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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
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
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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