Biography
Head of Public Law Gatwick and head of education specialist interest group nationally
I joined Irwin Mitchell in March 2023 as an Associate Solicitor specialising in education law. I head up the national education law team overseeing their training and technical supervision. I also lead the Public Law and Human Rights team in the Gatwick office.
I represent children, parents and young adults in a wide range of education related public law matters in both private and publicly funded work.
I specialise in all types of SEND First Tier and Upper Tier Tribunal appeals. I have particular experience in bringing high value residential (Education Health & Care Plans) EHCP Tribunal appeals that focus on education outside normal school hours (waking day) and that seek health and social care recommendations through extended appeals.
I regularly conduct my own advocacy at SEND Tribunals and assists families through the process, including seeking an EHC needs assessment, the contents of an EHC plan, securing suitable provision and appropriate schools, and the annual review process.
I also have previous experience of acting for local authorities and I advise schools and colleges on SEND matters and their policies.
In addition to SEN work, I practice across all areas of education law, including exclusions, admissions, safeguarding, discrimination claims and education focussed Judicial Reviews such as SEN transport, failure to implement EHCP provision or children out of school. I regularly assist clients in preparing formal complaints against Local Authorities and through the LGO process.
I have 14 years’ litigation and dispute resolution experience as well as experience acting in education negligence and breach of contract cases.
I obtained the first ever award for Exceptional Case Funding (ECF) a type of legal aid for a SEND tribunal appeal. In 2022 I helped to broaden the scope of ECF in SEND appeals for looked after children.
I work with a number of education trusts, schools and SEN Charities to provide training, support and advice on education legal issues such as Exclusions, Disability Discrimination, EHCP content, SEN and military family issues, Tribunal tips and the working document process to support litigants in person.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
From a young age I understood the importance of the legal profession and that they could have a really big impact on peoples’ lives.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
I am passionate about helping children and young people get back into school with the right educational support; enabling them to reach their full potential and truly thrive.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
The Public law team are very friendly and they are committed to employee well-being.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I enjoy running and walking, learning to play the piano, singing for a large classical choir, baking cakes, travelling and spending time with my family and friends.
Testimonials
Esther Salter is a fabulous team player and communicator. She is highly effective in resolving disputes in advance of hearings. She brings parties together and skillfully facilitates communication, having her client's best interest in mind but also looking for realistic solutions. She is an innovative person, also looking to skill up colleagues and improve the quality of the services delivered.' - Legal 500, 2025
"I was lucky to find Esther Salter as a solicitor (at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors). I cannot recommend Esther Salter highly enough for any parent wanting advice on the best way for them navigate the complexity of special education law and in the end bring the best result for their children in regards to education, provisions, care and much more.
"I have 2 boys, both with SEN needs but on different ends of the spectrum and the Local Authority was extremely unhelpful, difficult and somewhat neglectful in regards to their SEN educational needs. After 2 years of talking to the LA and not getting anywhere, I realised we needed to go to tribunal to implement our children's education plan. It was an extremely frustrating period. From the very first conversation with Esther I realised that she had a huge depth of knowledge of the SEN process.
"She was emphatic, listened thoroughly, asked all the relevant questions, and gathered all the information to make our case the strongest possible for getting the support and provisions needed. Her expertise was invaluable, both boys had different needs and she assembled a team that assessed both children individually, set out clear targets and provisions and built a robust case for the children's SEN needs.
"Esther's attention to detail was second to none, she was a forceful advocate on our behalf and her meticulous planning meant that I had great confidence going into the tribunal hearing for both boys. The end results for both boys were favourable rulings that made all the stress and pressure of going to a tribunal worth it. She had secured such a good outcome for both my boys, and I will always be grateful that we had such a capable, caring professional on our side.
"For any parents facing difficulties in getting their child's SEN met, I recommend you contact Esther Salter at Irwin Mitchell. She has my highest recommendation. I have no doubt that her skills, tenacity and knowledge will make her the best advocate for your child on your behalf. She will make the difference for your child's educational future by ensuring that their educational needs are met, as she has done with my two boys." - 5* Trustpilot review
“The advice given to us for the entire process of our son's appeal, mediation and pre-tribunal was incredibly insightful and helpful. Navigating the confusing nature of educational health care plans and appeals was made manageable through the help of our lawyer.” 5* Trustpilot review
“Great experience with this experienced and knowledgeable solicitor who showed a lot of interest in the case” 5* Trustpilot review
“Esther Salter was fantastic. She was very friendly caring and approachable. Esther responded quickly to queries and always went the extra mile to help. Esther talked me through the steps involved in our EHCP appeal and explained things with great patience. Esther was really knowledgeable, gave clear, easy to understand and logical advice allowing us to make an informed decision about the next steps to be taken. Ollie Butters was a whizz with documents and the bundle and saved us many hours of work. We wished we had been able to seek legal advice/ support sooner Esther and Ollie were great to work with. We felt very confident that Esther and Ollie were part of an excellent team supporting us. We’re really grateful to have had their support as it helped us achieve an excellent outcome at tribunal.” 5* Trustpilot review
“Esther Salter is a superstar SEND lawyer. She has pioneered the use of Exceptional Case Funding in SEND Tribunal proceedings.” Legal 500 2023
"Highly recommend Esther Salter for SEN appeals. Efficient service with clear explanation of the process. Great outcome for our daughter Thanks again to Esther and her assistant Yolanda." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Very good result with a judicial review in a CYP EHCP matter which got to the door of the High Court as the local authority seemed unable to get what they had agreed at tribunal in a consent order in place in any sensible timeframe. Esther Salter assisted by Heather Davidson did an excellent job and are highly recommended. They steered me through a stressful time as a parent and the persistence paid off with all the provision in place for the next academic year. Their knowledge and application of education and public law was very good. My child would not have got all the support he needed without them." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Very professional and friendly service from Esther Salter. It has been a very long journey with our solicitor Esther Salter to resolve our SEN Tribunal and we received a high standard professional service to get to a positive outcome of the case. She has always been friendly, encouraging us to keep it going until end of the resolution and most importantly taken prompt actions with appropriate discussions with us. I wanted to highlight that Esther is very well organized her work and kept us informed timely manner.
"Thank you so much Esther for your great support."- 5* Trustpilot review
"Esther Salter has amazing qualities, she's professional, she's really knowledgeable, friendly, kind, caring, attentive, efficient and an excellent communicator, she took all the weight off my shoulders and made everything easy for me, she was very considerate and she patiently explained everything to me when I was under pressure and struggling to understand, she opened my eyes and supported me throughout my daughter's case, she made me aware of all my rights and things that I didn't know I was entitled to. She's the best advisor and felt like she was part of the family, I am so thankful and I highly recommend Esther Salter to everyone and give her 7* for being the best solicitor and kindest down to earth person ever known. - 5* Trustpilot review
"Esther always provides the highest level of service. She is extremely knowledgeable and passionate in what she does. Esther is very thoughtful at all times, being understanding and very informative. I would recommend her at all times." - Chambers and Partners
"I was lucky to find Esther Salter as a solicitor (at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors). I cannot recommend Esther Salter highly enough for any parent wanting advice on the best way for them navigate the complexity of special education law and in the end bring the best result for their children in regards to education, provisions, care and much more. I have 2 boys, both with SEN needs but on different ends of the spectrum and the Local Authority was extremely unhelpful, difficult and somewhat neglectful in regards to their SEN educational needs. After 2 years of talking to the LA and not getting anywhere, I realised we needed to go to tribunal to implement our children's education plan. It was an extremely frustrating period. From the very first conversation with Esther I realised that she had a huge depth of knowledge of the SEN process,. She was emphatic, listened thoroughly, asked all the relevant questions, and gathered all the information to make our case the strongest possible for getting the support and provisions needed. Her expertise was invaluable, both boys had different needs and she assembled a team that assessed both children individually, set out clear targets and provisions and built a robust case for the children's SEN needs. Esther's attention to detail was second to none, she was a forceful advocate on our behalf and her meticulous planning meant that I had great confidence going into the tribunal hearing for both boys. The end results for both boys were favourable rulings that made all the stress and pressure of going to a tribunal worth it. She had secured such a good outcome for both my boys, and I will always be grateful that we had such a capable, caring professional on our side. For any parents facing difficulties in getting their child's SEN met, I recommend you contact Esther Salter at Irwin Mitchell. She has my highest recommendation. I have no doubt that her skills, tenacity and knowledge will make her the best advocate for your child on your behalf. She will make the difference for your child's educational future by ensuring that their educational needs are met, as she has done with my two boys." - 5* Trustpilot review
“Esther Salter was fantastic. She was very friendly caring and approachable. Esther responded quicky to queries and always went the extra mile to help. Esther talked me through the steps involved in our EHCP appeal and explained things with great patience. Esther was really knowledgeable, gave clear, easy to understand and logical advice allowing us to make an informed decision about the next steps to be taken. Ollie Butters was a whizz with documents and the bundle and saved us many hours of work. We wished we had been able to seek legal advice/ support sooner Esther and Ollie were great to work with. We felt very confident that Esther and Ollie were part of an excellent team supporting us. We’re really grateful to have had their support as it helped us achieve an excellent outcome at tribunal.” - 5* Trustpilot review
Publications
Public law campaigners help vulnerable child's legal aid challenge - The Law Society Gazette
Legal aid widened for child cases following public law challenge - The Law Society Gazette
