Abla O’Callaghan

Practice Overview

Abla specialises in public and employment law with a particular focus on education matters and on discrimination, equality and human rights.  

Abla’s public law practice encompasses education, court of protection, judicial review, and immigration.  

In relation to her education law practice, Abla has advised and represented both local authorities and parents in the Special Education Needs Tribunal and the High Court. Abla has experience in and is happy to assist in the drafting of case statements, advices, and appeal grounds. Abla has expertise in disability discrimination, exclusions, admissions, and further/higher education matters. She has previously advised on complex matters relating to the intersection between education and social care law. She regularly provides presentations and training to organisations and authorities in this field. 

As part of her court of protection practice, Abla has particular expertise in relation to welfare matters. Abla is regularly instructed in matters in the Court of Protection by Local Authorities, NHS bodies, IMCAs/Paid RPRs and family members.  

Abla has advised and represented clients in both the First Tier and Upper Tier Tribunals across the UK as part of her immigration practice. She accepts instructions in relation to drafting advices and appeal grounds. 

Abla’s employment practice involves representing both individuals and authorities particularly in the areas of unfair dismissal and discrimination law.  

Abla also does advisory and training work particularly in the areas of education, human rights, discrimination and employment law. Abla has an interest in the intersection of areas and has advised and appeared in the High Court in issues relating to the intersection between forced marriage, immigration, and court of protection.  

Abla has undertaken her mediation training and has a keen interest in alternative dispute resolution. 

Abla is also fluent in spoken Arabic which has assisted in cases which involve interpretation for clients who speak the language. 

Notable and Reported cases

• Publications and Presentations
  • January 2019: Individual Development Plans and the Code - Welsh Education Law Conference 5
  • December 2018: A Practitioner’s Guide: Basic Legal Principles: Ruth Henke QC, Laura Shepherd and Abla O’Callaghan – Publication {Guide in relation to the law relating to safeguarding practice in Wales}
  • November 2018: Education Law – Case Management and Practical Considerations Presentation for Local Authorities
  • January 2018: Issues/Duties for Health Authorities arising from the Act - Welsh Education Law Conference 4
  • October  2017: Information sharing between Childcare and Immigration Proceedings – Welsh Public Law Conference
  • September 2017: Capacity – The Legal Test – Court of Protection Conference
  • October 2015: “An Overview of the Legal Relationship between a Student and a University” Publication, Cardiff & District Law Society
  • February 2015: “Understanding the New School Admissions and Appeals Processes”  Presentation for Local Authorities
  • February 2015: Exclusions Training Seminar for Individual Review Panel Members
  • July 2014: “End “unofficial exclusions”” Publication, SEN Magazine
  • February 2014: “Education law update - when is pursuing a contractual claim an abuse process in higher education” Publication, Solicitors Law Journal
  • February 2014: “The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013: What will it do?” Publication, Hardwicke Chambers
  • November 2013: “Student Litigation – Choosing the Right Words” Publication, Hardwicke Newsletter
• Appointments
  • 2021 - Welsh Government Panel of Approved Junior Counsel B
  • 2013 – 2015: Free Representation Unit, Employment Law Representative
  • 2013 - 2015: IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice), Advisor and Tribunal Officer
  • 2012/13: Waging Peace, London, Researcher and Translator
  • 2009/10: Citizens Advice Bureau, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
  • 2008: Arts Alliance Pro Bono Scheme,Vancouver, Canada
• Education
  • 2011 – 2012: University College London – International Commercial Law (LLM)
  • 2010 – 2011: College of Law London – BPTC
  • 2007 – 2010: University of Keele/ University of British Columbia – LLB- (1st Class Honours) 
• Awards
  • 2012: University College London  - Winners National Round Telders Mooting Competition
    Finalists International Round Hague
    Winners of Best Applicant Memorial
  • 2010: University of Keele - Best Performance Awards in Public law, EU Law, Contract Law, and Land Law
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