Laura is a Principal Associate in our education employment team.
Laura is experienced in advising on matters of equality and diversity, atypical working, organisational change and TUPE. Laura also regularly supports with complex internal processes in respect of senior postholders as well as negotiated exits. Laura's contentious work includes complex discrimination and whistleblowing litigation in the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal. Laura conducts her own advocacy in the Employment Tribunal and has secured several successful results. Laura is also experienced in advising on strategy, options and risks surrounding collective disputes and industrial action, particularly in the context of complex restructure exercises in the higher education sector.
Laura's recent experience in the sector includes: successfully defending several whistleblowing and discrimination claims brought against HE institutions over multi day Employment Tribunal Hearings (including securing costs awards on behalf of clients on some of those cases); advising on the implications of updated legislation and regulatory obligations surrounding freedom of speech; supporting clients with the legal implications of atypical contractual working arrangements commonly used within the sector; and supporting clients with cross-border international employment law issues.
Laura also delivers training and seminars to clients as well as delivering updates for the education sector to various sector bodies.
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Laura’s recent experience includes:
- conducting Employment Tribunal proceedings concerning high-value and complex Employment Tribunal claims, including claims involved with multiple allegations of discrimination, harassment and victimization spanning over years
- defending claims brought against HE institutions concerned with alleged less favorable treatment arising out of atypical contractual working arrangements commonly used within the sector within both the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal
- conducting Judicial Mediation within the Employment Tribunal to achieve commercial settlement of claims on behalf of various clients
- advising on the merger of a large FE college and a sixth form college
- advising clients regarding without prejudice discussions and drafting settlement agreements for senior terminations, including the provision of collaborative advice regarding the pensions and taxation implications of such terminations
- providing advice in response to threatened industrial action regarding pay progression
- assisting clients with their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including advice surrounding requests from employees to work abroad as well as supporting institutions dealing with challenges from trade unions in respect of proposed risk assessments and return to work strategies