Emma is an associate in our Public Law and Human Rights team. She acts in a wide range of public law matters, including cases in the Court of Protection.
Emma has a particular interest in Education Law, and frequently represents children and young people in education-related judicial review challenges of decisions by local authorities and educational institutions, as well as in civil claims for compensation; many of her cases touch upon human rights issues and discrimination.
As well as being instructed by family members in disputes in the Court of Protection, Emma is also frequently instructed by the Official Solicitor to represent ‘P’. Emma’s practice encompasses all aspects of health and welfare, including complex issues relating to care, residence, contact, and deprivations of liberty.
During her training contract, Emma also gained experience in the Employment & Professional Discipline and Clinical Negligence & Personal Injury teams at Bindmans LLP.
Experience
Emma’s cases include:
Judicial Review
- Acted for the successful Claimant in these judicial review proceedings concerning a scheme operated by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, under which deductions are made from claimants’ legacy benefits in respect of utility charges which are paid directly to third party companies: R (Timson) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2022] EWHC 2392 (Admin). In June 2023, the Court of Appeal dismissed all of the Government’s grounds of appeal, and upheld the decision in favour of the Claimant: [2023] EWCA Civ 656.
- A proposed judicial review challenge to the Government’s failure to take into account the needs of those with particular health conditions and disabilities when drawing up the guidance relating to the restrictions on leaving our homes during the first COVID-19 national ‘lockdown’. Following pre-action correspondence, the guidance was amended
- During her training contract, Emma worked on R. (on the application of RD (A Child) and ors) v Worcestershire CC [2019] EWHC 449 (Admin) (28 February 2019), in which the firm represented four children in this successful judicial review challenge against the removal of SEND provision for children in Worcestershire
Court of Protection
- Instructed by the Official Solicitor to act for Mr Tony Hickmott in Court of Protection proceedings concerning his welfare, including in an application made by BBC and Sky to disapply anonymity provisions given the considerable public interest in the case: PH & Anor v Brighton And Hove City Council [2021] EWCOP 63 (23 November 2021)
- Instructed by the second respondent father in Court of Protection proceedings concerning his son, including in a successful application for declaratory relief and costs: ND (Court of Protection: Costs and Declarations) [2020] EWCOP 42 (28 August 2020)
Recent directory and client quotes
Chambers and Partners UK 2025
- Emma is listed as a “Associate to watch” in Court of Protection: Health & Welfare & Education: Individuals.
- “Emma knows the details of cases and is on top of any updates and developments.”
- “Emma is very sharp and works well through difficult legal cases.”
- “She’s got excellent analytical skills.”
- “Emma is extremely diligent on dealing with legal issues.”
Legal 500 2025
- Emma is listed as a “Leading Associate” in Administrative & Public Law & Private Client: Court of Protection.
- “Emma Varley is outstanding.”
- “Emma Varley is fast becoming a very strong part of the Bindmans team.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2024
- Emma was featured as an ‘Associate to Watch’ in Education: Individuals.
- ”Emma is always courteous, polite, very honest and helpful.”
- “She is rapidly growing a reputation in education and public law more generally. Emma has very good analytical skills and can quickly spot the best points.”
Legal 500 2024
- Emma was recognised as a ‘Rising Stars’ in Administrative & Public Law.
- Emma was also recognised for her expertise in Education: Individuals.
- “Emma Varley and Karen May are very knowledgeable about their areas of law, have an excellent grasp of procedure, and are very practically-minded.”
- “Emma Varley knows Court of Protection work backwards.”
- “I would also recommend Emma Varley, Will Whitaker, and Brighde Gallagher in this team as particular stars.”
Professional memberships
Emma is a member of the Education Law Association and the Young Public Lawyers’ Group.
Education and career
- Emma graduated with a Philosophy BA, First-Class Honours, from University College London
- She then completed the Graduate Diploma in Law, with Distinction, from the University of Law. She also completed the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law, gaining a distinction
- Emma worked as a paralegal for two years prior to joining Bindmans LLP, gaining experience in Court of Protection, community care, and education law
- She qualified as a solicitor in 2019
- Makaton Levels 1 and 2
