Employment

Widely acknowledged as a leading employment set on the Northern Circuit, 9 St John Streetis regularly instructed to handle the most sensitive employment issues faced by clients including NHS trusts, local authorities and others. Matters handled by the set include complex discrimination and TUPE claims, with individuals acting on behalf of both employers and employees. Some members are additionally sought out for representation in 'commercial' employment law claims, involving restrictive covenants or injunctions. Members recently represented the respondent in Markowski v Tesco Stores Limited, a matter concerned with unfair dismissal. One client sums up the offering as follows: "Outside of London they are a go-to set."

Tony Morrissey is the director of clerking.

"We always receive an excellent service from the clerking team."

"The clerks are responsive and happy to negotiate to meet the needs of the client. They demonstrate a clear management of timeframes and expectations."

"The clerks' response times and willingness to help are impressive."

"The clerks are quick to respond and will endeavour to accommodate."

"The best clerks in the business: always happy to help and will go the extra mile."

Joanne Connolly has cultivated a reputation for her expertise in disability discrimination claims but is also notably experienced in unfair dismissal, whistle-blowing and equal pay claims. She is instructed by clients from a variety of sectors, including local authorities, educational institutions, corporate bodies and the NHS. "Joanne is one of my first choices for discrimination claims." "Joanne is fantastic with clients. She is able to explain complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner." "Joanne is thorough, skilled and easy to work with." "Joanne is truly excellent. You know that your client is in good hands."

Louise Quigley is an esteemed barrister who is capable of handling a variety of employment matters, and particularly adept in whistle-blowing and maternity discrimination cases. She acts for both claimants and respondents. "Louise is a very competent advocate and gets her head around tricky issues." "Louise's advocacy style is clear and confident. Clients feel reassured by her." "Louise is great to work with. She is extremely personable and knowledgeable." "Louise Quigley is not only a master of well-considered preparation in her cases but also razor-sharp in cross-examination, always being at least three steps ahead of her opponents." "Louise is always calm and extremely thorough in her preparation. Her cross-examination of witnesses is a delight to watch."

Paul Gilroy KC has wide-ranging experience in the field of employment law and is well versed in complex cases in the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal and High Court. He is especially knowledgeable about employment issues in the sports industry and is highly regarded for his expertise in sports-related litigation and regulatory matters. "Paul is phenomenal. He really puts client at ease in conference at clearly knows the subject." "Paul is incredibly approachable and is very relaxed and immensely experienced."

Stefan Brochwicz-Lewinski has a wealth of experience in many areas of employment law and is well regarded for his knowledge of TUPE, whistle-blowing and unfair dismissal issues, as well as his ability to seamlessly handle complex discrimination and equal pay claims. "Stefan handles clients and witnesses with great skill." "Stefan is a tenacious advocate with great commercial acumen." "Stefan is one of the best advocates I have ever worked with. His ability to navigate complex volumes of info is impressive." "Stefan is my go-to employment law junior counsel. He is an excellent advocate, always thoroughly prepared and knowledgeable about the case." "Stefan is truly excellent on his feet, quick-thinking and clearly exceptionally intelligent."

Amy Smith has an emerging practice with a particular focus on disability discrimination. She practises across the entire country at Employment Tribunal and also has experience of advocacy before the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Smith often represents public bodies such as NHS trusts and local authorities but has also represented private employers, as well as employees. "I like Amy - she's on the ball and very good with clients." "Amy is a very impressive advocate who understands the client's context while maintaining a laser-level focus on the details of a case. She's thorough and explains herself in a straightforward manner." "Amy is a pleasure to work with. She is great with clients and always on top of the case, emotions and politics. Amy presents herself very well and makes the client feel comfortable and in safe hands." "Amy is very knowledgeable, great on her feet at the Employment Tribunal, really good with often nervous witnesses, and my clients have found her good to work with."

As an active advocate in the Employment Tribunal and High Court, Edward Morgan KC has a diverse employment practice. His experience in commercial law gives him a particular focus on restrictive covenants, shareholder disputes, breach of fiduciary duties claims and pension-related issues. "Edward is an excellent barrister and completely trusted by our firm and clients in complex employment and judicial review matters." "Edward's all-round skills make working with him a pleasure and instil great confidence." "You cannot go wrong with Edward. He is very astute, knowledgeable of the workings of different industries and provides excellent, practical solutions every time." "Edward is an excellent barrister. He has very strong technical knowledge and an excellent court presence." "If Edward is available, you take him!"

Lena Amartey draws accolades for her successful employment advocacy on behalf of both claimants and respondents. She handles a wide range of issues including claims of whistle-blowing, discrimination and unlawful deduction from wages. "Lena has given us amazing and helpful support. Her advice and guidance has made a real difference. She has earned our admiration and loyalty." "Lena is a pleasure to work with. She works tirelessly and is excellent in conference." "On her feet, Lena is very sharp and knows the papers backwards. She knows the right questions to ask." "Lena is excellent at breaking a complex case down to clear legal arguments. She presents with precision."

Nigel Grundy handles the full range of employment disputes for a variety of clients including NHS trusts, businesses, local authorities and clients from the education sector. He has experience of appearing in court at all levels, including the Employment Tribunal, the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the High Court. "Nigel is great with clients and very sensible." "An excellent barrister. His attention to detail is exemplary, his cross-examination is a wonder to behold, and his ability to keep his client at ease throughout the proceedings is admirable." "Nigel is an excellent advocate and expert in employment law. He is very personable." "Nigel is very unassuming but a brilliant advocate. Clients love him."

Rachael Levene has frequently acted unled in tribunals and appeals concerning unfair dismissal, whistle-blowing and discrimination claims. She is instructed for claimants and respondents. "She's an excellent all-rounder." "Rachael's advocacy is outstanding. She is able to process large amounts of information quickly and cut straight to the key issues." "Rachael is available outside of usual working hours when strictly necessary and supportive of clients and engendered confidence in our clients. Her advocacy was impressive." "Rachel handles complex discrimination case with skill and understanding."

Robert Lassey represents claimants and respondents in discrimination, unfair dismissal and other employment tribunal matters. "Robert is excellent to work with. He is pragmatic and understands the clients' needs immediately. His advocacy is second to none and he thinks quickly on his feet in tribunal." "Robert is very approachable and excellent with clients. It feels like he is really working together as part of the team, which is extremely important to us and our clients." "Robert's written work and pleadings are never less than exceptional in their focus, and Robert combines social awareness with precision in his cross-examination and presentation of cases."