Spear’s Review

Payne Hicks Beach partner Ane Vernon specialises in a specific and increasingly complex area of law: education disputes.

‘It is fascinating – I love what I do. It’s really satisfying to get good results for your clients,’ she tells Spear’s.

Her practice spans admissions arrangements, academic appeals, exclusions, disciplinary matters as well as regulations and examinations. She also handles sensitive cases involving current or historic allegations of sexual or physical abuse, requiring a high degree of emotional intelligence to support families through distressing situations.

While well equipped to litigate, Vernon aims to resolve matters out of court in an effort to avoid further emotional or reputational damage. ‘Mostly I avoid court, especially when children are involved,’ she notes. ‘It’s normally best to have a negotiated agreement where the parties can draw a line.’