Employment: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall

Kevin Barnett is a Partner in the Employment & HR team. Kevin has worked across both the public and private sectors, for high street practices, local authorities and RSLs. As a result of this diverse range of experience he has a good understanding of the various different pressures and considerations that apply when providing advice to individuals, businesses and public bodies. Kevin is experienced in all aspects of employment law, both claimant and respondent, from drafting contracts and procedures, through to providing representation before tribunals in cases involving multiple claimants, and advising on dismissal and re-engagement procedures in relation to contract variations for 500 plus employees. He has also acted for both applicants and local authorities in relation to a wide variety of licensing matters from the sale and supply of alcohol right through to the keeping of dangerous wild animals by private individuals. Having acted as legal adviser to a number of different licensing authorities, he is well-placed to advise on what is, and is not, likely to be acceptable to a local authority and how best to overcome any issues that may give rise for concern. Previous private clients have included a number of care homes, several defence contractors, and numerous small enterprises, particularly in the retail sector. In addition to the public sector work undertaken as an employee, he has also acted for a number of other public bodies including the DWP, the Environment Agency and a local fire authority. Kevin is admired for his pragmatic approach to most problems, and for finding solutions which minimise both cost and risk to clients.

Partner

Claire is an employment partner with significant experience advising large national and international companies having worked for a large international law firm for over 10 years. Working closely with clients to understand their aims and objectives, Claire provides commercial and practical advice, helping clients to manage the employment aspects of complex transactions and internal restructuring exercises, as well as advising on the TUPE implications of business transfers and outsourcing arrangements. Claire is recognised for her responsiveness and down-to-earth approach and her ability to cut through complex areas of law to provide clear and straightforward advice. Claire also plays a lead role in the firm’s Financial Services Sector, with particular expertise advising Private Equity backed portfolio companies and Retail Financial Services’ clients, regularly advising on board level employment and strategic issues, such as senior exits and integration projects. A highlight for Claire was working on Ensono’s $405 million international acquisition of Wipro’s Hosted Data Center Services business.  Claire advised on the employment implications of the stock and asset deal in the UK, including advising on the TUPE information and consultation process, as well as project managing the employment advice across eight jurisdictions.