Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood has expanded its market-leading education law practice with the appointment of partner Kevin McManamon, one of the UK’s best-known specialists in special educational needs and mental capacity law. Joining from Geldards, where he was an associate partner, he brings nearly 20 years’ experience advising children, vulnerable individuals and families across England and Wales.

Kevin was named a Legal Hero 2024 by the Law Society, which praised his ‘career-long commitment to representing the rights of children with disabilities and special educational needs’. He has acted in leading cases across the Upper Tribunal, High Court and Court of Appeal, helping to shape education law while maintaining a practice noted for both technical expertise and humanity.

On joining the firm, Kevin said he was ‘thrilled’ to take up the role, adding that the firm’s ‘culture of compassion, excellence and genuine client service aligns perfectly with my own approach’. He noted that he looked forward to strengthening the team’s work for parents and families. Managing partner Richard Tinham described the appointment as a significant expansion of the firm’s work in advising parents and young people, saying Kevin has ‘built a formidable career advocating for those facing barriers as a consequence of disability’.

Kevin’s commitment also extends beyond his casework. He regularly provides free clinics, webinars and community support sessions, guided by what he described in a recent interview as the joy of receiving ‘a picture of a child on their first day at school’ after a successful case.