I am an employment solicitor with over 36 years’ experience in Industrial Relations. I have acted in cases that have gone to the House of Lords (now the Supreme Court), and I have acted in cases that have changed the law.
I started in the trade union movement prior to qualifying as a lawyer and before jumping the fence to support employers, for no better reason than the biscuits being better on the employer side of the table. I am now privileged to advise and represent both employers, directors and employees.
I served as an ACAS Arbitrator from 2008 to 2023. I am also regularly instructed as an independent investigator in grievance matters and have helped resolve disputes as a mediator.
People say that I am uncomplicated and candid in my approach.
How I help
If you want a no-nonsense approach with no technobabble, I might be the person for you. If you want a pinstripe suit, oak panels and Latin phrases, I suggest you look elsewhere. Likewise if you want someone to quote law, and give you lots of options with no direction, go to someone else. I will tell you the options, and then which one I would take. If you ignore my advice and it goes wrong, I wont say “I told you so”. I will be on your side.
I help businesses and individuals achieve their aims and minimise risk. I do not simply quote the law back and tell clients, “you can’t do that.” I focus on what can be done, because that’s what I would want.
My role is to look at the situation clearly, explain the options and then come off the fence. Sometimes that means finding a practical resolution. Sometimes it means negotiating an exit. Sometimes it means preparing for a more formal dispute.
Where I add value
A lot of my work is focussed on helping clients achieve the right outcome, rather than simply telling them what they cannot do.
I regularly advise on employment tribunal litigation, service agreements, director and senior executive matters, board-level disputes, restrictive covenants, TUPE, industrial relations and trade union matters. I also conduct internal investigations.
I work with employers who need clear, commercially sensible advice and with individuals who need strong, practical guidance at a difficult point in their working life. Sometimes people simply need someone in their corner.
Having started my career in the trade union movement and now advising employers for a significant part of my work, I understand workplace disputes from both sides and enjoy representing both. That background helps me give advice grounded in real experience, not theory.
Experience
I have over 36 years’ experience in employment relations and employment law, including my experience before qualifying as a solicitor.
I have been conducting employment tribunal cases for more than 30 years and have been instructed in a number of appeal cases which changed or clarified the law.
I was appointed as an ACAS Arbitrator in 2008 and served in that role until 2023.
I also spent 14 years as Managing Director of a successful SME legal practice, giving me first-hand experience of running a business as well as advising one. I sold the practice in 2022 and remained with the business as an employee for three years under agreed terms.
I do not accept instructions from clients of the practice I sold. Not because I am bound by restrictions, but because I said I wouldn’t.
Before entering the world of employment relations, I served for three years in the Coldstream Guards.
Representative work
My work has included:
- Advising directors and senior executives on service agreements
- Advising boards on the removal of directors
- Supporting employers with complex workplace disputes
- Advising on TUPE matters
- Advising on restrictive covenants
- Conducting independent grievance and workplace investigations
- Representing employers and individuals in employment tribunal litigation
- Advising individuals on workplace disputes and exits
- Supporting senior employees who need personal advice and guidance
- Advising on industrial relations and trade union matters including trade union access and recognition
- Helping clients resolve contentious employment matters practically and proportionately
I have also been instructed in a number of appeal cases, including:
Anyanwu v South Bank University and South Bank Students Union
House of Lords, 2001
A discrimination case.
Mears v Salt
Employment Appeal Tribunal, 2012
A case which helped set the definition of working time and wages.
Jackson Lloyd v Smith
Employment Appeal Tribunal, 2013
A case which established that a share sale can constitute a TUPE transfer.
What clients say
Clients often describe me as direct, practical and straight-talking. They value my ability to cut through the noise, explain the position clearly and give advice grounded in both legal knowledge and real business experience. I have been described as:
“Poacher turned gamekeeper”
“A formidable force in negotiations, a master”
“Refreshingly straightforward and robust”
“Any professional that comes against Darren wishes fervently never to do so again”
“Professional, plain speaking and easy to work with”
My approach
I take a plain-speaking and practical approach.
Clients often come to me when they need clear advice, not legal technobabble. My role is to cut through the noise, explain what matters and help clients understand what can realistically be achieved.
I am direct, candid and focused on the outcome. I will not dress things up unnecessarily or give advice that ignores the practical realities of the situation.
I believe employment law should be used to solve problems properly, not make them more complicated.
Outside work
In my spare time, I farm, work heavy horses and eat too much.