Employment partner joins Birmingham law firm

Chris advises commercial organisations, from SMEs to large corporates, on a wide range of employment law matters. He works across sectors including recruitment, financial services and further education, and is highly regarded across the West Midlands for pragmatic, commercially driven advice.

With over three decades of experience, Chris is also train-the-trainer accredited and has delivered HR and workplace training for a wide range of businesses, including FTSE 100 operations.

Harmajinder Hayre, Head of Employment at Ward Hadaway, said: “Employers are increasingly dealing with more complexity in the workplace, from day-to-day HR decisions to disputes, restructures and sensitive employee relations issues. The Employment Rights Act 2025, which is currently being phased in by the UK Government, brings further change, and organisations of all shapes and sizes must be compliant.

“Chris understands these pressures and has spent his career advising employers on decisions that often need to be made quickly, and where the legal position must be balanced with the needs of the business.

“His training background gives clients a different perspective. Many employers want their managers to deal with issues earlier and with more confidence, and Chris has the experience to help them do that.”

The appointment adds a new dimension to Ward Hadaway’s Birmingham team, which continues to build its commercial services across the region.

Chris said: “Ward Hadaway’s Birmingham office is growing, and the chance to be a part of the nationally recognised team as it further develops its employment services across the West Midlands was a strong reason for joining.

“Businesses want advice that fits the way they operate. A recruitment startup and a further education college might be dealing with people issues, but the commercial context is different.

“My role is about understanding that context and giving informed advice that helps employers make decisions, whether that is on a specific workplace matter, a wider HR question or training for managers.”

Recognised by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, his experience includes TUPE, staff reorganisations, injunctive relief and restrictive covenant matters, adding further senior capability to Ward Hadaway’s national employment team.

Managing Partner Steven Petrie said: “Bringing Chris on board is another significant step for our Birmingham office.

“The West Midlands has a broad employer base, from owner-managed businesses to larger corporate organisations, and employment law is central to how those businesses manage change, risk and their workforce.

“Chris brings strong relationships in the region, sector breadth and the acumen that comes from advising employers over many years. He will be an important part of the firm’s continued growth in Birmingham.”