David Sykes

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.

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.

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.

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.