Tom Stephenson

Tom advises organisations on employment tribunal claims, including complex or high value claims and claims that carry reputational risk. Tom gets to know his clients and advises on strategy in accordance their aims and attitude to risk. Tom manages the tribunal claims process through to conclusion, including drafting robust pleadings, providing advocacy at preliminary hearings, drafting strike out and costs applications, compiling trial bundles, drafting witness statements, instructing and liaising with Counsel and, where appropriate, negotiating settlements. Tom advises on a broad range of HR issues, such as grievance and disciplinary matters, redundancy situations and restructures, changing terms and conditions and managing difficult employees. Tom has particular expertise in unravelling sensitive, complicated and time-consuming grievances with an emphasis on taking the pressure away from the client. Tom drafts bespoke contracts of employment, policies and staff handbooks for employers, as well as conducting audits of existing documents to ensure compliance. Tom also advises on the employment law aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Tom undertakes legal due diligence on transactional matters, advises on the application of TUPE and helps clients understand their obligations where TUPE applies. Tom regularly delivers bespoke, interactive training for clients and presents at seminars on a range of topics.