Russell Cooke Kingston Upon Thames

About Erin

I am keen to ensure that all children have access to education suitable for them to thrive and enjoy their school career. I am passionate about ensuring that parents are empowered to seek support and challenge decisions when needed.

Erin joined Russell-Cooke in 2023. She advises on a wide range of educational issues and specialises in special educational needs, including assisting clients to apply for Education Health and Care (“EHC”) needs assessments and EHC plans.

Erin also advises on school related issues such as discrimination, admissions and exclusions. She has brought judicial review challenges on behalf of clients and advises on public law issues generally. Erin advises on mediation in relation to special educational needs tribunals and when litigation is needed.

Erin also continues to advise schools and colleges on matters arising within her area of expertise to ensure that they are applying their policies, legislation and DfE guidance appropriately.

She really fights for clients and is able to relate to clients in such a brilliant way.
Chambers UK (2025)

Education

  • Studied law at the University of Reading
  • Completed LPC at the University of Law in London
Erin Smart is incredibly personable and approachable.
Chambers UK (2025)
Erin is approachable, extremely capable and sees the bigger picture while being on top of the necessary minutiae. She is extremely competent and very reliable.
Chambers & Partners (2022)

Awards and accreditations

Erin's highlights

News

08.09.2025

Practice Direction No.1 (2025): guidance for experts in the First-Tier tribunal

On 30 April 2025 the President of the First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) issued Practice Guidance No.1 of 2025...
Erin Smart, Associate in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, family and children team.
Erin Smart
4 min Read
News

08.09.2025

Back to school: ensuring adequate provision in Education, Health and Care Plans

As schools reopen after the summer break, families across the country are preparing their children for a new academic year. For children with...
Erin Smart, Associate in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, family and children team.
Erin Smart
3 min Read
News

01.09.2025

Do I have to send my child to the school named in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?

In this briefing, associate Erin Smart explains that while an EHCP secures a child’s entitlement to support, parents are not legally required...
Erin Smart, Associate in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, family and children team.
Erin Smart
4 min Read
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