Hugh James appoints new head of employment
22 | 08 | 11
Cardiff law firm Hugh James has
hired Emma Burns as a partner and head of the firm’s employment and
HR services practice. Emma replaces Alison Love who retired from
the partnership in July.
Emma, who was previously a partner
at Geldards LLP, brings significant experience of advising a broad
range of clients across the private sector and has particular
expertise in the public sector. Her expertise spans the full range
of employment law service including drafting employment contracts,
negotiating complex settlements, advising on business sales and
restructurings. She is also an employment tribunal advocate with
experience of handling complex unfair dismissal, discrimination and
whistleblowing claims.
Hugh James’s work in the public
sector has gone from strength to strength in recent years and the
firm has just been appointed to several local authority framework
agreements to provide advice to various local authorities,
universities, police and fire authorities and national parks.
Hugh James’s employment and HR
services team has grown significantly in recent years and was
bolstered further by Louise Price’s promotion to partner in May
2010. The team comprises eight fee earners and counts some of the
region’s leading corporates, regulatory bodies and public sector
institutions amongst its client base.
Speaking about Emma's arrival, Hugh
James's managing partner Alun Jones said:
“I am delighted to welcome Emma to
Hugh James and I am sure she will be instrumental in the
development and further growth of the commercial side of our
business. Her recruitment is a clear indication of our intention to
expand and strengthen our offering to clients in both the public
and private sector where Emma has considerable experience."
New head of employment Emma
said:
“Hugh James is a dynamic, forward
thinking law firm and I am delighted to have the opportunity to
head the firm’s extremely successful employment and HR services
team at this important phase of the firm’s growth. I am looking
forward to the challenge of building on the department’s impressive
reputation and helping the team continue to do what they do best –
deliver excellent client service and innovative legal
solutions."
Emma is also a trustee of Breast
Cancer Care, the leading UK charity providing support and services
for people with breast cancer. Having had a personal experience of
breast cancer 10 years ago when aged just 30, Emma now uses her
professional expertise to help provide strategic direction to the
organisation and she is actively involved in supporting younger
women with breast cancer as well as fundraising activities in
Wales.