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Employment

At some time, most employees have encountered difficulties at work. From being underpaid wages; discriminated against or unfairly dismissed, problems can arise suddenly. It is vital to know and understand what your rights are at work. 

Employment law is complicated and changes quickly and employers often get it wrong.  Being able to speak to a specialist when you need to is important and we work with you from the start.  We know that the most important thing to employees is getting sound advice.

Our employment team has experience in advising employees of varied seniority from a range of industries. We have advised senior executives and directors to plan exit strategies and represented junior employees during whistleblowing and disability claims.

We can help with the termination of employment; provide advice regarding settlement agreements and negotiate employment contracts. Also, we can defend claims from previous employers who are trying to stop an ex-employee from working for a competitor.

Previously we have advised a senior employee embroiled in a dispute at work and negotiated an exit. We have also assisted many employees during disciplinary or grievance investigations.

If you would like information on our fees for employment issues please download the fact sheet below, or if you would like further advice please contact one of the team below to see how we can help.

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    Meet the Team

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    Alana Penkethman

    Associate — Corporate and Commercial

    Direct dial: 01202 377872

    Email

    • “It’s a comfort to be able to rely on people who are professional and honest in their approach, having had to face a situation with difficult requirements for the first time it was always going to be challenging. Alana advised us all the way through, provided highly professional advise and options and helped guide us through to a successful end. We are truly happy with the service and will continue to use Alana and Laceys as needed.”

      Derek Wright

    • “I used Laceys for an employment related matter and was extremely satisfied with the service that they provided. Alana was everything that I could have hoped for: calm, professional, objective, reassuring and empathetic. I would not hesitate to recommend them.”

      Rick Nurse

    • “Alana helped me through a extremely difficult and emotional period in a professional and supportive manner. The process was over swiftly and I am very satisfied with the service, so thank you for everything.”

      Bradley Thompson

    • “At the outset Alana understood what I required. Explained the process, and delivered on the service. I was very happy with the process and outcome.”

      Andrew Taylor

    Alana is an Associate in our Corporate and Commercial team and is an expert employment lawyer. She advises businesses and individuals on matters arising from recruitment to termination.

    Alana provides pragmatic advice, ensuring problems are resolved as quickly as possible, and in turn minimising disruption and stress to both parties. When litigation is unavoidable, Alana excels in negotiations and will deliver robust representation.

    Since qualification in 2011, Alana has developed a specialism in discrimination matters, and is passionate about equality in the workplace.

    When Alana is not working, she enjoys flying with a hot air balloon team and is a keen cyclist. She also enjoys live music and plays the saxophone.

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    Ella Gould

    Senior Associate — Corporate and Commercial / Employment

    Direct dial: 01202 377825

    Email

    Ella Gould, Solicitor in Laceys Corporate and Commercial team
    • “We believe Ella worked extremely hard to bring our sale to the satisfactory conclusion especially during the difficult Covid19 trading conditions. She worked late in evening to accommodate our needs. A real asset and credit for Laceys.”

      Brian Clemons

    • “Ella makes every process we deal with understandable and as straight forward as possible. I have not doubt she will remain our solicitor for many years.”

      Kelly West

    • “Corporate acquisitions never go quite as planned but Ella was always at the end of the phone and more than willing to chase up whatever was not forthcoming! A thorough and efficient service with plenty of good advice along the way!”

      Stuart Harding

    • “Commercial legal details can be a minefield to interpret and understand. Clear explanations are offered at every step and this provides confidence in the decision making process.”

      Martin Spooner

    • “Ella carried out the work for my business sale very efficiently, and always responded promptly. This was particularly important to me as I often required assistance quickly in order to progress matters within the given time frame.”

      Jon Dudley

    Ella completed her Law LLB Hons degree at the University of Surrey graduating in 2013 and subsequently the LPC at the University of Law. Ella joined us to commence her training contract in 2014 and qualified into our corporate and commercial team in March 2016, now acting on a wide variety of corporate, commercial and employment matters ranging from local businesses to national companies.

    Ella can assist with business and share transactions, shareholders’ agreements, drafting articles of association and other general company law matters. Ella also advises on employment law aspects predominantly in a corporate context. In particular, her work includes drafting and reviewing contracts of employment, providing assistance and advice on TUPE transfers, and other general employer advice.

    Outside of work Ella enjoys going for long runs around Bournemouth and the Purbecks, skiing when the opportunity arises and making the most of the local beaches in the summer.

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    Fact Sheets

    • Struggling with legal fees?

      Unbundling explained.

      Download

    • How to fund disputes.

      Different options explained.

      Download

    • What is a Settlement Agreement?

      Download

    • Laceys Fees

      Employment and Representation for individuals

      Download

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