court of Appeal on 17 June 2026. Read more about this update, and the appeal, here: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk/update-on-we...

rookirwinsweeney.co.uk

Update on welfare deputyship case ‘leapfrogged’ to the Court of Appeal | Rook Irwin Sweeney - Public Law. Human Rights.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

The Supreme Court has granted our Charedi Jewish clients, BYL and BAU, permission to appeal on all grounds the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of their challenge to the imposition of VAT on private school fees 1/2

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Come and say hi at our stand if you’re attending the Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions south today! We’re looking forward to meeting families, carers and professionals and having conversations about how we can support children and young people with disabilities and additional needs #KidzToAdultz

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

‘SEND reforms, if adopted, will dilute existing legal rights in many material ways’ @ris-law.bsky.social’s Polly Sweeney speaks to the Law Gazette after our client issues judicial review challenge to SEND reforms consultation www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/jr-chal...

lawgazette.co.uk

JR challenge to SEND reforms consultation

Application for judicial review argues the consultation on radical limits to the SEND Tribunal's jurisdiction is unlawful.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

SEND reforms consultation update: a judicial review has now been issued challenging the government’s SEND reforms consultation, on behalf of our client, 8-year-old Jessica Hayhurst, who brings the case with her mother Melissa Hayhurst acting as her litigation friend. 1/3

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Rook Irwin Sweeney's Alex Rook and Katie Sinclair alongside @stevebroach.bsky.social and Francesca Gardner of 39 Essex Chambers act for the parents of a young man known as HDEB in an application for welfare deputyship which has now been ‘leapfrogged’ to the Court of Appeal. (1/2)

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

New vacancy! We are recruiting for a full time education solicitor (min 2 years PQE) for a fixed 12 month contract (with potential to become a permanent role). Apply by 5pm on 22 April 2026 - further details here: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk/careers/

rookirwinsweeney.co.uk

Careers | Rook Irwin Sweeney - Public Law. Human Rights.

Education Solicitor vacancy Are you looking to develop your legal career by working on cutting-edge cases in a dynamic and progressive law firm? We are recr ...

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

We’re delighted that @jentwright.bsky.social has been promoted to Associate Solicitor. Jennifer specialises in education law and judicial review, and is rightly recognised by Legal 500 as a “key member of the team.” Learn more about her work here: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk/jennifer-wri...

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Join us! We are recruiting for a full time education solicitor (minimum 2 years PQE) for a fixed 12 month contract. Apply by 5pm on 8 April 2026 - further details here: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk/careers/

rookirwinsweeney.co.uk

Careers | Rook Irwin Sweeney - Public Law. Human Rights.

Education Solicitor vacancy Are you looking to develop your legal career by working on cutting-edge cases in a dynamic and progressive law firm? &nbs ...

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

SEND reforms consultation: we have received a response from the Secretary of State for Education on our client’s letter before claim - our Polly Sweeney provides an update in the Law Society Gazette here www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/plan-to... #education #SEND

lawgazette.co.uk

Plan to hobble SEND Tribunal a done deal, government admits

Position at odds with education secretary's statement that consultation happens 'before any final decisions are made'.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

We are in the Court of Appeal today challenging Devon County Council's closure of 'vital' mental health drop in services. @ris-law.bsky.social's Rosie Campbell and @anne-marieirwin.bsky.social and @stevebroach.bsky.social and Eleanor Leydon, both of @39essexchambers.bsky.social, are instructed. 1/2

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

The deadline to apply for the full time junior solicitor vacancy has been extended to 5pm this Friday 6 March – the full details are below:

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

We have been instructed to send a letter before claim to the Secretary of State for Education, challenging the Government’s SEND reforms consultation on the basis that it is unfair and irrational. Further details here: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk/first-steps-...

rookirwinsweeney.co.uk

First steps are taken in judicial review challenge of the Secretary of State for Education’s SEND reform consultation | Rook Irwin Sweeney - Public Law. Human Rights.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

The phase transfer deadline of 15 February for local authorities to finalise Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for most pupils has now passed, and you should have an EHCP naming the placement that your child is to attend in September. 1/2

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

We are reviewing the consultation on ‘SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First’ and the Government’s white paper in detail, and we will continue to support our clients during this time of uncertainty. 1/3

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Our @cazza-bee.bsky.social and @jentwright.bsky.social are in the High Court today for a #judicialreview of the decision to close a number of children’s centres in Ealing. Jenni Richards KC at @39essexchambers.bsky.social and @olliepersey.bsky.social at @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social are instructed 1/2

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Join us! We are recruiting for a full time junior solicitor (0-2 years PQE) to assist predominantly with the firm’s public law (judicial review), community care and health and welfare work in the Court of Protection. Apply by 5pm on 2 March 2026 -further details here: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk/careers/

rookirwinsweeney.co.uk

Careers | Rook Irwin Sweeney - Public Law. Human Rights.

Solicitor vacancy Are you looking to develop your legal career by working on cutting-edge cases in a dynamic and progressive law firm? We are recruiting for ...

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Today is #HumanRightsDay. Alongside the British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and 180+ organisations we’ve signed a letter to the Prime Minister to call for leadership that strengthens rights, not weakens them. Read the letter here: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk/human-rights... 1/3

logos of all the organisations that have signed this year's letter.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

On #InternationalDayofPersonswithDisabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to working alongside clients towards a world where disabled people are treated with dignity, equity, and respect. A reminder of one of our recent cases in which our disabled clients used the law to protect their rights: [1/2]

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

We are delighted to be named as one of @thetimes.com best 250 law firms in England and Wales for 2026: www.thetimes.com/best-law-fir... #publiclaw #judicialreview #educationlaw #healthandsocialcare

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Webinar Alert: Helping Your Child Navigate Education Transitions

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

"The lawyers are exceptional in every way. They are exquisite litigators that are friendly yet feisty." We’re delighted to have maintained strong rankings in Chambers and Partners 2026 in Administrative and Public Law, Education and Court of Protection (health and welfare).

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

We are delighted to be recognised in the 2026 edition of Legal 500 once again this year, as ‘true fighters for some of the most vulnerable people in society’ and to have secured a Tier 1 ranking in Education for the second year running.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

We are instructed in an application for judicial review challenging the decision by London Borough of #Ealing to close down or repurpose 10 #children’scentres

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

It's great to be at the #PDFConference2025 in Birmingham today. We're having some great conversations about how we can help #deputyship clients access #education #healthcare & #socialcare!

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Our client, supported by #JusticeforME, is crowdfunding for legal advice with the aim of ensuring that specialist health services needed by everyone living with ME/cfs are made available – find out more here: www.crowdjustice.com/case/justice... #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis @swastrosarah.bsky.social

A painting of a woman lying in a bed with a landscape of hills in the background.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

A judicial review of the CQC’s decision to register gender healthcare service Gender Plus Healthcare has been dismissed - @ris-law.bsky.social acted for the interested party, Gender Plus Healthcare, in successfully opposing the application 1/3

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

The summer holidays are the perfect time to plan ahead for the next academic year for your child with #SEND with our fixed fee #EHCP “Health Check”. Details available on our website: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk/new-fixed-fe...

rookirwinsweeney.co.uk

New fixed fee advice service launched: EHCP “Health Check” | Rook Irwin Sweeney - Public Law. Human Rights.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Our clients are #crowdfunding to save 10 children’s centres in Ealing providing vital local support to children and their families and which the Council is proposing to close - find out more and support the campaign here: www.crowdjustice.com/case/save-ea...

crowdjustice.com

Save Ealing's Children's Centres from Closure! URGENT FUNDING NEEDED.

We are a group of parents, carers and local community campaigners trying to stop Ealing Council from closing 10 children’s centres across our borough.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Delighted to announce that Stephanie McClymont has joined @ris-law.bsky.social as a paralegal, primarily assisting with our #SEND #education work. Welcome Stephanie! rookirwinsweeney.co.uk?specialist=s...

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Looking forward to supporting our solicitors Katie Sinclair and @jentwright.bsky.social tonight, both finalists at this evening's Legal Aid Lawyer of the year awards - always fantastic to hear about the inspirational #legalaid work of colleagues in the sector! @lalyawards.bsky.social #LALY25

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Immensely proud to have been one of the 17 trail-blazing organisations which took part in the UK #4DayWeek pilot this year, resulting in “extremely positive” findings in research published today.

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Team @ris-law.bsky.social were proud to take part in another #LondonLegalWalk yesterday, which has now raised over £500,000 for @londonlegal.bsky.social to support frontline free legal advice agencies across London and the South East #accesstojustice

Photo of Rook Irwin Sweeney team on Bell Yard at the London Legal Walk 2025

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Our former client Alexander is swimming the English channel to raise money for @mencap.org.uk. Wishing him and the relay team the best of luck – you can donate to their cause here: www.justgiving.com/page/alexand... Good luck!

justgiving.com

Alexander's fundraiser for Mencap

Help Alexander Sixsmith raise money to support Mencap

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Our @ris-law.bsky.social's Alex Rook and @39essexchambers.bsky.social @stevebroach.bsky.social attended @sxsw.com London yesterday, to discuss how the law protects young people, where it is failing them, and how to fight to promote and protect their rights in relation to #healthcare and #socialcare

Photo of Alex Rook and Steve Broach KC delivering a talk on young people's rights at SXSW London on 4 June 2025

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

We are pleased to announce that Joana Rossi Cardenas has joined Rook Irwin Sweeney as an Administrator. You can find out more about Joana here: rookirwinsweeney.co.uk?specialist=1... Welcome Joana!

Photo of Joana Rossi Cardenas, new Administrator at Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

We are delighted to announce that Rook Irwin Sweeney’s Anisha Powel has been promoted from Litigation Assistant to Administrative Team Leader. Anisha joined our firm in January 2021 and has been an integral part of the firm’s administration team since. Very well deserved – congratulations Anisha!

Photo of Anisha Powel, Administrative Team Leader at Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

Very proud of our lawyers Jennifer Wright @jentwright.bsky.social and Katie Sinclair, finalists in this year's Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards - Jennifer for Public Law and Katie for Legal Aid Newcomer. A testament to their fantastic work for our legal aid clients @lalyawards.bsky.social #LALY25

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Rook Irwin Sweeney @ris-law.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

"Across the country we are seeing huge delays in initial assessments. There’s a blatant disregard for the rules." @ris-law.bsky.social's Polly Sweeney speaks to @thetimes.com about the continued delays in councils issuing EHC Plans for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disability #SEND 1/2

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