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Simon is a Partner and Head of Employment at Harper James. He joined the firm in April 2018 as a partner in the employment team. Having qualified as a solicitor in 1994, he has worked at top 50 law firms in the West Midlands for 25 years, 18 of which were as a partner and Head of Department.
Simon acts for employers of all sizes, from start-up to global blue chip in most sectors, but principally tech.
He advises on all aspects of the employment relationship – at the beginning, during, the end and afterwards. He covers:
- all contractual and related documentation for employees
- managing complex disciplinary and grievance processes
- dealing with bullying and harassment allegations
- whistleblowing
- advising on dismissals and negotiating severances
- implementing measures for protection of IP, clients and staff, and their enforcement
- managing employment tribunals, including undertaking advocacy
- trade union issues and collective disputes
His particular expertise is in managing people matters concerning TUPE (business transfers and service provision changes), sales and acquisitions of companies and large-scale restructures/redundancies.
Simon’s approach is very business-focused, providing commercial and pragmatic solutions to all staffing issues. He has had particular previous experience in the following sectors:
- Technology, namely fintech, software and digital infrastructure
- Creative industries, including media, entertainment and publishing, as well as advertising and marketing
- Life sciences and healthcare, including biotech and medical devices, contractual relationships with regulatory bodies, partnership/practice disputes, service sharing agreements, dental practices and pharmaceuticals
- Sports law, including contracts, agents agreements, and sports business disputes
- Energy, utilities and environment, specifically renewable energy, and oil and gas
- Public sector, including local government
- Retail, luxury brands and fashion
- Manufacturing, including industrial products, metals, chemicals and automotive/transport
- Hospitality, travel and leisure
Simon has also taken part in our Spotlight on a Solicitor series, sharing his journey into law and proudest career moments. Read the interview to hear about his life in law.
Outside of work, Simon enjoys spending time with his two sons, watching his youngest son play rugby, keeping fit and travelling.
TESTIMONIALS
What our clients say
I have worked with HJ for the past five years primarily on employment matters, including immigration/visas. The employment team are always readily available and responsive and have worked with us on some very challenging matters through to conclusion. Myself and my team always appreciate Simon, Ella and Shaun's pragmatic approach to situations that align with the best strategic outcomes. A sense of humour is always very welcomed given the demanding nature that specific situations can generate.
Siobhan Wright
Chief People Officer,
Trust Payments
We have worked with Harper James for a number of years now and it works really well for us as a business in that we can access their diverse team easily depending on our requirement at that time. They are a great team and good to work with.
Sarah Booth
Commercial Director,
Caterers Choice
I recently worked with Simon at Harper James Solicitors on an employment law case, and I couldn't be more impressed with their service. Simon was incredibly responsive and proactive, always thinking several steps ahead and providing expert guidance throughout the process. He clearly explained complex legal matters in a way that was easy to understand, and I felt confident in his expertise and advice.
Minogue Wong
General Manager,
Zung Leon UK
Excellent service!
Incredibly helpful with their advice and practical options at every stage. They communicated clearly and quickly, including outside of normal working hours over Christmas.
I highly recommend using Harper James, we certainly will use them again in the future
Sara Thompson
HR Advisor,
AKG
In my experience, solicitors speak a completely different language than anybody else, which can be confusing – especially if the matter at hand is a stressful topic. Simon and the team’s advice has been invaluable. They are solution-driven and didn’t quote the law at us but took the time to deliver advice clearly and concisely, making the legal position easy to understand.
Petra Felgen
UK & Ireland’s Managing Director,
CEWE
Dealing with Simon and Liz has been a great experience. Speed to response, accuracy, prepared to have discussions relating to clauses and how they will affect our business and the PAYE contractor
Rebecca Sabin
Managing Consultant,
Synchro Recruitment
I have worked with HJ for the past five years primarily on employment matters, including immigration/visas. The employment team are always readily available and responsive and have worked with us on some very challenging matters through to conclusion. Myself and my team always appreciate Simon, Ella and Shaun's pragmatic approach to situations that align with the best strategic outcomes. A sense of humour is always very welcomed given the demanding nature that specific situations can generate.
Siobhan Wright
Chief People Officer,
Trust Payments
We have worked with Harper James for a number of years now and it works really well for us as a business in that we can access their diverse team easily depending on our requirement at that time. They are a great team and good to work with.
Sarah Booth
Commercial Director,
Caterers Choice
I recently worked with Simon at Harper James Solicitors on an employment law case, and I couldn't be more impressed with their service. Simon was incredibly responsive and proactive, always thinking several steps ahead and providing expert guidance throughout the process. He clearly explained complex legal matters in a way that was easy to understand, and I felt confident in his expertise and advice.
Minogue Wong
General Manager,
Zung Leon UK
Excellent service!
Incredibly helpful with their advice and practical options at every stage. They communicated clearly and quickly, including outside of normal working hours over Christmas.
I highly recommend using Harper James, we certainly will use them again in the future
Sara Thompson
HR Advisor,
AKG
In my experience, solicitors speak a completely different language than anybody else, which can be confusing – especially if the matter at hand is a stressful topic. Simon and the team’s advice has been invaluable. They are solution-driven and didn’t quote the law at us but took the time to deliver advice clearly and concisely, making the legal position easy to understand.
Petra Felgen
UK & Ireland’s Managing Director,
CEWE
Dealing with Simon and Liz has been a great experience. Speed to response, accuracy, prepared to have discussions relating to clauses and how they will affect our business and the PAYE contractor
Rebecca Sabin
Managing Consultant,
Synchro Recruitment
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