Averta Employment Lawyers

Averta Employment Lawyers – Firm Profile

Key Contacts

Managing Partner: David Sykes

Senior Partner: Alan Jones

Partners: Alan Jones, David Sykes, Andrew Lester

Key Lawyers: Izzy Canbury (Senior Associate), Yassar Sadiq (Associate)

Consultants: David Beswick, Martin Chitty, Alan Dark, Charlotte Cooper, Helen Hughes

Location: Solihull, West Midlands

Expertise: Employment Law (Senior Executives and Employers)

THE FIRM

Averta Employment Lawyers is a highly respected niche employment law practice specialising in advising senior executives, directors and professionals on settlement agreements, exit negotiations, unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal and complex employment disputes. The firm also provides strategic advice to employers on HR risk, restructuring, redundancy programmes, TUPE matters and workplace investigations.

Now in its 21st year, and based in Solihull Averta advises clients across Birmingham, the West Midlands and nationwide. Averta is widely recognised as a leader in senior executive employment work. The firm supports clients at pivotal moments in their careers, particularly when facing problems at work, concerns about contracts, restrictive covenants, bonus or share entitlements, or when navigating sensitive exits.

Averta has substantial expertise in whistleblowing, discrimination, sexual harassment, bonus disputes, LTIP and share option disputes, and High Court issues including restrictive covenant enforcement or contesting. Many senior individuals are referred by major commercial firms which do not typically act for employees and who trust Averta’s discretion and depth of experience.

The firm also advises a broad range of employers – from multinational listed companies to SMEs and owner-managed businesses – across private and public sectors. Averta’s lawyers have strong technical expertise, enabling practical, commercially grounded advice on workforce change, investigations, litigation and risk management.

Averta is recognised by Chambers & Partners (Band 2 – West Midlands) for its depth of expertise, strategic capability and long-standing track record in high-value senior executive work. Chambers describes the practice as “a strong boutique with experienced and respected practitioners.”

PRINCIPAL AREAS OF WORK

Senior Executives & Directors – Settlement Agreements, Exit Negotiations and Disputes

Averta provides specialist advisory and representation services for senior individuals, including:

• • Exit negotiations, severance packages and C-suite settlement agreements
  • Unfair dismissal and constructive dismissal advice
  • Whistleblowing, discrimination and harassment claims
  • Restrictive covenants, confidentiality, bonus, commission and share-based compensation disputes
  • Disciplinary, grievance and regulatory / FCA matters
  • Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation

Employers – Redundancy, TUPE, HR Support and Litigation

Averta advises SMEs, public-sector organisations and owner-managed businesses on:

• • Redundancy and restructuring programmes
  • TUPE matters, contracts, policies and workforce documentation
  • Workplace investigations, disciplinary and performance issues
  • Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation, including restrictive covenant enforcement

Redundancy and Restructuring

Averta has built a strong reputation for advising large numbers of employees under settlement agreements during restructuring and redundancy exercises. Projects are delivered online, on-site or via video link and are frequently referred by major commercial law firms.

CLIENTS

Averta acts for senior executives across most industries and public sectors, including financial services, technology, healthcare, professional services and manufacturing. Clients include CEOs, CFOs, FDs, LLP members and other regulated professionals.

The firm also supports employers across the business community, from large corporates to rapidly growing SMEs.

STRENGTHS & REPUTATION

• • Recognised by Chambers UK 2026 – Employment (West Midlands), Band 2
  • Included in The Times Best Law Firms 2025 (and previous years)
  • Praised for strategic, pragmatic and commercially grounded advice
  • Market-leading track record in senior executive exits and complex settlement negotiations
  • Extensive experience acting for both individuals and employers, offering balanced tactical insight
  • Routinely instructed on sensitive and high-stakes matters requiring discretion, with access to in-house expertise in public relations and communication