Martin Searle Solicitors
Laura Donnelly
Associate Solicitor
“I advise employers and employees on a wide range of employment issues. I enjoy complicated discrimination cases, particularly disability discrimination and pregnancy and maternity issues.”
Intro
I am an experienced Employment Law solicitor based at our Brighton and Haywards Heath offices. I assist both employers and employees with all employment issues. I was described by the Legal 500 as “exceptional” and a Rising Star in the South-East.
Expertise
I have particular expertise in:
- Negotiating Settlement Agreements
- Bringing and defending Employment Tribunal claims
- All types of workplace discrimination, particularly pregnancy and maternity discrimination and disability discrimination
- Director exits and disputes
- Drafting employment contracts, policies and procedures
- Advising on reorganisation and redundancy processes
- Assisting with grievance and disciplinary processes
- Unfair dismissal and constructive dismissal
Clients
My employer clients include local and national businesses and charities. I represent a full range of employees from junior level up to senior executives, directors and shareholders. I work hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for my clients. I work on cases funded by legal expenses insurance as well as those that are privately funded.
I am also involved in providing pro-bono work for charities and voluntary organisations through our community engagement programme.
Qualifications
I graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a 2:1 in 2008. After a year of working as a paralegal I completed the Legal Practice Course at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice, graduating with a Distinction. I qualified as a Solicitor in September 2012.
I am a member of the Employment Lawyer’s Association.
Other experience
Before joining Martin Searle Solicitors as a specialist employment lawyer, I worked for a commercial firm where I also practiced in property law.
I have volunteered at the Citizens Advice Bureau, providing initial advice to members of the community in relation to employment, housing and debt problems.
I have a life too
In my spare time enjoy going for long walks and bike rides. I am also a big foodie and enjoy cooking. My favourite sport is skiing when I have the opportunity to go.