is “incredibly experienced, highly focused on what the client needs to achieve and really hard working,”
Chambers UK 2013
Nick is Head of our London Employment Group. He is regarded as a leading light in employment law and has just been rated as one of only three “star” lawyers for advice to employers in Chambers 2012 having been in this category since it was first created. He is listed as a leading individual in Legal 500.
Clients like his personable, down to earth approach and how he quickly gets to grips with their needs. He has an ability to cut through complex areas of law, communicating them clearly and simply. Nick advises on a full range of employment matters for employers, both on a collective basis and in relation to individual employees. He regularly advises on the recruitment and termination of senior executives; the conduct of consultation meetings with trade unions and employee representatives; and large scale corporate reorganisations and outsourcing matters.
His experience includes representing employers in legal proceedings in the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal, High Court and Court of Appeal. He has represented clients at the Central Arbitration Committee and in mediations. In addition to acting as client relationship partner, and partner level adviser to many of the Firm's clients, Nick is also instructed by employers facing significant employment issues, either because of the size of the claim, or the sensitives surrounding it. Many of these do so "off panel" looking to use the experience and approach which Nick has.
Recent examples have included acting for a major UK Bank (off panel) in connection with a multi-million pound bonus claim, acting for Southern Cross in connection with the significant reorganisations and employment changes, brought about during 2010 and 2011, and a large City law firm, on an internal dispute.
Nick is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association the ELA International Committee and belongs to the EAT Users Group. He is also a member of the City of London Law Society Employment Committee. He participated in the Gibbons review of employment tribunals. He is a trained mediator, and also sits on the Employment Advisory Board of PLC magazine. He became Head of the London Employment Group in January 2009. Nicholas qualified as a lawyer in 1988 and became a partner in 1995. His involvement with employment law dates back to 1983, since when he has been continuously involved with employment law one way or another.
Recent comments about him reported in Chambers & Partners UK Directory and Legal 500 directories include, “a delight to deal with”, “one of the most knowledgeable and commercial practitioners around”, “fantastically good lawyer” and “someone who can find a way through most problems even when opposing sides are at loggerheads”. Chambers 2010 described Nick as “a solution-orientated lawyer with a sophisticated knowledge of the sector”. Chambers 2011 says he is “a great tactician” and “a great team player and “a delight to work with”. Chambers 2012 describes Nick as "brilliant: pragmatic, commercial and supportive."