Whoever the client and whatever the case, I give advice which is easy to understand, takes into account all legal points and, most importantly, is tailored to the individual client’s needs. I provide a professional and personal service which my clients rely on and expect and I am frequently recommended by individual and commercial clients. I am based in our Colchester office, and am available for a free, no obligation 15 minute telephone conversation on 01206 217318.

My main focus has been on advising commercial clients on a broad range of topics, most recently holiday pay, the implementation of GDPR and acting on a number of restrictive covenant cases, as well as some complex claims for unfair dismissal and discrimination. I am currently advising a range of clients on the changes to IR35 and off-payroll working rules.

As a member of Birkett Long’s Education team, I take the lead on providing employment and HR related advice to our range of education clients.

In addition, as Head of the BLHR and Employment team, I am responsible for supporting and developing the team and driving marketing initiatives forward, so I understand the challenges businesses face.

I also advise individual clients on a range of matters, including settlement agreements, contracts of employment, allegations of breach of restrictive covenants and tribunal claims.

I am an affiliate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and have been a longstanding member of the Essex and Ipswich Branch committee of the CIPD, of which I am currently Co-Chair.  I speak regularly at events, including to CIPD members and a broad range of HR professionals and managers, on many employment topics.

I wanted to be a solicitor for as long as I can remember and chose to specialise in employment law because it was, and continues, to change and challenge.  I have a LLB (Hons) Degree and passed the Legal Practice Course with a Distinction.

I have recently qualified as a mental health first aider as part of Birkett Long’s commitment to Wellbeing in the Workplace. I am a trustee of the Ron Shepherd Trust which awards CIPD students. In addition, I am a governor at St Margaret’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School.

I am a mum to four lovely girls which leaves little spare time; what little I do have, I spend with family and friends, with a camera never far away. I enjoy running and I completed the Ipswich half-marathon for charity.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS:

• Qualified as a Solicitor in 2002