Thompsons Solicitors LLP

Employment Rights

Member, Head of Employment Rights

Bernie is a partner and, as head of employment rights, responsible for managing all employment rights teams across Thompsons' network of offices in England and Wales.

Bernie is well known for his in depth employment law knowledge and regularly gives talks and presentations and has been a guest speaker for a number of organisations, including the Institute of Employment Rights.

Bernie has specialised in employment law throughout his legal career, which began in 1995 at Merseyside Trade Union Centre. He joined Thompsons in 2000, attracted by the firm’s unique commitment to only ever represent claimants, and has been managing employment teams within the firm since 2003. Bernie became a partner in 2017, regional managing partner in 2021 and was promoted to head of employment rights in February 2023.

Bernie has dealt with virtually every type of employment tribunal case, from disability discrimination to unfair dismissal. Bernie relishes taking on companies or organisations abusing trade union rights, and his clients value him as a supportive and effective champion.

Bernie is proud of Thompsons championing of trade unionists and trade union rights, and finds the work the firm does rewarding due to its being political, pioneering and valuable to those it represents.

Bernie is a board member and vice chair of the charity, Merseyside Law Centre, which provides free legal advice, assistance and representation for housing, welfare benefits and asylum claims.

When he is not defending workers’ rights, Bernie unwinds by cycling, travelling and watching Everton football club.