English
Solicitor, Education Law
Bristol
Bethany Parr is a Solicitor in our Education and Children’s Rights team, based in our Bristol office.
Professional Biography
Bethany obtained a First Class LLB Law degree from Cardiff University in 2014, where she was awarded the Blackstones Exam Prize for the top mark in European Union Law and the Cardiff Law School prize for Best Performance in Final Year LLB Exams, and went on to achieve a Distinction in her LLM in Professional Legal Practice at The University of Law in 2019.
Before joining Simpson Millar in December 2023, Bethany worked for eight years in the Public Law and Human Rights legal sector, starting as a Paralegal, completing her training contract, and qualifying as a Solicitor in May 2021. She gained valuable experience in Court of Protection, Human Rights, Discrimination and Health and Social Care law, all of which complements and informs her current Education Law practice.
Bethany has a wealth of experience acting for the families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in First-Tier Tribunal appeals to secure Education Health and Care Needs Assessments, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), as well as placements in special schools, independent schools and residential placements. She also has experience of bringing judicial review challenges to the decisions of public authorities, from initial advice through to final hearing. Bethany’s expertise extends to advising property and financial affairs deputies and case managers regarding their clients’ legal rights, including acting in complex Tribunal appeals involving health and social care issues, and advising schools and colleges on their obligations in the education context.
Case Studies / Notable Cases
As a Junior Solicitor, Bethany was involved in the case of R (AA and CC) v. Secretary of State for Education [2022] EWHC 1613 (Admin) which challenged a provision in the Equality Act 2010 that prevents the First-Tier Tribunal from awarding damages to claimants in successful disability discrimination claims against schools.
She also played a significant role as a Junior Solicitor in the Landmark case of Abrahart v University of Bristol, where a court found that Bristol University had discriminated against a disabled student by failing to make reasonable adjustments to their assessment format, and that this sadly caused her death by suicide. The case is thought to be the first where a court has found that Equality Act breaches caused a person’s death.
Bethany is committed to her role in advocating for children and young people with SEND and their families. She believes that access to suitable education is critical in shaping a young person's life. In her role at Simpson Millar, Bethany applies her extensive knowledge and experience to ensure that these young individuals receive the education and support they are legally entitled to. Her dedication to the field of education and children's rights is a personal passion, making her an empathetic and effective advocate in this vital area of law.
"Bethany was amazing and done everything she could for me and my son!"
Courtney
Client
"Bethany Parr was extremely helpful, friendly and really knew her stuff. It was a relief to get Bethany on board, and her advice really helped us. Respectful, polite and very professional."
Legal 500
Feedback
"It has been a great experience work with Bethany Parr and Shea Kelly from the start to end they work tirelessly to get my son a school placement in a Sen school. I can’t thank them enough. I was emotionally exhausted from trying to communicate with the LA but they help me with everything. Beth and Shea would explain everything to me and update me about anything. I love the way they care about my problems like it was their own. I just want to thank you both for being there for us and for helping me throughout this process that wasn’t easy but you did it. Thank you so much."
Sandra
Client
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