Ralli People

Joined Ralli:  2003

Admitted as a solicitor: 2001

Academic Qualifications: BA (Hons), MPhil (Oxon)

What do I do at work?

My key role is to oversee the provision of quality legal services to all clients of the Employment Law Department. Our clients range from the chairman and directors of our corporate companies, through to the individual employee. A quality service is achieved by maintaining a close liaison with colleagues within the department, and focusing on the detail and strategy to achieve a pragmatic and satisfying solution for our clients. 

What have I done?

In a previous life, I was a linguist, specialising in French and Russian language and linguistics. I gained a first class honours degree before pursuing postgraduate study and research at Hertford College, Oxford. I have lived and worked in France, both as a translator for the oil company Elf Aquitaine and as a university tutor, and also in Minsk (Belarus) at the time of the fall of the USSR.  

Since the dim and distant days of qualification as a solicitor, I have advised numerous business owners and managers with regard to employment related matters including  TUPE related mergers/acquisitions and disposals, employment disputes ranging from removal of directors through to effective management of rank and file staff. Recent developments in discrimination laws have meant that I am increasingly asked to advise on partnership disputes. Where rules on conflict of interest allow, I advise directors and senior executives with regard to their individual employment rights, including unfair dismissal and breach of contract, discrimination and harassment, equal pay and unlawful deductions from wages as well as negotiation of compromise agreements and severance packages.

What do I like?

I retain my interest in foreign languages and cultures but more locally, I enjoy walking in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Cotswolds as well as visits to the theatre, art galleries and reading.

Memberships

Employment Lawyers' Association