Averta Employment Lawyers Recognised Again in Chambers UK 2026
Averta Employment Lawyers has once again been recognised as a leading firm in the Chambers UK 2026 directory, maintaining its long-standing reputation as a top employment law practice for its work advising senior executives, directors and professionals, as well as providing strategic advice to SMEs and owner-managed businesses.
The directory describes Averta as “a really strong boutique practice with some of the most experienced and respected practitioners.”
Chambers highlights the firm’s particular expertise in settlement agreements, restrictive covenant disputes, harassment and discrimination claims, and its skill in negotiating exit strategies for senior executives. The team is also noted for its experience with pensions issues, whistle-blowing claims, and redundancies.
Client feedback in the 2026 guide includes:
“They distinguish themselves by having a core offering, enabling them to be masterful at what they do. I would always recommend Averta because they have integrity and they care about every case.”
“The team at Averta made me feel comfortable and at ease at one of the most stressful times in my career and this distinguished them above all others in this industry.”
“Averta gave sensible and level-headed advice that helped me make the right decision in negotiations. They were always available.”
Founding partners Alan Jones and David Sykes were both individually ranked once again. Chambers notes:
“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.”
“David Sykes has 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.”
Consultant Martin Chitty was also recognised as a Senior Statesperson:
“Commended for his work providing HR and in-house legal teams with employment support on corporate transactions. He also offers advice on day-to-day employment issues, as well as litigation.”
Commenting on the recognition, Alan Jones, co-founder of Averta Employment Lawyers, said:
“We are delighted to once again be recognised by Chambers for the quality of our work and the trust our clients place in us. This ranking reflects the team’s continued focus on supporting individuals through some of the most challenging moments in their professional lives.”
David Sykes, co-founder, added:
“Chambers remains one of the most respected guides in our profession, and it is always rewarding to see client feedback reflected in the rankings. We’re proud that Averta continues to stand out as a firm that combines experience with a personal, pragmatic approach.”
Partner Andrew Lester commented:
“Averta’s strength lies in the depth of its experience and the genuine care we show to our clients. The recognition from Chambers reinforces the importance of the work we do in helping individuals navigate complex employment issues with confidence and clarity.”
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About Averta Employment Lawyers
Averta Employment Lawyers LLP is an employment law firm based in Solihull, specialising in advising senior executives, directors, and professionals. Established in 2005, the firm has built a national reputation for providing practical, strategic advice on employment law issues including settlement agreements, contractual matters, and discrimination claims.
For further information, please visit www.averta.com
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Averta Employment Lawyers ranked in Legal 500 2026
Boutique employment firm once again recognised in Tier 2 in the West Midlands for employment law expertise
Solihull, 2 October 2025 – Averta Employment Lawyers LLP has again been recognised as a leading employment law practice in the 2026 edition of the Legal 500 rankings, securing a Tier 2 position for its work advising senior executives, directors and professionals, as well as providing strategic advice to SMEs and owner-managed businesses.
The Legal 500 guide highlights Averta’s expertise in handling complex employment issues, including exit negotiations, settlement agreements and discrimination claims. The firm is also noted for its advice on contracts and service agreements for senior appointments.
Legal 500 focuses on the firm’s “highly experienced” partners Alan Jones and David Sykes, recognising their extensive experience in advising clients on sensitive matters such as sexual harassment, whistleblowing and discrimination claims. Sykes is also commended for his work in managing large-scale redundancy consultations, including virtual meetings. Associate solicitor Izzy Canbury is highlighted as a key member of the team, providing vital support to clients.
Alan Jones, partner at Averta, said:
“We are delighted that Legal 500 commends us for our work for senior executives, which can often be highly complex and very personal. Our priority has always been to give clear, practical advice at times when it is most needed.”
David Sykes, partner at Averta, added:
“The strength of our team lies in the breadth of experience we bring to every situation. Whether advising on discrimination claims, contractual terms or large redundancy processes, we are committed to helping clients navigate what are often career-defining moments.”
Andrew Lester, now a partner, has been further developing the firm's expertise in redundancy exercises, while Yassar Sadiq has joined as an associate solicitor to provide additional support. Earlier this year, Martin Chitty also joined the firm, adding to the number of highly experienced consultant solicitors advising both individuals and employers.
Read the full Legal 500 ranking here.
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About Averta Employment Lawyers
Averta Employment Lawyers LLP is a niche employment law firm based in Solihull, specialising in advising senior executives, directors and professionals. Established in 2004, the firm has built a national reputation for providing practical, strategic advice on employment law issues including settlement agreements, contractual matters and discrimination claims.
Izzy Canbury promoted to Senior Associate Solicitor at Averta Employment Lawyers
Solihull, July 2025 – Averta Employment Lawyers has promoted Izzy Canbury to Senior Associate Solicitor.
Canbury joined the firm in 2016 and qualified in 2020, becoming an associate in 2022.
David Sykes, director and co‑founder of Averta Employment Lawyers, commented:
“Izzy has consistently demonstrated dedication, technical proficiency and a genuine commitment to supporting our clients. Her promotion reflects her impressive professional growth and the high regard in which she is held within our team. She’s a huge asset to Averta and our clients.”
Canbury added:
“Averta has helped me develop the expertise and I have been able to use my interpersonal skills to guide individuals through complex workplace transitions, which can be complicated and stressful. As a Senior Associate, I look forward to further supporting our clients and now using my experience to help growing our team.”
Averta Employment Lawyers expands team with new associate solicitor
Yassar Sadiq, has joined Averta Employment Lawyers, a boutique firm specialising in employment law for senior executives and professionals as an associate solicitor.
Yassar previously advised both individuals and employers on a wide range of workplace issues as a solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, including complex employment disputes.
Alan Jones, director and co-founder of Averta Employment Lawyers, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Yassar to the Averta team. He brings the experience and employment law knowledge we need to provide the level of advice and expertise our clients expect.”
Yassar added:
”Joining Averta is an exciting opportunity to work alongside some of the leading practitioners in employment law. I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success and supporting our clients through their employment law challenges.”
In addition to his legal work, Yassar is actively involved in humanitarian efforts, including supporting aid initiatives for refugees in Lebanon.
Averta Employment Lawyers advises senior executives and professionals on all aspects of employment law across the UK, from its office in Solihull.
Leading Employment Lawyer Martin Chitty Joins Averta Employment Lawyers as Senior Consultant Solicitor
Averta Employment Lawyers is delighted to announce that the vastly experienced Martin Chitty has joined the firm as a Senior Consultant Solicitor.
Martin brings an exceptional depth of expertise gained over nearly four decades of practice in employment law. Having begun his career at Pinsent & Co in Birmingham, Martin qualified in 1986 he went on to hold senior positions at Wragge & Co (later Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co and Gowling WLG), where he served as a partner for over 25 years.
Recognised as a one of the most experienced and respected employment lawyers in the UK, Martin is listed in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame and as a Senior Statesperson in employment law by Chambers UK.
Commenting on his new role, Martin said:
“I’m thrilled to start on this new phase of my career and join Averta Employment Lawyers. Averta’s focus on providing top-tier advice to senior executives and professionals aligns perfectly with my interests and expertise. I look forward to working with the team to help clients navigate their most challenging employment issues.”
Averta’s Co-Founder and Director, Alan Jones, welcomed Martin to the firm, stating:
“I know from being on the other side of cases, Martin’s unparalleled experience and deep understanding of employment law make him a perfect fit for Averta and our clients. We’re excited to have him on board to strengthen our offering to senior executives and businesses alike.”
Martin’s career has been rooted in Birmingham, where he has built a reputation for his expertise in complex employment matters. His work spans business protection, restrictive covenants, Employment Tribunal claims, collective rights, TUPE transfers, and service agreements, particularly in the context of private equity transactions. He has also advised professional services firms, law firms, and senior executives on sensitive and high-profile matters, including investigations and strategic employment issues.
Averta Employment Lawyers is renowned for its work with senior executives, professionals, and business leaders, offering pragmatic, results-focused advice in employment law matters. With Martin’s arrival, Averta continues to solidify its position as a go-to firm for clients facing complex and high-stakes employment challenges.
Averta team gains positive recognition in Legal 500 2025
Team described as ‘responsive, commercial and pragmatic’ and the “go-to employment advisers for senior directors.”
Once again, Averta Employment Lawyers has been highly ranked by the leading law firm directory, Legal 500.
The commentary in Legal 500 highlights the team is ‘responsive, commercial and pragmatic’ with “an exceptionally strong eye for detail’.
As in previous years Averta is in Tier Two in the West Midlands Employment category, which is an excellent performance for a small niche firm. Averta is particularly pleased that all Averta’s partners, associates, and consultants each attracted positive commentary.
David Sykes continues: “Whilst Alan and I started the firm, we have had a great team working with us who have helped to grow and develop the business over the years. It’s a matter of considerable pride to see our solicitors recognised for their work. It is this team that is ensuring Averta’s ongoing success and we were delighted to have Andrew Lester join Alan and me as partner in our 20th year.”
Alan Jones says: “Twenty years ago, David and I thought there was a space in the market for a firm that focused on the needs of senior executives. Thankfully, I think we were right and our ongoing recognition by ‘legal bible’ Legal 500 acknowledges we are still fulfilling a demand there. Most of all we are grateful to our clients and professional contacts who have described the firm in positive terms.”
All of the Averta team gained favourable comments in Legal 500 2025, with positive mentions of Alan Jones, David Sykes, Andrew Lester, Izzy Canbury, David Beswick, Alan Dark, Helen Hughes and Charlotte Cooper.
For further information go to https://www.legal500.com/rankings/ranking/c-west-midlands/employment/employment/1953-averta-employment-lawyers-llp
Averta Employment Lawyers promotes Andrew Lester to partner
1st October 2024 - Averta Employment Lawyers, a boutique employment law firm and one of The Times Best Law Firms, is pleased to announce the promotion of Andrew Lester to partner.
Lester joined Averta in 2018 and has been a key contributor to the firm's success. His promotion reflects his expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality legal services to clients.
Commenting on his promotion, he said, “I am delighted to be taking on this new role as partner and look forward playing my part in the firm’s future successes. I want to ensure we remain ‘the place to go’ for senior executive and professionals who can struggle to find high quality legal advice elsewhere.”
David Sykes, one of the founder partners and director at Averta, commented, "Andrew’s promotion is a testament to his dedication and the results he delivers for our clients. He embodies our strategy of combining strong commercial skills with employment law expertise which we use to benefit our clients."
The other founder partner, Alan Jones, added, "Andrew’s promotion to partner is well-deserved. His is a key part of our team and I am really looking forward to working with this to drive the firm’s development in the future."
Before joining Averta, Lester was a partner at Bowling & Co Solicitors in London, where he led the employment law team. Andrew has extensive experience advising SMEs, partnerships, and individuals, and representing clients at Employment Tribunals and in the High Court and County Court.
Andrew’s promotion reinforces Averta’s position as a top-tier employment law firm, recognised for its experience and strong technical knowledge. Many leading legal firms refer their clients to Averta for its specialised expertise in representing individuals.