Paul Lewis
Call 2007 (Middle Temple)
Qualifications BA Joint Hons (Leeds) (First class); PG Dip. Law, BVC (BPP Law School); PG Advanced Award in Company Law (Bristol) (Distinction)
Professional Memberships Employment Law Bar Association, Bar Pro Bono Unit
Awards Middle Temple Jules Thorn Scholar (CPE 2005-06 & BVC 2006-07)
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Background
Paul graduated from Leeds University with first class honours carrying a distinction. His undergraduate studies include a year spent studying at McGill University. After working in the City for two years, he completed his PG Dip. Law and BVC at the BPP Law School, London. Paul joined the Employment Practice Group in 2008, upon successful completion of his pupillage.
Employment Law
Paul acts for both employers and employees in a variety of areas. These include unfair dismissal; wrongful dismissal; redundancy; race, sex, age and disability discrimination; pension and share schemes; working time regulations. Paul also has experience in drafting pleadings, compromise agreements and contracts of employment. Paul is regularly advises both in writing and in conference, and endeavours to return paperwork within 10 days of receipt or earlier.
Paul has a particular interest in Insolvency Law and Company Law making him uniquely placed to deal with complex employment disputes involving company directors, shareholders, as well all matters relating to corporate insolvency.
Paul is also a regular contributor to the Employment Law Bulletin publication.
Paul regularly appears in the Employment Tribunal in case management discussions, pre-hearing reviews, and final hearings. He has acted in proceedings in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Plymouth. Paul has also successfully defended proceedings before the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
Recent Cases
Appellate
- Koyunco v Primmer & Others (EAT) [2008] All ER (D) 57 (Oct) (sex discrimination and unfair dismissal)
First Instance
- Four day claim involving a claimant who claimed to have suffered sex and age discrimination
- Two day unfair dismissal involving an employee of an Industrial & Provident Society dismissed for gross misconduct
- Two day unfair dismissal involving allegations of protected disclosures/whistleblowing
- Two day disability discrimination concerning reasonable adjustments (rheumatoid arthritis)
- Constructive dismissal involving a company managing director
- Redundancy involving a project manager
- Unlawful deduction of wages claims
- National Minimum Wages claims
- Working Time Regulations claims
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2012
- The “charming and sensible” Paul Lewis has particular expertise in advising on discrimination and equality matters. He is primarily instructed by employers.
Chambers UK 2011
- Paul 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.”
Civil Law
Paul is a member of the Family Practice Group, and also accepts instructions in general civil and commercial work.