Law firm, Gardner Leader, appoints new Head of Employment

Vicky’s appointment is the latest in a series of prominent hires that the firm has made over the past 12 months, including Harry Stewart-Moore, Partner in the Dispute Resolution team, and Sally Addis, Partner in the Corporate and Commercial teams, as it continues its path of sustainable growth while cementing its position as one of the leading law firms in the region.

Having exclusively practiced as an employment solicitor since qualifying in 2004, before joining Gardner Leader, Vicky held positions at Blandy and Blandy and Blake Morgan LLP, where she spent over 15 years. Vicky has established a reputation for her pragmatic advice and guidance and has a wealth of experience in advising clients across a wide variety of sectors, with particular experience in working with SMEs, as well as education providers and charities, on all aspects of UK employment law and HR matters.

Vicky’s expertise includes advising on business restructures, the enforceability of restrictive covenants, data protection issues, drafting contracts of employment (including Director’s Service Agreements) and consultancy agreements, as well as assisting clients with managing day to day issues such as sickness absence and complex disciplinaries and grievances. Vicky also has extensive experience in negotiating settlement agreements and defending Employment Tribunal proceedings (including at appeal level) covering unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, and unlawful deductions from wages.

As well as providing employment law advice, Vicky also advises education clients in defending disability discrimination claims in the SEND First Tier Tribunal.

On joining Gardner Leader, Vicky said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Gardner Leader at a truly exciting time in their long history. The firm’s reputation in the region and its deep roots in the communities it serves, along with the opportunity to lead and grow Gardner Leader’s employment team, was too good an opportunity for me to miss.”

“As Gardner Leader’s new Head of Employment, I’m looking forward to introducing myself to our existing clients, as well as working with the team to showcase our expertise and experience further afield.”

Gardner Leader has been at the heart of the Berkshire community for over 125 years, with offices in Newbury, Thatcham and Maidenhead. It has gone on to triple in size over the last 10 years, expanding across the South of England, with offices in London, Windsor, Swindon and Oxford. Its highly experienced team of legal professionals work across nine specialist teams each dedicated to providing specific services to businesses and to individuals.

Derek Rodgers, Managing Partner at Gardner Leader, said: “Having someone of Vicky’s experience and knowledge join Gardner Leader is hugely invaluable. She brings with her a wealth of expertise in some complex areas of employment law, including the work she has undertaken in the charity and education sectors, as well as her vast experience of advising on cases that go to tribunal.” 

“Our aim is to bring together the best legal talent in the region, helping us to provide the best legal support, advice and deliver on our commitment to providing our clients peace of mind.”