Nicola Shepherd joins Employment and Dispute Resolution Team
We are delighted to welcome a new solicitor to our Employment and Dispute Resolution team. Nicola Shepherd joined us recently to strengthen the team in providing employment law advice to employees in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield.
Nicola focuses mainly on advising employees with settlement agreements following the termination of their employment. Many employers now use settlement agreements as a way of removing underperforming employees or for settling nascent or actual disputes before they reach ACAS or Tribunal. Whilst this can often prevent the employer being involved in a long running disciplinary or capability process, it can also be open to misuse and independent legal advice for an employee is an absolute must if handed a settlement agreement.
Nicola can also help advise employers on contracts of employment, disciplinary and grievance processes and reviewing your existing documents to make sure they are up to date.
Nicola said “I am thrilled to have joined Crane and Staples. It is fantastic to work for a law firm that is so well established within the local community and that prides itself on providing clear, professional legal advice in a friendly and affordable manner. I am keen to continue the development of the Employment and Dispute Resolution Department and build on the firm’s existing ties with this community.”
Since the department refocused on employment work some 18 months ago we have seen a significant upturn in the amount of work that we are doing. Head of Department Michael Scutt said “Welwyn Garden City has needed a law firm that can provide specialist employment law advice and assistance for a long while and I am delighted that we can now expand our offering to both local business and employees. Nicola’s recruitment demonstrates this firm’s commitment to providing a much wider service to both our current and future clients. Our aim is to be the go-to firm for local businesses and employees seeking advice on their employment or its termination. We already have significant experience and expertise in this area and with the other services we provide, we are well positioned to achieve these objectives.”