Michelle is a Partner and head of the Employment Team based in our Newbury office.
With over 20 years of specialist experience, Michelle is recognised as a trusted adviser to HR leaders, executives, and boards across diverse industries in the UK and internationally.
Her career spans leading roles at both national and international law firms, including latterly, time at a US-headquartered global practice, before returning to Gardner Leader in December 2025 to take up her current position as Partner.
Michelle is known for delivering tailored, solution-driven advice that balances legal precision with commercial pragmatism. She has a particular strength in guiding clients through complex, people-related aspects of corporate transactions and senior-level appointments, ensuring businesses navigate change with confidence and clarity.
Employment
Michelle’s blend of technical expertise, commercial insight, and international perspective makes her a valued partner for businesses seeking to manage their workforce challenges and opportunities with confidence.
- Transactional support: Advising on employment aspects of mergers, acquisitions, management buyouts, joint ventures, and private equity investments.
- Contracts & agreements: Drafting, reviewing and negotiating service agreements, consultancy agreements, and settlement agreements.
- Executive hires & exits: Supporting organisations and individuals through senior-level recruitment and departures.
- Restructuring & redundancies: Advising on process design, selection criteria, consultation documentation, and strategic timing.
- Data protection: Drafting privacy notices, managing subject access requests, and advising on compliance.
- Outsourcing: Drafting and reviewing TUPE provisions in relation to outsourcing and insourcing agreements.
- Restrictive covenants: Assessing enforceability and providing strategic guidance on interpretation.