All of our lawyers have extensive experience of working both in-house and in private practice and understand the commercial needs of your business.
Richard Port - Founder and Partner
Employment
Richard is widely known for his commercially astute, yet down to earth approach to employment law.
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Learn more about Richard
Richard is always quick to strike meaningful rapport with his clients, engendering confidence in his understanding of the situation and his ability to achieve a strategically acceptable outcome.
A solicitor with over 20 years’ experience, Richard has worked with some of the nation’s best known and high-profile legal firms, gaining a wealth of knowledge across the full spectrum of employment law issues. He has particular expertise in providing strategic employment law advice on complex reputational issues, often of significant importance, particularly for employers, but for senior executives too. This includes strategic contract reviews, advice on post-termination covenants and commercial approaches to tricky TUPE issues.
Richard has successfully defended high-profile discrimination and whistleblowing claims for employers in the Employment Tribunal, albeit almost all of his matters resolve without recourse to hearings.
Often described as having a high degree of emotional intelligence, Richard is recognised as an accomplished negotiator, securing favourable outcomes for some of the region’s most senior executives, often for board-level clients associated with household name companies. Work for these clients includes negotiation of appointments as well as severance packages, the handling of investigations, disciplinary proceedings and litigation involving sensitive issues, including allegations of sexual harassment, race and disability discrimination and whistleblowing.
Richard’s astute but down to earth approach has often been commented. He is quick to strike meaningful rapport with his clients, engendering confidence in his understanding of the relevant situation and in his ability to achieve a strategically acceptable outcome for the client concerned.
What others say
“A lateral thinker who gets good results.” Chambers UK 2021
“A great technical lawyer, but it is the commercial translation of this knowledge that sets him apart." Chambers 2021
"He was extremely sympathetic, listened acutely to detail, was thorough and professional, and showed a genuine interest in the case." Client comment in Chambers UK Guide 2021
"Richard does not sit on the fence with his advice but is clear, concise and on point. If there are risks, he makes sure that you are fully aware of them." Chambers UK 2020
“His calm and pragmatic approach makes him stand out as an advisor. I don’t see him as a lawyer, he’s a businessman who happens to be a great lawyer.” Senior manager, major global gaming business.
Outside of work
Richard enjoys cooking, travel, yoga and golf with family and friends.
Cathy Baxandall - Partner and Solicitor
Corporate Governance
Cathy is a highly experienced and versatile General Counsel and Company Secretary with extensive in-house legal experience.
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Learn more about Cathy
Cathy is a highly experienced and versatile General Counsel and Company Secretary who has extensive in-house experience in corporate environments, both as sole General Counsel, and Head of Legal managing a team. Past roles have seen her operate as trusted adviser to Boards (private and FTSE-listed) and as a member of senior management with strategic responsibilities.
She has experience in manufacturing and services businesses and has served on multiple charitable boards, mainly in the arts and education sectors. She is therefore uniquely placed to be able to provide fractional General Counsel and Company Secretarial support, as well as bringing a wide range of practical and commercial skills.
Nadine Marston - Solicitor
Employment and Business Immigration
Nadine is a highly experienced and perceptive employment and business immigration law solicitor.
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Learn more about Nadine
Nadine advises commercial clients on the business immigration requirements of employees and their family. A Cambridge graduate and former City Law Firm Partner, Nadine’s impressive credentials make her the perfect choice for organisations seeking expert advice in this complex and fast-paced area of law.
She qualified as a solicitor in 1999 and during her career she has been responsible for managing the client immigration requirements for multinationals and financial institutes. Clients include leading investment banks and companies in the oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, management consultancy, information technology and insurance sectors.
As a highly experienced solicitor, Nadine is focused on providing prompt, accurate and cost-effective advice to businesses and their employees. Working closely with company directors and management teams, she creates effective corporate immigration solutions that support the business requirements of her clients.
Brexit has created a new landscape for businesses who trade or rely on the movement of workers between the UK and EU countries. By keeping abreast of the changes to EU and UK immigration laws, Nadine is well positioned to provide up-to-date advice and representation based on the latest developments.
Outside of work
Outside work, Nadine enjoys spending time with her family, walking and cycling in the countryside and playing the piano.
Sarah Podesta - Consultant Solicitor
Commercial and Compliance
Sarah Podesta is an experienced solicitor who specialises in commercial and competition law, compliance and risk management.
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Learn more about Sarah
Sarah has worked as both an in-house and external adviser to businesses. Previously head of legal for Arla Foods UK, with earlier in-house roles at Vodafone, Bayer and Asda, her industry experience spans retail and hospitality, FMCG, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
Alongside her commercial law work, she has developed a robust skillset in implementing practical compliance and risk management programmes. She holds qualifications in Enterprise Risk Management and Supply Chain Risk Management. She is currently following the Fast Track Qualifying Programme at the UK/ IRL Chartered Governance Institute.
For an initial conversation call Boardside on 0330 0949338
Richard is a fantastic counsel on all employment law matters. He quickly assimilates all the facts around the situation and provides clear, specific and thorough advice and guidance. He is empathetic to the pressures these situations create and helps navigate through these to a sensible positive outcome.