Meet the team

Summary

I have a variety of clients from a number of interesting sectors including education, recruitment & manufacturing. In respect of education, I enjoy my role as Vice Chairman of Barnfield West Academy. The achievements of Barnfield are phenomenal, and Barnfield West has won several awards for the ‘outstanding’ progress they have made, which has been well publicised nationally. Everyone in business knows that successful businesses strive to "do it once and do it right." This is the best approach to not only the services and products provided but also to the management of staff and the policies and procedures that are needed to support them. With all of my clients I ensure that they avoid employment disputes by doing it once and doing it right.

Expertise

I have a particular interest in the education sector and I am often called upon by regional colleges and schools to give them sound HR advice. I also have an array of recruitment agency clients so I am regularly called to advise on atypical workers (such as agency workers). Of course due to my sound commercial background I am frequently called upon to advise on TUPE issues arising from the sale or acquisition of a business.

Case studies

It is extremely rewarding when I am considered a safe pair of hands by my fellow professionals. I recently successfully defended a Legal 500 law firm when they were sued by two employees in the Employment Tribunal. Both cases were successfully won.

Personal

I enjoy socialising. This ranges from business networking, to kicking back my heels with friends and associates alike. I also enjoy reading and have yet to read a book which has matched my favourite of Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. If you have a recommendation then please email them to me!

Summary

In the six years I have been a solicitor I have worked with brand name companies and small owner run enterprises. No matter what the size of the employer one thing holds true; prevention is better than cure. Getting legal advice about good employment practice makes sound commercial sense; especially of you do not have a dedicated HR department or manager in your business. Employment law can be complicated and hard to keep up with. I can help you identify possible problems and take steps to prevent them - protecting your business from risk and saving you money.

Expertise

I have extensive experience in running unfair/constructive unfair dismissal cases up to tribunal, advising on redundancy procedures, dealing with discrimination claims, employee contracts/directors service agreements and staff handbooks, the drafting of effective restrictive covenants, advising on disciplinary matters and compromise agreements.

Case studies

I successfully defended an unfair dismissal case where the claimant sought a large compensation payment for unfair dismissal. Through the drafting of precise witness statements and the meticulous preparation of documents we ensured that the Respondent provided a robust defence and the Claimant’s case was dismissed.

I drafted new contracts and a staff hand book for a company who wanted to stop excessive use of the internet on Company time. When an employee continued to ignore the internet policy contained in the handbook the Company was able to start disciplinary proceedings and refer to the policy which assisted with demonstrating fair procedure. This is vital should the Company ever face a claim at a Tribunal. Without the policy the employee would have been

Testimonials

"I am very pleased with the way my case was handled by Aye Limbin, she is professional, informative and has excellent negotiation skills, she dealt with my case efficiently and all round my experience was excellent."

"We confirm that we would have no problems recommending Aye Limbin Glassey in respect of work and quality of work carried out.' 'We found Aye to be an effective communicator and excellent at keeping within agreed time restraints"

"I instructed Aye last October in relation to an employment tribunal claim that was brought against my firm by a former employee. I was very impressed with the way Aye handled my case, as a result of which the whole claim was struck out at a PHR.
I came to see Aye having been to 2 other Solicitors, I was immediately impressed by Aye's knowledge, professional and friendly approach, I felt immediately at ease, in dealing with a very difficult opponent, Aye was determined to see that justice was done for me whilst being v cost effective.
Aye's attention to detail, tenacity of approach,(dealing with a notoriously difficult opponent) skilful/ meticulous preparation and presentation of evidence, proved a winning combination in ensuring that the claimants case was dismissed at the earliest opportunity and also putting an end to a v stressful and difficult time for me.
I'd like to thank both your firm and especially Aye for all her hard work."

Summary

With an MA in Management and Chartered MCIPD I was one of the first CIPD members in the UK to become a Partner in a law firm – a great personal achievement and a reflection of the value Pictons put on HR.

As well as heading up Pictons HR function, I work alongside our Employment solicitors to provide a comprehensive HR consultancy service to our clients.

I am the founder of Pictons HR Club which aims to provide an exciting programme of events to the HR and business community across Herts, Beds and Bucks. Seminars are tailored to client needs so if you are an HR professional or business owner in the area and would like information on a particular topic I would love to hear from you.

Expertise

I have extensive knowledge and experience of management and HR, gained over a period of more than 15 years, principally with the British Standards Institution and Pictons.

I offer a comprehensive range of services from recruitment and retention, performance management, flexible working to disciplinaries, investigations, grievances, absence management and redundancy, reorganisations, resignations and dismissals.

Testimonial

A major provider of care homes in the UK stated:

`You were so supportive in all aspects of the redundancy process, and I know that the staff appreciated the time and effort you took with each and every one of them during their consultations. You acted with great integrity and professionalism at all times, regardless of the challenges that you were faced with and I will certainly be in touch if I need interim HR support again.’

Personal

Salsa and ceroc dancing and going to the gym. 

Summary

When Employment or Commercial relationships break down, it can often be difficult for clients to see the wood from the trees.

With a background in engineering and process management, I thrive on solving complex problems; reducing them to a set of clear objectives. I then work closely with clients to identify a structured and pragmatic “action plan” through which (where possible) these objectives can be pursued.

Employment

I advise employees on a wide range of employment matters including contracts of employment, disciplinary and grievance matters and issues surrounding the termination of employment/unfair dismissal etc.

Commercial Litigation

I also undertake a diverse range of cases in relation to commercial and contractual disputes, including matters concerned with property and consumer agreements.

Case Studies

I am currently assisting clients to recover losses incurred following a serious consumer scam. 

Summary

After graduating from the University of Sheffield with an Honours degree in Law, I went on to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice with Commendation in 2009. I aspired to pursue my career with a progressive law firm that delivers a high level of service whilst also being an important part of the community. Pictons very much reflects these values, and so I started as a Trainee Solicitor in May 2010, and I am due to qualify as a Solicitor in 2012.

Expertise

Training in the Corporate and Commercial department has immediately taught me the importance of developing good commercial awareness as well as a detailed knowledge of the law in order to guide clients in reaching their goals. I have experience assisting on a broad range of matters including: company sales and purchases, shareholders agreements, consultancy and agency agreements, advising on directors’ liabilities, and drafting and advising on terms and conditions of business. Additionally, I assist on employment matters for businesses including defending employment tribunal claims.
I also spent a year in our Property department in Milton Keynes, where I assisted in transactions involving complex leasehold titles, ransom strips of land and un-adopted sewers and drainage.

Case Studies

I have been involved in some complicated leasehold and shared ownership cases, and have developed a keen interest in these sorts of transactions. Further transactions I have assisted in involved issues such as ransom strips of land, un-adopted sewers and drainage, and environmental issues such as radon and subsidence.

Personal

As well as being a keen footballer and playing for my local team, I enjoy playing golf at weekends. I also like to travel and experience different cultures, and take every opportunity to actively contribute to various charities – I recently spent eight weeks teaching English at a school for underprivileged children in Bangalore, India.