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Patrick Simpson

Solicitor

Patrick Simpson joined RIAA Barker Gillette as a solicitor apprentice in July 2017, where he changed seats generally every 12 months to gain valuable legal experience in all areas of the law. During that time, Patrick spent over 18 months in our employment department. Consequently, it was during this time that Patrick first thought of becoming an employment solicitor. In 2021, Patrick Simpson obtained his four-year law degree with first-class honours and subsequently went on to complete his Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

After a long journey, Patrick qualified as a solicitor in September 2023 and chose to qualify into the firm’s employment department. Patrick now works alongside mentor, partner and head of department Karen Cole. Patrick acts for both employees and employers across all industries with experience in the commercial property, financial and medical science sectors.

Patrick’s matters include both contentious and non-contentious employment work. He has experienced a range of Employment Tribunal proceedings, primarily for employers, typically for claims of discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Patrick advises on day-to-day employment law matters and has a unique understanding of employment law and business, having previously run his own SME retail events company.

Patrick Simpson is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA).

Education

Level 7 Apprenticeship Solicitor, Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2023). A level 7 course is the second-highest level qualification you can achieve and is equivalent to a master’s Degree. Patrick’s Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship included the following qualifications:

LLB (First Class), City, University of London (2021)
SQE1 (2022)
SQE 2 (2023)

Solicitor of England & Wales (Admitted 2023)

Expertise

Employment law

Patrick Simpson has experience dealing with a wide range of employment law matters, including:

  • alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options and the conciliation process through ACAS
  • advising senior executives and directors as to their rights and duties
  • employment terms and conditions
  • contract disputes
  • disciplinary and grievance processes
  • discrimination
  • dismissals
  • drafting and reviewing employment contracts
  • redundancies
  • restrictive covenants
  • settlement agreements
  • staff handbooks and standalone policies
  • workplace investigations
GDPR/Data protection

Patrick has experience in data protection and privacy matters, including conducting data protection and GDPR audits and data subject access requests.

Other experience

Corporate experience includes charity incorporations and registrations, including all associated policies, analysing articles of association and associated documentation in both new entities and existing companies and UK target company due diligence exercise on multi-million-pound investment, including considering all manner of commercial agreements and employment contracts.

Dispute resolution experience includes enforcement, including CCJs and attachment of earnings orders, insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings, mediation, professional negligence claims, property litigation and shareholder disputes.

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What they say...

  • Sean Greathead, October 2024
    “Karen Cole has been superb in supporting us in dealing with some complex legal challenges. Her advice and guidance is timely, well communicated and provides direction on resolving the situations on hand. I would highly recommend Karen and the

  • Jonny Grossman, October 2024
    “Martin was everything I would expect a top solicitor to be. He was knowledgeable, responsive, supportive, calm, and overall an excellent professional to work with. I would use Martin and RIAA Barker Gillette again without hesitation. Sharon is

  • Carlo, September 2024
    “Very efficient. Maheen and Pippa were great, offered great advise and always available.” Family law and divorce

  • Tom Mulligan, September 2024
    “Charlotte and James did a very professional job, replied promptly to emails, usually within an hour, and were available to meet when necessary. Key though is their specific experience in these areas [LPA, Probate and Wills].” Wills, tax

  • Lucy, August 2024
    “Thank you for your support during the purchase of our first home.” Residential sales and purchases

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