Jennifer has a largely business-focused practice, specialising in employment law, property law, contract law, general commercial disputes and personal injury cases. She represents both claimants and defendants.
She graduated in Law from University College London and also holds a postgraduate degree from the London School of Economics. She was the recipient of the Hardwicke Entrance Award (2006) when embarking on her Bar training, and was subsequently awarded a Cholmeley Studentship (2008) to undertake her pupillage. She was called to the Bar in 2007.
Jennifer is known for her robust advocacy, an area of her work that she particularly enjoys. She also undertakes a great deal of behind-the-scenes advisory work, including drafting of documents and witness statements: “A really good, well-drafted document is often half the battle,” she says.
Jennifer is at ease in the full range of legal forums, from County Court level to the High Court, and before tribunals. Areas of particular expertise include employment disputes of all types, trusts of land disputes, real property, winding up/bankruptcy petitions, contractual disputes, sale of goods/supply of services, and insolvency.
In addition, she frequently appears in landlord and tenant cases (including possession claims involving business premises, boundary claims and construction) and has developed an in-depth knowledge of all matters relating to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal.
Clients report that Jennifer is “personable and very thorough” with “impressive attention to detail” and knows “when to hold back and when to press the point home”.
She describes her own approach as: “Bullish, but principled. I am known for fighting my corner, but I also treat opponents in a civilised manner.”
Notable cases:
Kennedy v Clifford Devlin (Employment Tribunal, 2011) - acted for the Respondent employer in an unfair dismissal case. The matter proceeded to trial and Jennifer successfully applied for the claim to be dismissed. The Claimant was also ordered to pay Respondent’s costs.
Hamar v The Cavan Bakery (Employment Tribunal, 2011) - acted for the Respondent employer in an unfair dismissal and breach of contract case. Successfully argued that the Tribunal had no jurisdiction in respect of the unfair dismissal claim. The Tribunal also accepted that there was no breach of contract.
55 Elgin Crescent Ltd v Lawton, LON/00AW/LSC/2009/0212 (Leasehold Valuation Tribunal) - determination of service charges.
Lawton v 55 Elgin Crescent Ltd, LON/00AW/LSC/2009/0540 (Leasehold Valuation Tribunal) - whether application time barred or lessee estopped from challenging charges for major works.
Morgan v Quest Timber Products Ltd (High Court, unreported) - successfully applied for bankruptcy petition to be struck out.
Publications:
UCL Jurisprudence Review, 13th Volume (co-editor) (UCL Press, 2007).
'Employment Law in a Nutshell: Wrongful Dismissals', The Weekly Law Review Newsletter (Summer 2008), 20
'The UCL Jurisprudence Review Launch', The Weekly Law Review Newsletter (Summer 2007), 2
"A Changing Landscape?", New Law Journal (Volume 160, Issue 7422), employment law article on the issue of damages in wrongful dismissal claims, co-written with Spencer Keen.
"Much Obliged: The Level of Obligation Owed by Employers to Former Employees", New Law Journal, September 2011 (Vol. 161, Issue 7480).
"Withdrawal of Pre-Action Admissions: Woodland v Stopford & Ors [2011] EWCA Civ 266", PI Brief Update Law Journal (July 2011).
Memberships and appointments:
Personal Injury Bar Association (PIBA)
International Bar Association (IBA)
Lincoln's Inn Denning Society
Ratified FRU social security representative
Citizens' Advice legal adviser (emphasis on Immigration and Employment Law)