Top 100 UK law firm, Hugh James, is boosting the significant public sector experience it already has with the appointment of a new Senior Associate, and public service specialist, to its employment team.

Christine Bradbury (picture attached) has spent the last 20 years’ advising on often complex employment issues, including Tribunal claims, discrimination, unfair dismissal, workplace conduct and performance issues, restructuring exercises and contractual matters. Her work spans across a range of sectors, including technology, construction, transport, retail, logistics – with a particular focus in supporting public service clients.

Christine joins Hugh James from law firm Geldards, where, for over 9 years, she was a key member of the team undertaking Public Sector work. Before choosing to return to Wales, Christine had previously worked for almost 12 years at international legal practice, Osborne Clarke – where she trained in 1999, before moving up the ranks to Senior Associate in 2007.

Her appointment to Hugh James will further strengthen the support it provides to the public sector, under the latest National Procurement Service Wales framework for legal services. Hugh James has been appointed to the largest number of lots for a single firm, including for employment law.

Speaking of her appointment, Christine Bradbury said today:

“I’ve joined a fantastic team of professionals who are trusted and relied upon by so many organisations and individuals to help them work through different challenges – particularly at this uncertain time. It’s a perfect role for me. I’m able to continue supporting local authorities, government bodies and the wider public sector, which I love, while returning to a broader spectrum of work across the private and commercial sector too.”

The Hugh James employment team has been advising public sector clients in England and Wales for decades. Like her colleagues, Christine frequently advises employers on the implications of the TUPE Regulations on business transfers and the contracting out of services; reorganisations; the handling of workplace disputes and exits; and whistleblowing issues. Christine also has significant experience of advising on the employment aspects of PFI/PPP/public sector initiatives and transactions more generally.

Commenting on her arrival, Hugh James Partner, and Head of the Employment and HR Services team, Louise Price, said today:

“Christine is a perfect fit for us and really complements the skills and experience within the team. We’re looking forward to embracing the opportunities that come with our appointment to the NPS framework and Christine’s considerable experience in the sector will undoubtedly be of benefit to leaders and HR professionals across the Welsh public service.”

Hugh James will be hosting a series of events and activities between 1-12 March, to give public service staff in Wales a chance to meet the various legal teams, access their expertise and receive updates on the key issues most relevant to the sector. Public bodies will be contacted directly with further details on how to get involved and information will also be posted on the Hugh James website. In the meantime, if anyone would like to express an interest in attending, they can contact [email protected] for more information.