Tanya Thomas

Tanya has a wealth of experience in the Higher Education sector and has represented hundreds of students in higher education to help them achieve their academic goals.

In 2023 Tanya settled a Judicial Review Claim against the OIA at Permission Stage, forcing the OIA to revoke its decision and to undertake a fresh review. According to the OIA’s annual reports this was the first time in many years that the OIA had been subject to successful legal challenge.

Tanya understands the issues faced by students having worked as a University Advisor within a Russell Group University. Her unique insight into the way in which Universities deal with student issues helps her clients maximise their prospects of success when challenging university decisions.

Tanya has succeeded in getting many students back on their courses including medical, nursing and teaching students following unlawful termination due to discrimination arising from their disabilities. She represented 11 individuals from one cohort of medical students in a widely publicised case. All were permitted to return to study and following their representations, the university was forced to acknowledge its failings in relation to Equality and Diversity and offered to undertake a review of its practices guided by an external party.

Tanya has been absolutely brilliant throughout this whole process. She has supported us far beyond what her role required, and her kindness, patience, and understanding have meant so much- Client 2025

“I could actually write a book about how amazing Tanya is. Her support is exceptional which is a very important part of a solicitor-client relationship. I felt listened to and she gave me the confidence that I was in good hands. I really admire the way Tanya works and I have been talking about her amazing work with my friends. They could not believe what she has been able to achieve for me, especially in such a difficult field like medicine.” LD – November 2023

“Thanks are not enough for Tanya, I will be grateful for her during my whole life. She is the anchor of my PhD journey. She helped me to get back the opportunity that I lost due to the university’s internal irregularities.” Mrs Brighter Moon – February 2023

“Tanya supported us in a successful claim against a university who agreed to waive the costs of a resit year for my son who had struggled with Covid (there were some extenuating circumstances). Tanya introduced arguments to support our claim that made all the difference. I have known Tanya for many years, she brings professionalism and an approachable manner to the table. She has a depth of knowledge and experience that I would not hesitate to recommend.” James Goodwin, Chartered Accountant – September 2022 

“Tanya helped me dealing with a complicated situation. When I thought all was lost she fought for me and got me back on the road. She is professional and loyal, empathetic and SO supportive. She guided me through the procedure of academic appeals and advised me of the pros and cons. Also, she was available even when busy and in emergencies and always showed up. I don’t know what would have happened if our ways would not cross and I am thankful for her hard work. Thank you Tanya!”

YH – June 2022

“Before working with Tanya, I felt completely lost and unsure of how to handle the situation. She didn’t just provide clarity and guidance; she reassured me with complete honesty. In a moment of crisis, especially as a student (undertaking a highly professional/competitive course like dentistry/medicine), many individuals risk being exploited by legal advisors who take advantage of their desperation; however, Tanya was different, her integrity, transparency and ethicality in handling matters was admirable earning my complete respect and trust. Her responsiveness was outstanding. Whenever I required urgent support, she responded promptly and ensured that I never felt left in the dark.
I highly recommend Tanya to any student facing academic, disciplinary, or professional concerns, particularly those with disabilities who need a compassionate yet highly effective advocate. The most important reason to contact her is that she doesn’t just fight for her clients; she educates us and gives us the best possible chances of a successful outcome”

–Client 2025

“We feel extraordinarily fortunate to have found Tanya Thomas and simply wish we had found her sooner! At a point when we felt completely defeated and overwhelmed by a University Academic Appeals process, she took on our incredibly complex case, steered it via the OIA and thence to a successful Stage 1 conclusion. 

It was such a relief to be heard and understood, and then to watch Tanya roll her sleeves up and work so hard on our behalf. She was able to tease out, prioritise and provide clarity and guidance on each area with compassion, clarity and consummate professionalism. Her vast experience and depth of knowledge in the field of academic appeals was apparent throughout which was very reassuring. Seeing our case presented in such a comprehensive & compelling way meant a great deal and its success provided a measure of closure after a very distressing and frustrating period.

We highly recommend Tanya to guide you through an academic appeal; we have been so impressed with her work, and her skill in giving you a strong and effective voice within the process”

-CHK 2025

Expertise

• Academic Appeals
• Complaints to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (“OIA”)
• Judicial Review
• Academic Misconduct & Disciplinary cases
• Fitness to Practise (professional qualifications)
• Complaints against the university – post graduate supervision, procedural irregularity
• Complaints.
• Appeals against termination

Education + Career

University:  Cardiff Law School
Key firms/companies: Setfords Law, Spencer West LLP