• Office
  • Phoenix House
  • Christopher Martin Road
  • Basildon
  • Essex
  • SS14 3EZ
  • Tel: 01268 244144

The Legal 500 – The Clients Guide to Law Firms The Legal 500 – The Clients Guide to Law Firms

Martin Hopkins

Managing Partner

I have wide experience of acting on behalf of both employer and employee although my practice now is predominantly in employer support. I am able to undertake all aspects of employment-related legal work from drafting contracts to representing clients at Employment Tribunals and Employment Appeal Tribunals.

I have a particular interest in taking a commercial approach and defending employers’ interests without unnecessary recourse to legal proceedings. In the fast moving and increasingly complicated field of employment law I aim to ensure that my clients are aware of and prepared for change. I am in demand as a trainer of staff and often speak at seminars and workshops updating employers on employment law changes.

I have wide experience of the employment issues affecting employers and employees in the construction industry. Acting on behalf of employers and, to a lesser extent, employees, I represent clients at Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal. I have particular experience in the following construction industry related areas:

  • Employment status including definition of worker, employee and self employed.
  • Holiday pay entitlement including rolled up holiday pay schemes.
  • Employment relations including union representation and collective agreements.
  • Transfer of undertakings issues including acquisition and disposal, insourcing, service provision change and outsourcing.
  • Redundancy, restructure and change management.

I am the Managing Partner at Birkett Long specialising in employment law since qualification as a solicitor in 1998.

Construction

I have specialist knowledge of construction industry issues, such as employment definitions, employment relations, TUPE, change management, redundancy and restructure.

QUALIFICATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

  • Solicitor
  • Chair of Trustees MS-UK
  • Member of 1st West Bergholt Scouts executive committee
  • Member of Heathlands Primary School PTA
  • Member of Friends of Hillhouse Wood
  • Member and Committee member of the Colchester Association for the Protection of Property and the Prosecution of Thieves!
  • Chair of Colchester Scout Band

Employment and BLHR team

The Employment and BLHR team listens to the needs and objectives of our clients, whether they are individuals seeking advice about their employment or a potential claim or a business needing guidance on how to resolve a situation with an employee. Our advice is commercial and pragmatic whilst taking into account the legalities. 

All members of the team are happy to discuss the background of your situation over the telephone for an initial 15 minutes, at no cost, to see if the matter is something we can assist with and if future costs are worthwhile for you.

What our clients say

  • Martin supported me in a situation with my now former employer. I felt he was totally in my corner and managed negotiation of a better settlement package with my employer, without any need for me to be involved. He also negotiated that my employer meet the cost of his fees - which did not detract from his commitment to my situation. Thank you Martin. I have no hesitation in recommending you to others who need help in a tricky employment situation.Mrs K Harman
  • The team at Birkett Long has a calmness in their approach. Their advice is concise, to the point and takes account of any risk. You know you're in good hands.Client testimonial from the legal 500
  • Thank you for the wonderful service I received from you... I have had every confidence in you and your secretary Cheryl... the service that I received from you has been second to none and I would not hesitate to recommend you and your firm in the future.
  • Many thanks for your support and advice... I will not hesitate to recommend you in future should I or any of my friends/colleagues need professional advice.
  • Julie Temple and Martin Hopkins are both fantastic, passionate, dedicated, real subject matter experts that deliver credible, concise practical solutions.Legal 500
  • Thanks once again for your very professional help and assistance... If I / we ever need legal help again... You and your company will be right at the top of my list as you will also be for any friends, Colleagues or Family... Thanks once again...Also please thank Cheryl for us for her help...L Bryant
  • Thank you for your assistance with this matter. I will be recommending you to anyone that needs advice.
  • I was placed with Martin Hopkins... with regard to redundancy from my job. He was friendly, professional and explained the matter in layman's terms that were easily understood.
  • Very honest, very capable. I can't rate them highly enough.Client testimonial from the Legal 500
  • Martin Hopkins is praised for his ability to produce realistic solutions and appreciated for his "outstanding ability to forensically examine information".Chambers & Partners 2015