Posted on: October 8th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees
I joined Lawrence Stephens in September 2024 following a decade-long career in human resources, having previously worked as the Head of HR in a number of London-based law firms. I am currently working towards qualifying as an employment solicitor.
I have experience of a wide range of employment law issues throughout the life cycle of the employment relationship and particular experience working with SRA regulated firms and employees. My practical experience of working in human resources has provided me with valuable insight of the challenges faced by directors and HR managers as well as the rights of individuals. My deep understanding of the workplace environment enables me to support my colleagues in the employment team and our clients by providing efficient solutions to employment-related problems.
Outside of work I enjoy learning new skills and taking part in creative hobbies.
Posted on: October 3rd, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees
I joined Lawrence Stephens in September 2024 as a Solicitor in the employment team, having previously worked at boutique firms in London.
I have a reputation for being easily approachable as well as communicating clearly and effectively, leaving clients reassured their matter is in safe hands.
I represent both businesses and individuals on contentious and non-contentious matters which span the breadth of employment law. I am enthusiastic about providing technically precise advice that meets the commercial objectives of a business, on a wide range of matters including litigation, the preparation of employment documentation and HR issues. When representing individuals, I provide advice in a manner which is sensitive to the client’s situation.
I have particular interest in invisible disabilities and discrimination law. I act for clients in both the bringing of and defended claims arising from the Equality Act 2010, as well as unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and whistle-blowing. Outside of litigation, I negotiate the termination of employment and settlement agreements and contractual documentation.
Outside of work I enjoy watching rugby and baking sweet treats.
Posted on: May 3rd, 2024 by Natasha Cox
I joined Lawrence Stephens in March 2024 as a Senior Associate in the Employment team, having previously worked exclusively at specialist employment firms following completion of my legal training at a global law firm.
I act for businesses and individuals across the whole spectrum of employment law on both contentious and non-contentious matters. My clients come from a wide variety of industries, but I have acted for numerous financial institutions and FCA regulated individuals.
I have a particular interest in discrimination matters and regularly act for both employers and employees in bringing and defending claims arising from the Equality Act 2010. Disability discrimination is a matter of particular interest to me.
Clients recommend me because I am a safe pair of hands – delivering timely and practical advice is at the centre of what I do. I also strive to have a ‘litigation mindset’ in everything I deliver for my clients, because whichever course of action we decide to take must work now – and be justifiable in the future. With a background in corporate law and banking, I understand the inner workings of corporate clients, and this is how I add value and help my clients to achieve the best outcomes.
Outside of work I am a member of the Campaign For Real Ale and love nothing more than attending a good beer festival!
Experience highlights
- Advising a financial services employer in relation to the dismissal of their CEO, oversight of a subsequent independent investigation and advising on associated regulatory and litigious matters.
- Advising an employer on their defence of claims of automatic unfair dismissal and pregnancy/maternity discrimination, including on issues of TUPE and liquidation.
- Securing a significant settlement for a financial services employee in relation to complex claims of disability discrimination, including a continuous course of conduct occurring over several years.
- Negotiating settlement on behalf of a FCA regulated individual accused of sexual harassment and advising on implications for their future career as a regulated individual.
- Advising a certified B-Corp financial services employer on policy amendments and contracts of employment to bring them in line with B-Corp values.
Posted on: November 27th, 2023 by Yvonne Uzoka
I joined Lawrence Stephens in November 2023 as an Associate in the Employment team, having previously worked at a mid-size City firm and a specialist employment firm.
I act for businesses and individuals in relation to a wide range of employment law matters, both contentious and non-contentious, at every stage in the life cycle of the employment relationship. My clients come from a wide variety of industries and organisations.
In addition to practising as a solicitor, I am also an experienced 11+ tutor, having run my own business in this sector for 14 years.
In my leisure time I enjoy dancing, theatre, climbing, HIIT training and travel. My superpower is choosing the right book for any adult or child!
Experience highlights
- Securing the strike out and withdrawal of unmeritorious claims against a recruitment company client at the preliminary stage of legal proceedings.
- Negotiating a complex and high-value exit package for the outgoing CEO of a global professional services and technology firm, settling potential unfair dismissal, whistle-blowing and breach of contract claims.
- Advising on the strategy and legal issues associated with the move of senior executives to a competitor in the financial services sector.
Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox
Having qualified in 1995, I joined Lawrence Stephens in April 1999 and have been a Partner since July 2003.
I advise extensively in relation to contractual disputes, breach of warranty claims, employment disputes, debt recovery and enforcement, insolvency-related matters (both personal and corporate), partnership and shareholders’ disputes, professional negligence claims and all manner of property-related litigation. I am also a member of the Property Litigation Association (PLA), and the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA).
My clients include businesses, real estate investment funds, asset managers, lenders and individuals.
I am married with two sons and live in North West London. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking our two dogs, Buster and Hugo, playing golf and supporting Watford FC.
Experience highlights
- Advising a Premier League footballer in relation to High Court proceedings arising from a contractual dispute with his former agent
- Obtaining injunctions against the former directors of a software development business in relation to both the theft of confidential information and the establishment of a competing business in breach of post-termination restrictive covenants
- Advising property developers in connection with a claim for damages against their building contractors for defective works and breach of contract
- Acting for a property trading company in relation to a disputed claim for substantial dilapidations on expiry of a lease of commercial premises
- Advising a client in connection with claims (in both the Employment Tribunal and the High Court) against her former employer for unfair dismissal and sex and race discrimination
Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox
I joined Lawrence Stephens as a paralegal in January 2023 and have since started my training contract with the firm. I am due to qualify as a solicitor in September 2025.
I graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a first-class honors degree in Law in 2020 before completing the LPC and LLM at the University of Law achieving a Distinction.
I have nearly three years’ experience in contentious and non-contention probate and, as part of my training contract, I have also sat in the Dispute Resolution, Commercial Real Estate and Employment departments at Lawrence Stephens.
Outside of the office, I’m often found out for a run, exploring new places (be that in London or further afield!) and trying new restaurants with family and friends.
