I’m proud the firm has remained true to its roots, bringing strong commercial skills married with employment law expertise for the benefit of the individual.

David is a very experienced senior employment lawyer. After a number of years working for DLA Piper, in 2004 he set up Averta, a niche practice specialising exclusively in employment law. David had been a partner with DLA Piper, advising corporations such as Tesco, HMV, Conoco and Abbey National (now Santander) on a wide range of employment matters, which included giving advice on issues relating to senior executives and directors.

Aside from being a highly regarded employment solicitor David has a wide set of skills and experience which give him a broad insight into the issues which affect his clients. He was formerly a police officer with the Metropolitan Police, a professional musician and ran a successful business for several years. Today, David continues to be a keen musician playing a variety of instruments and can be seen gigging regularly at venues in the West Midlands and beyond.

Highly Experienced

David is an expert in matters concerning directors, senior managers, and professionals. He is particularly sough after to act for solicitors, other professionals, and consultants in the private sector. He also regularly acts for senior employees in the public sector, including health, education, and local government.

Restructuring and complex agreements

David’s work often concerns corporate or management restructuring and mergers and acquisitions. He advises regularly on high-value or complex settlement agreements, shares and share options, bonus claims, team moves (including restrictive covenants), boardroom disputes, TUPE, whistleblowing, discrimination, contractual issues, grievances, discipline, redundancy, policy issues and drafting relevant documentation.

Industry recognition

David is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and Birmingham Law Society Employment Law Committee which regularly comments on matters of public interest in the field of employment law.

Leading legal directories Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, both recognise David’s expertise.

David Sykes understands employment law – from both the employers’ and employees’ perspective – brilliantly and puts this understanding to great use in giving practical and timely counsel. He’s also great at thinking through how to approach the other party to get the best result."

Legal 500 2022

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Key figures include the ‘totally brilliant’ and ‘hugely practical’ David Sykes."

Legal 500 2017


David Sykes inspires confidence.”

Legal 500 2012