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Joanna Lada-Walicki

Partner | Independent schools, Charities | Charities, Independent schools

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About Joanna

I head the firm’s independent schools and charities practice and I specialise in education and employment law. I advise on a range of employment and pastoral issues, in particular when the reputation of a school (or other non-school charity) is at stake.

An area of particular interest for me is safeguarding and I have spoken widely on this subject at a number of national conferences and I have also written widely on this and other issues affecting schools and charities.

A major part of our practice is in relation to the management of allegations against staff as well as child-on-child abuse, including guidance on making appropriate referrals. I also advise on issues relating to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. My approach is to take a strategic overview with the client and to provide practical and straightforward advice that will enable the client to reach its objectives and to minimise any risks.

Specialisms

Education employment
Safeguarding

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Joanna’s accreditations

Don’t take our word for it…

Joanna Lada-Walicki is an incredible solicitor, who provides a very high level of well-considered advice.

Chambers and Partners, 2025

Joanna Lada-Walicki goes over and above and will always provide superb support. I genuinely cannot rate her highly enough.

Chambers and Partners, 2025

Joanna Lada-Walicki is a superb lawyer. She is calm in her approach and extremely knowledgeable. She seeks to work in the best interest of the client in all aspects

Chambers and Partners, 2025

Joanna Lada-Walicki is highly intelligent and perceptive. She is very approachable and understands instructions clearly from all angles to arrive at the best possible resolution. She is always friendly and willing to help. The advice that she has provided to us has always been superb and at the highest level.’

Legal 500, 2025

Joanna and her team are brilliant solicitors, dedicated expects efficient and reliable. Their skills and professional approach are outstanding. Joanna provides a highly professional service, always putting the interests of our charity first.

Legal 500, 2025

Joanna is a brilliant expert who is helpful at all times. She makes dealing with a lawyer a real pleasure.

Chambers and Partners, 2024

Joanna Lada-Walicki offers excellent advice in a sympathetic manner – understanding that managing legal issues within a charity can be complicated. She not only advises on the law but also supports us in how we involve trustees, manage stakeholders, and handle the issues more broadly.

Legal 500, 2024

Joanna Lada-Walicki offers wisdom and attention to detail. Her advice is always very thorough, perceptive and reliable. She listens and analyses the history before carefully considering the different options and their potential outcomes. These are well-explained to the client and help is provided to enable the best path to be followed.’

Legal 500, 2024

She has excellent knowledge and is able to absorb information quickly in order to clearly set out the options and risks.

Chambers and Partners, 2023

She understands both safeguarding and employment law and is therefore able to advise on the interaction between them. She is personable, approachable and prompt in giving advice, which is always legally accurate and pragmatic.

Chambers and Partners, 2021

Explore Joanna’s latest articles

Draft transgender guidance for schools – the key points explained