Profile description
Specialist Practice Areas
Direct Access Employment Law
Andrew’s practice covers all aspects of employment law in the ET, EAT and the civil courts. He acts for both respondents and claimants. In addition to advocacy, Andrew has a significant advisory practice; he is happy to discuss possible cases (and/or issues generally) pre-litigation. His regular clients include both public sector (such as NHS trust, local authorities, police forces, fire services, probation services etc) and private sector (ranging from charities to SMEs to multi nationals) organisations.
As well as undertaking employment work across England and Wales, Andrew has appeared in the ET in Scotland on many occasions (including in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and Dumfries).
In addition to conventional instructions via solicitors, Andrew accepts instructions on a direct/public access basis.
Andrew is happy to provide talks/training on employment law. Recent topics have included Tips on Dismissals, Scottish ET, Appeals Against Redundancies and Protected Conversations.
Examples of Andrew’s work areas include:
Discrimination claims- Andrew has considerable experience of dealing with claims involving allegations of discrimination (all types).
Cases in the last few months have included:
Race- 10 day case involving multiple allegations of institutional racism in a directorate
Disability discrimination- several multi day cases including a 12 day reasonable adjustments case which went to the EAT
Sex discrimination- 3 day case involving indirect sex discrimination claim by part time workers
Whistleblowing/public interest disclose- Andrew deals with multiple such claims each year and is adept at navigating the complex statutory provisions and case law in this area.
Cases in the last few months have included:
Case listed for 10 days involving allegations by a deputy chief executive of detriment due to making public interest disclosures (settled)
7 day case involving allegations of detriment and dismissal due to making public interest disclosures
Unfair dismissal- Andrew encounters misconduct/capability/redundancy cases all the time.
Cases in the last few months have included:
4 day case involving a nurse being dismissed as a result of being under the influence of alcohol when on call
6 day case involving a doctor dismissed for sexual harassment
TUPE- Andrew regularly undertakes all types of claims arising from under the TUPE regulations.
Cases in the last few months have included:
5 day case regarding an ETO dismissal
5 day PH to determine whether there was an SPC
Breach of contract- Andrew advises and represents clients in relation to contractual claims.
Executive termination/settlement agreements- Andrew advises companies and individuals on exit packages.
Costs in the ET- Andrew has made a number of successful costs applications in the ET, including against a doctor which went to the EAT.
Direct Access Commercial Law
Andrew undertakes a broad range of chancery and commercial work, complementing his busy employment practice.
In addition to advocacy, Andrew is happy to act in an advisory capacity in respect of both contentious and contentious matters.
As well as receiving conventional instructions via legal professionals, Andrew accepts instructions on a direct/public access basis.
Andrew’s practice includes the following:
Breach of contract claims
Construction disputes
Companies Act
Debt recovery
Insolvency
Sale of goods/hire purchase
Consumer Credit Act
Property litigation
Employment contracts
Recent Cases include:
4 day multi track claim successfully pursued in relation of a joint venture agreement
5 day multi track construction dispute involving developers- ongoing
Numerous successful debt cases in respect of monies outstanding under various contracts
Recommendations
Legal 500 2016- "A very well prepared, thoughtful and considered advocate."
legal 500 2015- "provides a thorough assessment of thge merits and likely strategy of the opponents case "
Legal 500 2014 - Recommended for his broad employment practice.
Legal 500 2013 - Andrew is recommended.
Legal 500 2012 - Andrew is ‘always very well prepared, and a first-rate advocate
Legal 500 2011 - Andrew ‘knows employment inside out’, and ‘has clearly gained the respect of the tribunal’.
Client Recommendations
1. "I was impressed by Andrew's presentation of the facts and the manner in which he portrayed such, to my mind I think given the subject matter and I think the judge's disposition to the claimant his assertive yet humanistic approach in the end paid dividends.
...he worked diligently during each break in proceedings preparing for the next, and clearly had a very good grasp of the issues at hand.
I would be confident to use his services again."
2. "Counsel did an excellent job. He was extremely thorough in his preparation and questioning; his summation was excellent and he (respectfully) drew the judge’s attention to relevant case law."
3. Your knowledge of the subject matter, including a detailed knowledge of the chronology, further adding to your reassured delivery and general management of the tribunal was very, very impressive. Your contribution to achieving a positive outcome is notable and much appreciated!
