Leading employment lawyer, Helen Hughes, joins Averta Employment Lawyers as senior consultant
Helen Hughes, a highly regarded employment lawyer and former legal director at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, has joined Averta Employment Lawyers as a senior consultant.
Hughes has considerable experience in the legal services industry, both in private practice and in house. She is also an accomplished Tribunal advocate.
Senior partner at Averta, Alan Jones said: “We are delighted that Helen has decided to join us as a consultant. I know Helen’s skills are second to none as she always works hard to get the best results, avoiding unnecessary conflict which is key to success in our business.”
Helen Hughes said: “I am very happy to have joined David and Alan and the team at Averta. I’m looking forward to using my skills in advising both senior employees and SME’s to resolve what are often complex legal disputes.”
Averta Employment Lawyers is an award winning, boutique employment law firm which was founded by ex DLA Piper partners, Alan Jones, and David Sykes. Averta specialises in giving advice to senior executives and professionals across both the private and public sectors. The firm have particular expertise in negotiating exit strategies and severance packages for directors and senior executives and also provides strategic employment law advice to companies across the UK.
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Averta again strongly recommended by Legal 500 2023
Averta Employment Lawyers have once again been recommended as a leading law firm by legal directory, Legal 500. Averta ranks highly against other law firms, in Tier Two in the West Midlands Employment category, which is a commendable performance for a niche firm.
Practice heads David Sykes and Alan Jones have been recognised for their expertise, both being identified as leading solicitors in their category.
Alan Jones remains in the Legal 500 ‘Hall of Fame’ and David Sykes has, once again, been included as a ‘Leading Individual’. Averta’s associates Izzy Canning and Andrew Lester, were also praised for their work as was consultant Alan Dark.
According to Legal 500 testimonials:
“Alan Jones and David Sykes are an effective double act – different but complimentary. They provide a full service on exits, restrictions, contract disputes etc rather than being too narrow in their approach or too broad.”
The praise is not limited to the partners however, and the directory comments; “‘One gets the very clear impression when dealing with the team at Averta that this is a well trained team which provides professionalism and technical expertise at the highest level which is totally focused on the client’s objectives. The team is supportive and immediately responsive whilst the cost is very reasonable indeed. They will provide very sharp, honest and down to earth advice on the challenges ahead so that decisions on the way forward are fully informed. One certainly wants Averta on their side.”
The directory also mentions how well the firm provided advice during the Covid lockdown:
“‘Efficient, professional service and communications maintained during the difficult Covid lockdown period. Always available however difficult the circumstances. Alan Jones and Andrew Lester have continued to provide strong emotional support through difficult times as well as maintaining their professionalism‘.”
David Sykes commented: “ It’s so gratifying to be consistently highly ranked in Legal 500 and I would like to thank our clients and professional colleagues for the positive feedback and for taking the time to communicate it.”
Leading employment lawyer, David Beswick, joins Averta Employment
David Beswick, who is one of the Midlands best known and highly rated employment lawyers, has joined Solihull based Averta Employment Lawyers as a senior consultant.
Before joining Averta, Beswick was a partner and head of employment in the Birmingham office of Eversheds-Sutherland, where he was also office managing partner.
Beswick is an acknowledged market leading employment lawyer who for over 20 years has been consistently ranked in the “star” and “Band 1” category in both Legal 500 legal directory and Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession.
Senior partner at Averta, Alan Jones said: “I’m very pleased that David is joining us. David will add further depth and capability to our team at Averta, bringing his many years’ experience in employment law to support senior executives in complex and high value cases.”
Beswick commented: “I am delighted to have joined David and Alan and the highly rated team at Averta and look forward to advising senior executives, directors, and corporates on a wide range of employment issues.”
Prior to joining Eversheds, Beswick was a partner at Hammonds, the predecessor to Squire Patton Boggs.
Averta Employment Lawyers is an award winning, boutique employment law firm which was founded by ex DLA Piper partners, Alan Jones, and David Sykes. Averta specialises in giving advice to senior executives and professionals across both the private and public sectors. The firm have particular expertise in negotiating exit strategies for senior executives and also provides strategic employment law advice to companies across the UK.
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Promotion for Izzy Canbury to Associate at Averta
Solihull based, Averta Employment Lawyers has promoted Izzy Canbury to Associate. Canbury joined the firm in 2016 and qualified in 2020.
Averta is an award winning, boutique employment law firm which was founded by ex DLA Piper partners, Alan Jones, and David Sykes.
Senior partner, Alan Jones, commented on Canning’s promotion saying: “Izzy is an extremely capable employment lawyer and a key part of our team. She is now ready to take the next step in her career and take on more responsibility as an Associate.”
Canbury added: “Working alongside experienced lawyers such as David and Alan has given me enormous knowledge, not only of the legal issues involved, but also how to deal with people facing career change, redundancy or discrimination. It is rewarding to be able to add to the life skills I acquired in previous work situations’’
Canbury had previously worked in academic publishing before switching careers and she completed the LPC part time at BPP University in 2018. In her free time Canning is keen to do voluntary work, and has worked with the Samaritans and the Personal Support Unit at the Birmingham Civil Courts.
Averta Employment Lawyers specialises in giving advice to senior executives and professionals across both the private and public sectors. The firm have particular expertise in negotiating exit strategies for senior executives and also provides strategic employment law advice to companies.
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Chambers recognise Averta’s achievements in employment law
Leading legal Directories, Chambers and Partners have again recognised Averta’s strengths across a range of employment issues in the recently published 2022 directory.
In Chamber and Partners 2022, Averta was ranked in category One for Employment: Employee in Midlands.
To quote from the Chambers 2022 edition about Averta:
“Claimant-oriented firm that advises employees from both the private and public sectors across the whole spectrum of employment issues. Particular strengths include assisting with tribunal claims and settlement agreements. Continues to advise on restrictive covenant disputes, as well as harassment and discrimination claims. Particularly adept at handling and negotiating exit strategies for senior executives. Also advises on pensions issues, whistle-blowing claims and redundancies.”
Clients interviewed commented:
“…a very professional outfit who know their stuff and also showed empathy with our concerns.”
“The firm are brilliant and do what they say they will,”
“They never missed a beat.”
“I always find them professional, courteous and commercially minded. You know they’re going to be sensible.”
Both Alan Jones and David Sykes, founder partners of Averta were also ranked, with the following comments:
“Alan Jones advises executive-level employees on a full suite of matters including discrimination, wrongful termination and breach of contract claims. He is particularly skilled at negotiating termination packages.
A client of Jones’ commented: “He has proved to be a very knowledgeable expert in his field and has given good, straightforward advice and guidance.”
And David Sykes ranking commentary said: “David Sykes has developed a broad practice representing employees across the full spectrum of employment law. He acts for individuals facing redundancy, handles whistle-blowing claims and advises senior executives on contract negotiations.”
Award arrives! Averta's second Birmingham Law Society Firm of the Year win
Averta Employment Lawyers has won the Birmingham Law Society Law Firm of the Year – Sole Practitioners and Firms up to Five Partners.
Alan Jones, director at Averta said:
“Delighted to win the Law Firm of the Year Award for the second time. It’s a great credit to our fantastic team of solicitors, consultants, paralegals and support staff.”
“David Sykes and I are particularly proud of this achievement as it shows that we are still offering clients excellent service recognised by our peers.”
“I’d like to congratulate all the other winners and finalists and well done to the Birmingham Law Society for managing the online event so brilliantly.”
The Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards was held online April 15 and featured 12 different categories including apprentices, pro bono work and small, local and national practices.
Averta shortlisted for Birmingham Law Society Law Firm of the Year
Averta has been nominated for the Birmingham Law Society Law Firm of the Year – Sole Practitioners and Firms up to Five Partners. The Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards will be online on April 15 and features 12 different categories including apprentices, pro bono work and small, local and national practices.
Alan Jones, director at Averta said: “This is a very prestigious award. Having won the same award in 2015, we know how much difference it can make to a firm’s standing in the local legal community. David Sykes, the team at Averta and I would be delighted to win again, but if we are not fortunate enough this year to be chosen, we are all delighted to have been shortlisted alongside some other very accomplished firms.”
With the awards celebrating its 20th year, the event will be hosted on the Birmingham Law Society website on Thursday 15 April 2021.
For more information on the awards go to – https://birminghamlawsociety.co.uk/birmingham-law-society-unveils-shortlist-as-legal-awards-go-virtual/
Chambers 2021 list Averta in Band One for Employment - Employees in the Midlands
Averta Employment Lawyers is listed in Band One in Chambers and Partners 2021 UK Rankings in Employment: Employee for the Midlands.
The firm gained some excellent comments from referees, such as:
“As a firm they stand out as providing an excellent service for senior individuals on the employee side.”
“They are one of the go-tos for senior executive work. They have high-quality lawyers and they are very good.”
“They do a stellar job – they are a pre-eminent firm.”
Notable Practitioners
Both of Averta’s founding partners are listed as notable practitioners.
On David Sykes, Chambers comments:
He has good experience in litigation and will fight with conviction for his client. He is calm and reflective.
Alan Jones is described as:
An excellent negotiator and he is willing to take a stand on issues while also being pragmatic. He is very commercial and pragmatic. He gets deals done quickly and negotiates hard for his clients.
Jones comments:
“It’s a credit to the whole team that our work is regarded so positively in the legal community in the Midlands.”
Chambers and Partners has been the leading source of legal market intelligence for over 30 years now. They have 85 experienced researchers ranking law firms and solicitors in the UK, providing localised knowledge and market insight.
Full entry in Chambers here – https://chambers.com/department/averta-employment-lawyers-employment-employee-uk-1:1887:11815:1:103906
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Covid 19-Update
The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most significant global public health crises in the last 100 years and is causing major disruptions at every level.
Averta is trying, along with many other businesses, to continue to provide a service to clients, whilst following public health advice.
Our primary concern at this time is the safety of our staff and clients. In common with many law firms we often work remotely so are able respond to current challenges by extending our current working practices.
We are however following advice from Government and NHS and our employees are working from home where possible but still available to discuss any issues you have.
Following advice, we would ask that clients not come into to our offices. We can however continue to take instructions from clients remotely, either by telephone or online.
We will where possible use the online platform of your choice – for example Skype, WhatsApp or Zoom.
We are all adjusting to working in a new way, so please get in touch by initially calling us on 0300 303 3570.
Averta in Times Top 200 for Third Year
Often described as the ‘Best niche firm for senior executives’, and now one of The Times Best Law Firms in 2019, 2020 and 2021
Once again, Averta Employment Lawyers has made it into The Times Best Law Firms. The list is compiled by international research firm, Statista.
Statista ask solicitors throughout England and Wales to recommend the 200 best law firms in 26 categories covering business, public and private-client fields. The final 200 firms in the list got the most votes from 3,271 respondents to make it into The Times Best Law Firms 2020. Solihull based Averta made the first list in 2019 and has again been voted into the 2020 list. Alan Jones, director at Averta Employment Lawyers said: “This is testament to the quality of the whole team at Averta and reflects the experience of the major commercial law firms who deal with us. As well as providing first class legal advice, this shows how much confidence our referrers have in us which means we have a consistent stream of quality clients.” This follows excellent ranking in Legal 500 and Chambers this year as in previous years.