Sintons strengthens employment team and launches “Assero”

Helen, who was previously at Muckle, joins Sintons as an Associate and specialises in advising employers on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law. In addition to advising on day-to-day employment issues, Helen has assisted employers in dealing with some of the challenges posed by the current recession including advising on redundancies and reorganisations, and varying terms and conditions on a permanent or temporary basis. Helen has advocacy experience in both the Employment Tribunals and County Court, as well as experience of High Court litigation in connection with the enforcement of restrictive covenants.

Helen has acted for a wide range of employers ranging from charities and the care sector to those involved in manufacturing and retail, and from owner managed businesses and SME’s to public limited companies.

Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, Helen has worked in the NHS, in academia, in applied research and for the government which has given her the broad range of experience that enables her to give pragmatic and commercial advice to clients. Helen is also currently a director and trustee of Norcare, a highly regarded local health care charity.

Mike O’Beirne, also previously with Muckle, joins as New Business Manager and will be responsible for the launch of Assero – a bespoke employment law protection scheme which, for a fixed annual or monthly fee, provides unlimited access to Sintons’ employment lawyers, an audit of current employment policies and procedures together with representation at tribunals in the event of an employment claim.

Mike said: “From my 8 years of experience in this field, I know that many businesses and organisations find avoiding the dangers and pitfalls of employment law increasingly difficult – it can seem like getting tangled up in red tape. Assero guides employers through the maze of legislation and avoid the traps for the unwary or those not so well advised. Businesses and organisations of almost any size and type are affected – but Assero can be tailored to suit their specific needs.”

Keith Land, head of Sintons’ Employment Department said: “I am delighted to welcome Helen and Mike to the employment team at Sintons and I know that their experience and expertise will assist us as we continue to expand following our recent significant growth. I am particularly excited by Assero which is a strong new product that will appeal to many clients as it gives employers both real support and predictable costs.”

Christopher Welch, joint head of the Company & Commercial Department at Sintons adds: “The expansion of our Employment Department is a further step in our growth plan. In 2009 we made senior appointments in banking with Matt Collen, and in construction with Jamie Corcoran. Our distinctive combination of pragmatic, commercial advice. hands-on partner-led involvement and a careful and stable approach to our own business continues to make us a first choice for many clients.”

For further information about Sintons please visit their website.