Matthew Lewis is a partner in our Employment practice based in our Leeds office. His particular expertise covers all areas of employment law, both individual and collective, including TUPE, redundancies and restrictive covenants.

Prior to becoming a solicitor, Matthew spent 6 years working in publishing. He is a poacher turned gamekeeper, as on qualification Matthew worked initially as a trade union lawyer. Matthew has previously worked in our London office.

Recent experience includes:

• Advising on industrial action and strike action to minimise disruption and use of agency staff.
• Steering collective redundancy process on part closure of business.
• Defending allegation of soliciting staff and breach of confidentiality from competitor.
• Project managing a pan-European integration exercise.
• Considering claim of 300+ "workers" to a redundancy payment.
• Defending equal pay claim from female board director.
• Changing car policies in light of increased fuel costs.

Publications:

• On the Spot article, Yorkshire Post, 25 July 2006
• Employment Briefing and Workplace Diversity and Discrimination, articles for Croner
• Contributed to articles in the Observer and the Evening Standard
• Contribution to Recruiter magazine, December 2007

Career:

• Training contract, Lawford & Co 1995-1997
• Qualified, 1997
• Solicitor, Lawford & Co 1997-1998
• Solicitor, Hammonds 1998-2006
• Partner, Hammonds LLP 2006 to date

Education:

• Birmingham University 1984-1987
• London Guildhall University 1993-1995

Interesting facts:

• Member of Employment Lawyers Association

"Partner" refers to a member of Hammonds LLP or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualification.