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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...

  • Howard, December 2024
    “Outstanding service. The process from start to finish was run so smoothly. Very professional and everyone involved was a pleasure to deal with and helped with easy to understand guidance, especially during this difficult time of losing a close

  • Ms McVeigh, December 2024
    Advice on redundancy, exit negotiations and settlement “I would like to express my gratitude to RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) LLP and specifically, Patrick Simpson for handling my case with professionalism whilst being prompt and personable. The pr

  • Rob Henderson, December 2024
    “Thoroughly professional. Way to deal with and access.” Contract review

  • Ms Lind, December 2024
    “I would highly recommend Patrick! Patrick advised me when I was being made redundant, making sure I was aware of my rights and advocated for me in all communications with my company. He came across very professional, trustworthy and knowledgea

  • Pal Peshikaj, December 2024
    “Compare Ben Marks and Martin Alfreds with MJ and Pippen – the conveyancers dream team. Both Ben and Martin were amazing in assisting us with the completion of our first purchase. Martin was always accessible, understanding and prompt whe

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