GORDON Brown Law Firm has appointed employment solicitor Alistair Smith to assist with the firm’s growing client base and to support employers with sound employment legal advice.
39-year-old Alistair, who is from Esh Village in County Durham, joins in a role which will see him liaise closely with employers to alleviate the pressures of people management and workplace issues,with particular emphasis on employee engagement and retention.
As well as providing advice and assistance to a number of local businesses, Alistair is appointed on a national basis as the legal advisor for the Disputes and Disciplinary Committee of the National Federation of Self Employed and Small Businesses Limited. He is also the preferred supplier of employment law advice for the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Alistair will work closely with the firm’s head of dispute resolution Jonathon Stokes, focusing on all areas of non-contentious employment law and HR solutions as well as developing Gordon Brown’s sister company Hadrian HR – a human resource consultancy offering bespoke and affordable advice to SMEs.
Alistair began his legal career at Jacksons Law Firm in 2001, becoming a partner at the age of 35, before moving to BHP Solicitors to head up its employment team.
Alistair said: “My experience to date has equipped me with a variety of skills and knowledge in the employment law arena. In my new role I’ll be focusing on taking the hassle out of employment, helping cultivate motivated workforces and achieve success – from day-to-day staffing issues, to company handbooks and contract issues.
“I’m excited to be working for a company which is setting the trend for other law firms in the region. Gordon Brown is an ambitious but highly personal firm and somewhere I know I’ll fit in.”
Jonathon Stokes, head of dispute resolution, said: “We pride ourselves on working honestly, flexibly and differently with each and every one of our clients. From the outset we hope we can solve problems quickly, efficiently and with as little disruption to that business as possible. We become part of their team which means we put great emphasis on relationships.
“Alistair brings unrivalled experience with him to the dispute resolution team here at Gordon Brown. Not only is he hugely personable, he has a sound understanding of the employment market nationally, with particular emphasis on the North East business landscape – its needs and the direction it is headed. It is a great boost to have him onboard.”