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.
England - South West • Employment
Lester Aldridge LLP
Lester Aldridge LLP fields a highly regarded employment practice in the Dorset area. The team handles a range of matters for its clients, including due diligence, TUPE, restructuring, and assisting with the employment aspects of large corporate transactions. Practice head Kevin Barnett provides strategic advice to corporate clients, as well as handling complex whistleblowing and discrimination cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are always very helpful. There is always a very strong sense of team spirit.’
‘Kevin Barnett is always receptive, friendly and helpful. Always gets back to me when he says he would and he is knowledgeable in the area of employment law. I highly recommend him.’
Key clients
- Curtiss Wright Corporation
- Ceuta Holdings Limited
- Osprey Europe Limited
- FRP Advisory LLP
- Lush Limited
- Dorset Wildlife Trust
- Durable (UK) Limited
- Care South
- Poole Lighting Limited
- Global Maritime Consultancy Limited
Work highlights
- Represented a care home provider in a discrimination and unfair dismissal claim relating to the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021.
- Providing day-to-day employment advice to a large international company with over 12,000 employees.
- Advised a start-up design consultancy on compliance and employment obligations both in the UK and Australia.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kevin Barnett