Employment
Members of the Employment Team have expertise in all areas of employment related law, and they regularly appear in both the Employment Tribunal and the County and High Courts in relation to employment based disputes.
All types of work in employment law are covered, from basic unfair dismissal and contractual/wrongful dismissal claims through to more complex issues of discrimination, victimisation, whistle-blowing, working time, part-time worker pension schemes, and claims for stress-related illness.
Members of the Employment Team undertake internal disciplinary inquiries and proceedings (for private companies, public bodies and individuals), disputes concerning directorial shareholdings, and restraint of trade litigation. They also advise on public law issues relating to the dismissal of officers of local authorities.
Five members of the team are panel counsel for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. As members of that panel, they provide advice and representation to the Commission to assist in the furtherance of its statutory remit to promote and monitor human rights and to protect, enforce and promote equality.
Members regularly act for both employees and employers, and Chambers has a broad client base which includes government departments and local authorities.
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2012
The growing employment practice at this set is increasingly favoured by solicitors, trades unions and, via direct access, individuals themselves. It is frequently instructed on insurance-backed cases. Interviewees praise the “extremely helpful” clerks and receptionists.
The “charming and sensible” Paul Lewis has particular expertise in advising on discrimination and equality matters. He is primarily instructed by employers. David Regan is “excellent with clients” and “fantastic in cross-examination,” solicitors say. His clients include trades unions, local authorities and private sector employers. Jody Atkinson is commended for “emphasising points so effectively that they are not lost on anyone, including the tribunal chairman.” He recently appeared in an Employment Tribunal case concerning trades union legislation.
Chambers UK 2011
This set has a growing profile in the region and is home to “flexible and responsive barristers who are dedicated to providing an excellent service to clients.”
Interviewees were particularly enthusiastic about the set-up here, commending the chambers’ facilities and the warm welcome offered to both client and solicitor. The clerks came in for particular praise and are seen as being “efficient, friendly and quick,” say solicitors.
Paul Lewis is a popular choice for employment matters and advises on a range of areas, from unfair dismissal to pension and share schemes. Sources commend his “excellent grasp of the important issues and the practical nature of his advice.” Clients also appreciate how he “will always take the time to fully explain processes and legal points in a comprehensible manner.” Also highly praised is David Regan, who “is a fantastic advocate and has an excellent rapport with clients.” He has a breadth of employment experience but is particularly commended for his expertise in disability discrimination cases. Jody Atkinson has a growing reputation in the field and attracts praise for the “care he takes to engage the clients with legal issues.” Instructing solicitors appreciate how he is “always hungry for the meaty cases.”
Legal 500 2011
St John’s Chambers’ Matthew White handles a wide range of employment matters and is adept at representing clients in the High Court and EAT.
Legal 500 2010
St John’s Chambers’ Matthew White is “a most able man who can go through matters logically but in a way the lay client can understand”.
MembersMatthew White (Head of Practice Group) |
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Clerks |
