Roderick was called to the Bar in 1993 and provides high-level specialist advice and representation in the fields of employment law, professional and sports discipline and family finance. He has a particularly strong reputation for his abilities in complex high-profile employment disputes, regularly appearing before Employment Tribunals throughout the UK, and in the High Court, the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
Roderick is also an acknowledged expert in disciplinary hearings before professional and sports regulatory bodies. He is especially experienced in proceedings involving health professionals, and those involving horseracing, be they directed at owners, jockeys or trainers.
His family practice predominantly covers divorce cases involving high net worth individuals but he also provides advice and representation in disputes between cohabitants and in contentious probate matters. He is frequently able to draw upon his specialist knowledge of commercial and employment law when operating in the family sphere.
Whilst a significant proportion of his work is in an advisory capacity, helping clients to avoid going to court, Roderick is renowned for his tenacious advocacy style where a court appearance is unavoidable.
He is consistently highly recommended in the legal directories. Chambers and Partners says that he commands respect for his "outstanding cross examination skills and unflappable demeanour" and has both an "excellent grasp of the full spectrum of law" and an "exceptional grasp of intricate employment issues". He is also noted for combining his legal skills with an "approachable and user-friendly" manner and a “down-to-earth and non-stuffy approach".
Recent client testimonials have described Roderick as "calming", "just the very best person to have with you in those circumstances" and simply "awesome".
He lives on Exmoor with his interior designer wife, their two sons and numerous animals. His rare moments of spare time are spent indulging in country sports, going racing, and sailing.
Notable cases:
Cerberus v Rowley [2001] IRLR 160 – on the measure of damages for wrongful dismissal
Miller Bros v Johnston [2002] IRLR 386 – on the limitations on the contractual jurisdiction of Employment Tribunals
Dunnachie v Kingston upon Hull City Council, Weir Vales and Control UK v Armitage [2004] ICR 371 – on the heads of loss recoverable for unfair dismissal
Daw v Intel Corporation (UK) Ltd [2007] ICR 1318 – on issues of foreseeability and breach of duty in stress at work cases