Helen was called to the Bar in 2004 and has a growing reputation for her work in civil and family law. She has a particularly strong presence in employment law and related matters.

Helen has experience representing both employers and employees before the employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal. She has particular expertise in cases involving unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal and discrimination, along with redundancy and TUPE.

In 2010, she was appointed to the Attorney General’s panel of approved Counsel and is frequently instructed by a range of Government departments.

She also has an interest in personal injury law, regularly acting in fast-track and multi-track trials, and drafting pleadings, opinions and trial documents as required.

Helen’s private law family practice encompasses contact and residence hearings and cases with an international element, including abduction and leave to remove proceedings, and injunction proceedings. She is also experienced in cases involving domestic violence and human rights issues.

Helen’s style in court has been described as “not afraid to go in for the kill” and “extremely tenacious”. In addition to her court and tribunal appearances, she regularly provides advice and training for employers, including pre-tribunal guidance.

She describes her own approach as: “Pragmatic, and robust - I'm always keen to discuss potential problems and tactics with my client before the hearing, so that I can concentrate on the best way to proceed when it comes to my advocacy and feel confident that my approach is one that my client is happy with."

Notable cases

Pratt v Jobcentre Plus – Helen successfully resisted an appeal, heard in the EAT, against the strike-out of a case in the employment tribunal

B v S (Contempt: Imprisonment of mother) [2009] EWCA CIV 548; [2009] 2 FLR 1005

Helen's recent work has included an argument as to whether a Claimant was disabled for the purposes of the Equality Act, the successful defence of an allegation of sex discrimination, and several multi-day unfair dismissal hearings. Cases which are yet to be heard will include an argument about whether an employee resigned, or was dismissed, two age discrimination hearings, and a series of cases, through her Attorney General work, on behalf of a variety of Government departments.

Memberships

Employment Law Bar Association

Personal Injury Bar Association

Family Law Bar Association