Rhys Palmer
Rhys heads up the Education Law team at Robertsons, helping families and students navigate a system that can feel anything but straightforward. Whether that's fighting for the right support at school, challenging a university decision, or making sense of the SEND process, he brings calm, clear-headed advice to situations that are often emotionally charged.
About Rhys
Rhys studied at Cardiff University and qualified as a solicitor in September 2016. He began his career specialising in education law and litigation, quickly building a reputation as a committed advocate for students and families navigating a system that can feel overwhelming and opaque. During the Covid-19 pandemic he was among the first solicitors in Wales to speak publicly on the rights of students seeking tuition fee refunds — his commentary featured in The Independent and drew national attention to the consumer protection obligations universities owe their students.
He joined Robertsons in May 2023, bringing with him substantial experience across both school and higher education disputes. His commitment to plain-English education law guidance and to making legal advice genuinely accessible to families has been a defining feature of his practice. He was promoted to Associate Director in early 2025.
Rhys has wide experience advising university students at institutions across England and Wales. His higher education caseload spans academic misconduct proceedings — including the growing area of AI-related allegations — fitness to practise investigations, student complaints and internal appeals, and consumer rights claims against universities. He has been quoted by Times Higher Education on Covid-era compensation claims and engages closely with the Office for Students, the Competition and Markets Authority and the OIA on the evolving landscape of student rights. He was approached by The Sunday Times in May 2025 to be interviewed about the increase of AI in university.
Alongside his university work, Rhys acts for parents and children in school disputes across England and Wales. He handles SEND and EHCP appeals — including complex EOTAS cases — ALN matters under the Welsh framework, school exclusions, reinstatement appeals, and admissions challenges. He has a particular interest in autism and education, having spoken at Autistic Minds LIVE Cardiff in 2023, and he is a regular voice on the SEND reform debate. He is known for producing accessible, practical guidance on SEN law — making the legal process less daunting for the families who need it most.
Areas of expertise
What clients say about working with Rhys
“I cannot recommend Rhys Palmer and the Education Law team highly enough. Rhys represented me in a complex set of EHCP appeals involving EOTAS provision, and the outcomes were excellent.”C Ward EHCP appeals
“Rhys Palmer was amazing and covered every angle of my case. He uncovered the flaws in the university's approach that led to my full exoneration from allegations of academic misconduct using AI.”A S Academic misconduct
“The guidance and advice offered by Rhys Palmer in the Education Law department is first class - thoughtful, strategic and relevant. I'd highly recommend anyone with an education problem to approach Rhys. He makes the law accessible.”Tony Education law advice
Recent articles by Rhys
Hampshire County Council v GC: Ordinary Residence and Maintaining EHCPs
Read the latest case study from our Education Law team.
ArticleSuccessfully Overturning an AI-Related Academic Misconduct Allegation
Read the latest case study from our Education Law team.
ArticleI’m unhappy with my child’s EHCP. What options are available?
Our Education Law experts discuss all things EHCP
ArticleDo universities owe students a duty of care?
What responsibilities do universities have towards vulnerable students?
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