Partner and Head of Employment Law
Simon is a highly experienced employment lawyer who has been advising businesses on employment and HR matters since qualifying in 1994. As Head of Employment at Harper James, he works closely with businesses to solve complex people-related issues. Simon has spent more than 30 years advising businesses on complex workplace issues, including 18 years as a partner and Head of Department.
Simon helps employers manage their people with confidence, providing practical, commercially focused advice that reflects both the legal position and the realities of running a business. He works with organisations of all sizes, from ambitious start-ups and scale-ups to global businesses, with particular experience in the technology sector.
His work covers the full scope of the employment relationship, from recruitment and contractual documentation through to workplace disputes, dismissals and post-termination protection.
Simon advises businesses on:
Simon has expertise in managing the people issues that arise during periods of significant business change. This includes TUPE transfers and service provision changes, company sales and acquisitions, and large-scale restructures and redundancy programmes.
Simon takes a pragmatic and business-focused approach – working closely with senior leaders to understand what they are trying to achieve and develop employment solutions that manage legal risk without losing sight of their wider commercial objectives.
Simon has advised businesses across a broad range of industries, including:
Outside work, Simon enjoys spending time with his two sons, watching his youngest son play rugby, keeping fit and travelling.
IN THE MEDIA
June 2025
HS2 whistleblower awarded £230,000 by tribunal
Personnel Today
June 2025
Whistleblowing and the cost of silence: Why SMEs must have policies in place
SME Today
October 2025
TUC rejects suggestion that tribunal fees should return
Personnel Today
October 2025
Labour weighs tribunal fees to deter vexatious claims
International Employment Lawyer
November 2025
Polarising topics are feeding workplace division: what are the risks for employers?
Lexology Pro
February 2026
1 in 10 bosses fear false allegations if they meet with junior staff
SME Today
TESTIMONIALS
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
Availability for advice, with timely and reliable turnaround on reviews and legal drafting. Simon offers practical, balanced and timely advice. He remains highly responsive, particularly when fast turnarounds are required.
Anna Clarke Chief People Officer, Namos Solutions Ltd
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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25 January 2023
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13 October 2021
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16 July 2020