“… one of our preferred choice of Counsel for employment work” Avon & Somerset Constabulary

“… prompt to deal with paperwork and his preparation for trial is exceptionally thorough… a robust advocate but one capable of using a light touch when necessary” Humberside Police

Background:

James worked in the City as a banker for 8 years before deciding on a career as a Barrister. He read law at De Montfort University, obtained a first and was called to the Bar by Middle Temple in October 2000, where he was awarded 2 scholarships.

James accepted tenancy at 5 Essex Court in October 2004, having undertaken his pupillage at a leading commercial set and then commencing his practice as an employment lawyer.

Employment Law:

James’ main areas of practice are employment and discrimination law. He has represented clients in complex and lengthy cases in all aspects of his employment practice, and in particular in relation to disability, sex and race discrimination claims.

His advocacy work involves frequent appearances in the Employment Tribunal and in the High Court. His appellate work has included appearances in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. James also undertakes substantial and wide-ranging advisory work, as well as regularly lecturing on all areas of his practice.

In relation to his employment and discrimination practice, James is a specialist employment barrister, working mainly for Respondent police forces around the country. His area of expertise is discrimination law and in particular disability as well as sex, race, age and equal pay.

James also has extensive experience of all aspects of unfair dismissal including redundancy and constructive dismissal, compromise agreements including high-net worth individuals / directors, TUPE including insolvent transferors and consultation, whistleblowing, restrictive covenants (non-compete, non-poach, enforcement including injunction), working time, partnerships, bonus schemes and preliminary tactics.

As an ex-City banker, and having completed pupillage at a leading shipping set, James is able to bring commercial experience to bear on his employment practice.

Johnston v CC Humberside Police & Stephen Dean v Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary –alleged dyslexia discrimination

Rodwells v Lovett t/as Bicester Beers – unfair dismissal involving covert surveillance and human rights

Wiggins v CC Suffolk – alleged associative disability discrimination

Bentley v Britannia Parking Ltd. – application for interim relief for alleged dismissal for trade union related activities

Reeves v Chief Constable of Norfolk – indirect discrimination claim attempting to compare homosexual harassment with racial harassment

National Public Order Intelligence Unit v CC Gloucestershire Constabulary – direction and control by the Chief Constable of a seconded police officer

Dr. Lloyd v Luton & Dunstable NHS Trust – correct employer for the purposes of a surgical rotation

Eboji v Immanuel Baptist Fellowship – correct employer for a student minister

Bolger v London Tower Crane Sale & Hire Ltd – alleged guaranteed overtime / constructive unfair dismissal

SBS Ltd v PPE Ltd – successful takeover of insolvent company, including TUPE

Northcombe & Pilgrim v CC Avon & Somerset Constabulary – successful defence of discrimination claim / multiple causes of action over 6-year period

Lectures:

James lectures extensively on all aspects of his practice to solicitors and their clients, human resources practioners and police forces. He is a NPIA-accredited trainer.

Recent lectures and seminars include:

Disability discrimination – preliminary issues and an overview

Lifting the veil on religious discrimination

Mock tribunals for Birketts LLP and for Avon & Somerset Constabulary

Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008 and the Police (Performance) Regulations 2008

Tactics in the Employment Tribunal

Education:

ICSL 1999 – 2000 BVC – very competent

De Montfort University 1996 – 1999 LL.B Honours First Class

Interests:

Skiing, mountain biking, triathlon, trail running