Tim is an employment and discrimination law specialist. He is instructed by a wide range of clients from multi-national companies, NHS Trusts, national charities and local authorities to the individual. Tim has extensive experience in all forms of discrimination law, in the areas of unfair dismissal and breach of contract, and he has been instructed in a number of high-profile whistleblowing claims. Tim represents clients in the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the EAT, the County Court and in ETs nationally. He is regularly instructed by public bodies in long-running, complex employment disputes. Tim undertakes Direct Professional Access and Pro Bono work and is also trained as a Mediator.
Tim is a regular public speaker at Chambers and other events and has appeared on TV and Radio in his professional capacity.
Recommendations
“Tim is an intellectual and has a sharp mind with an approachable manner. He is quick in turning around work. He is an excellent cross-examiner and very thorough.”
Chambers UK 2023
“Personable with clients and doesn’t blind them with the law – speedy responses and an excellent advocate in hearing, virtually and in person.”
Legal 500 2023
“Tim is calm, collected and patient. He is able to identify the key legal issues and make succinct and persuasive submissions.” “He has a real way of digging into complex matters and making them seem really simple. He immediately gets to the heart of what the case is about, where the problems might be and how to deal with them.”
Chambers UK 2022
“He is able to immediately get to the heart of the matter and the client’s concerns. He is technically fantastic, and it seems as though he is never fazed no matter how complex the matter or how challenging the opponent.”
Legal 500 2022
“He is agile and quick-thinking.” “An excellent advocate and a pleasure to work with. He has vast experience with public sector clients which he draws on for each matter we work on. He is detailed and always knows the papers inside and out.” “He delivers arguments with an air of politeness and decorum that brings around both judges and the opposition.”
Chambers UK 2021
”Great with clients, very well-prepared, he knows the case inside out.”
Legal 500 UK 2021
”He is easy to work with and has a natural rapport with clients. He carries out detailed analysis and has a strong understanding of the legal issues.” “He has good judgement and a forensic style.”
Chambers UK 2020
Notable Cases
Planon Ltd v Gilligan [2022] EWCA Civ 642
Successfully represented the ex-employee at the Court of Appeal in resisting the company’s challenge to the High Court Judge’s refusal to grant a non-compete covenant lasting 12 months.
Trentside Manor Care Limited and ors v Mrs Raphael [2022] EAT 37
Represented the Respondent in successfully resisting the employer’s appeal against the decision that advice by non-legal advisers was not covered by legal advice privilege.
Brangwyn v South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust [2018] EWCA 2235
Successfully defended the Trust up to and at the Court of Appeal, in its defence of a claim of a failure to make reasonable adjustments. A high-profile disability discrimination claim that centred on whether a PCP had been imposed.
Graham v Agilitas Communications Limited (2017) UKEAT/0212/17/DA
Important case on the correct approach to without prejudice discussions and section 111A of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Basildon and Thurrock NHD Foundation Trust v Weerasinghe [2016] ICR 305
Successful in appeal against decision of the ET in relation to the approach to section 15 of the Equality Act 2010. Regularly cited as a major authority on the correct approach to section 15 claims.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority v Mitchell (2014) UKEAT/0497/12/MC
Instructed by the SRA in an important decision on the reverse burden of proof in discrimination claims.
Mr J P Burke v (1) the College of Law (2) Solicitors’ Regulation Authority [2012] EWCA Civ 37
Represented the SRA at the Court of Appeal, which upheld the ET finding that a time requirement applied as part of the Legal Practice Course examinations, was a competency standard under s14A (5) of the (former) DDA.
Elsie Gayle v Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust [2011] EWCA Civ 924; [2011] IRLR 810
Instructed by the Trust up to and at the Court of Appeal. The Court upheld ET’s judgment that the Claimant did not suffer a detriment in respect of trade union activities and made important comments about bringing appeals against ET decisions generally.
Memberships
Tim is a member of the Employment Law Bar Association and the Planning and Environmental Bar Association.
