We are proud of our amazing team at ESP Law and recently added some new faces to the mix. So, we wanted to ‘introduce’ you to each of them. Find out more about their role, what they love most about it, and why ESP is making such a difference in the world of Employee Relations (ER) in this latest instalment…
Summarise what you do at ESP Law
I advise customers on a whole range of employment issues such as TUPE, tribunal litigation, disciplinary and grievance matters, redundancies and restructures, policy drafting and everything in between! I really enjoy having a varied caseload, and never knowing what will come up from one day to the next.
It keeps me on my toes, helps me get to know customers and to understand what they hope to achieve from a personnel perspective. Ultimately this assists me in advising them in a way that best meets their individual wants, needs and styles.
Outline your background prior to joining the team?
Before joining the ESP team, I have held several roles within the legal sector. Most recently I worked for a regional law firm in Shropshire, but prior to that I worked at Ellis Whittam, a large employment specialist, for around six and a half years.
What is your favourite part of the job?
I love that no two days are the same and I am constantly challenged to not only consider the legal implications of a given scenario, but also to think about practical solutions for businesses which can include a range of options to meet with organisations needs and legal requirements.
What do you think ESP Law offers, that no other business in the industry does?
The standard and experience level of the entire legal team is excellent. This not only ensures advice can be given promptly but also means that when issues arise that are untested, there is a wealth of knowledge available from a highly competent team.
Our legal advisory team can be called upon to discuss, debate and provide reasoned advice to customers, no matter the scenario – and that’s something to be proud of.
What is your ‘dream’ customer and why?
Moneypenny – following an event I attended where Rachel Clacher, was the guest speaker. I found her approach to Employee Relations (ER) incredibly forward-thinking, progressive and effective.
The firm has an amazing central office that I used to drive past – and admire – on my way to work each day, and, given ESP is a customer of theirs too, it would be great to turn the tables and work alongside such an inspiring company, helping the team to continue making positive changes in the workplace.
Describe ESP Law in one word
Supportive.
What is the one thing that you’d want your customers to know you for?
Being practical. A commercial understanding is essential in this role and I don’t believe that any employment issue should be looked at in isolation. What works fantastically well within one business would potentially be a disaster in another!
As a result, I really get to know each of my customers, to ensure I give practical advice that works for their business, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
What would you like to achieve over the next 12 months – at ESP Law and individually?
I am really looking forward to getting to know customers and understanding their individual ways of working. That, and an end to the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Guidance notes and Treasury Directions!
You are in an industry that never stops. What would you like to see in store over the next 12 months?
I am a huge advocate for thinking outside of the box, and lockdown has forced many businesses to consider new ways of working – which they might never have contemplated previously.
Some changes made may have worked, and others not so much, but I am looking forward to assisting customers with planning for their futures, and potentially discussing alternative methods of working to achieve the best for both the business and its workforce.
Outside of work, what do you like doing?
I have a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old, so I’d love to sleep outside of work! That sadly is not on the cards for the most part, so plenty of countryside walks with the family and dog is generally the order of the day. I also enjoy watching pretty much any sport so a day at the cricket would be rather nice!
