Catherine is a Senior Associate in the Employment team at Gardner Leader.
She advises on a wide range of employment law issues, providing clear and practical guidance tailored to each client’s circumstances. Catherine specialises in employment‑related litigation and dispute resolution, acting for clients throughout tribunal proceedings and civil court claims involving complex contractual and injunctive matters. She works with clients across a variety of sectors and has particular experience supporting organisations within the franchising industry, where she regularly advises on the unique employment challenges that arise within franchise networks.
Work highlights
- Advising clients on redundancy processes and business reorganisations, including collective consultation, risk assessment, and the implementation of fair and compliant procedures.
- Supporting franchised businesses with employment law compliance, including reviewing franchise‑wide policies, advising on worker status and TUPE issues, and managing disputes arising within franchise networks.
- Drafting and reviewing employment documentation, including service agreements, consultancy agreements, settlement agreements and workplace policies.
- Drafting, reviewing and enforcing restrictive covenants, with a focus on protecting confidential information, client relationships and key personnel.
- Advising on executive exits, including negotiating settlement packages, advising on post‑termination restrictions and managing associated reputational and commercial risks.
- Providing day‑to‑day HR and employment law support, including disciplinary, grievance and performance management processes.
- Managing employment tribunal proceedings, from ACAS conciliation to final hearings.
- Acting for clients in breach of contract disputes in the civil courts.
- Advising on and managing urgent injunction applications, including freezing orders, delivery-up orders and prohibitory injunctions to protect business‑critical assets, confidential information and workforce stability.