Claire Merritt

Practice Areas

Whether acting for companies or individuals, I draft clear, concise contracts and other documentation and provide practical advice on a wide range of employment law issues. I provide prompt responses and look to find effective solutions to any problem.

I also advise on restrictive covenant breaches and agency worker regulation.

I have a particular focus on advising in the education sector including sixth form colleges, further education colleges and independent schools. However, I have a wide client base in various sectors including manufacturing, transport and logistics and health and social care.

TRIBUNALS

I have a depth of experience when acting in a range of tribunal claims with issues of unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, various discrimination, whistle blowing, TUPE and collective consultation rights. I also appear regularly in the Employment Tribunal, both in person, on the telephone and virtually. I undertake my own advocacy.

TRAINING

I have significant experience running bespoke training sessions for employers and HR professionals on many different aspects of employment law.

I co-ordinate the Paris Smith Line and HR Manager training sessions. Courses can be tailored to your needs to include case studies, practical examples and open floor forums.

I have experience in advising on education law matters. Given my client base in education, I also have an interest in pure education law as well as employment law.

I have been successful in representing parents in the admission of their children to schools and academies and advising parents in relation to special educational needs. I also work alongside schools and academies, advising as to their legal duties and obligations with a variety of complex procedures surrounding admissions, exclusions and special educational needs.

I aim to help parents through the difficult process of EHC needs assessments and the making of an EHC Plan. I also help parents navigate through the appeal process.

I enjoy working with my clients and want to form lasting relationships. I have great communication skills and really feel that this enables my clients to understand their situation and feel supported, whatever advice is necessary.

I look to provide commercial solutions and practical ways of solving problems. I therefore take business and personal issues into mind when advising on the law.

I understand that most employment issues involve complex facts, law and emotions. I like advising in challenging circumstances and bringing all of these elements together.

Professional Memberships

a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA)

Personal

- a governor of a local sixth form college;and

- a trained mental health first aider.