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 am described by the Legal 500 as “exceptional” and a Rising Star in the South-East.

Expertise

I have particular expertise in:

Bringing and defending Employment Tribunal claims
All types of workplace discrimination, particularly pregnancy and maternity discrimination and disability discrimination
Negotiating Settlement Agreements for employer and employee
Director exits and disputes
Drafting employment contracts, policies and procedures
Advising on TUPE, reorganisation and redundancy processes
Assisting with grievance and disciplinary processes
Unfair dismissal and constructive dismissal, including whistleblowing

Clients

I represent a full range of employees from junior level up to directors and shareholders. I work hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for my clients, guiding through litigation when necessary and seeking to achieve settlement where possible. I work on cases funded by legal expenses insurance as well as those that are privately funded.

My employer clients include businesses in sectors such as finance, recruitment and retail, as well as local charities. I encourage employers to deal with matters efficiently and fairly in order to avoid the risks of litigation.

Recent highlights

Acting on behalf of Employees:

Bringing a disability discrimination claim and negotiating a successful settlement following Judicial Mediation, securing an exit for a co-owner and Director, including sale of shares
Bringing a whistleblowing claim for a Senior Executive unfairly dismissed for gross misconduct and securing a substantial settlement prior to trial
Winning a difficult race discrimination claim against a multi-national employer and achieving a substantial injury to feelings award.
Winning an Unfair Dismissal claim for a Director level employee dismissed for alleged gross misconduct, achieving the maximum Compensatory Award and securing “good leaver” status in respect of his shares.
Negotiating various Settlement Agreements for employees, including assisting employees to raise grievances to encourage or increase settlement offers and negotiating to reduce the scope of existing post-termination restrictions.

Acting on behalf of Employers:

Guiding various local businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic including advice on Furlough Leave, redundancies and health and safety obligations.
Advising a professional services firm on how to performance manage an employee whose capability was being affected by their mental health disability, ensuring reasonable adjustments were considered and put in place.
Guiding an international company through making redundancies at their UK based subsidiary.
Assisting a manufacturing business to defend an Employment Tribunal claim for unfair constructive dismissal and achieving an early commercial settlement.
Advising a local business owner in relation to TUPE obligations on the purchase of an existing technology company.

Qualifications

I graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a 2:1. 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 also 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 foodie and enjoy cooking for friends and family.

Get in touch with Laura

01273 609911

laura@ms-solicitors.co.uk

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