A personal approach to employment law

Hay & Kilner

www.hay-kilner.co.uk

LinkedIn: Hay & Kilner

Sarah Hall is a partner in Hay & Kilner’s employment law team and head of the firm’s commercial division, based at its office in The Lumen, Newcastle.

Hay & Kilner is a modern, full-service law firm with a long-established reputation and proven track record.

Sarah has been advising clients on all aspects of employment law for more than 25 years, and is well known for her pragmatic approach, ensuring her advice and support meets clients’ values and objectives.

She celebrated her 20th anniversary with the firm in 2024, having joined Hay & Kilner as an associate solicitor.

Sarah says: “At Hay & Kilner, we take pride in our supportive culture and outstandingretention rates, which we believe is a sign that we’re doing something right.

“Personally, I can attest to this, as I’ve been with the firm for more than 20 years, beginning my career as an associate solicitor in the employment team and progressing quickly through the ranks.

“I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, and it’s fantastic to know many of our colleagues feel the same way as we continue to grow.

“We recognise how important development and progression is to our colleagues, and we recently introduced a new performance review process to better support this at every level.

“We are also continuing to take steps to embed our coaching culture, which empowers our colleagues to take their own decisions while nurturing a sense of ownership.”

Employment law and HR advice

A member of the Employment Lawyers Association, Sarah acts almost exclusively for employers across a variety of sectors.

She works closely with HR teams, providing strategic support and commercial advice on all HR matters.

She acts as a trusted adviser for many clients, who contact her on a weekly basis for proactive advice.

With extensive experience of advising clients on HR matters, such as disciplinaries and grievances, and more complex employment issues, such as TUPE, whistleblowing, discrimination, employee and industrial relations, restructuring and restrictive covenants, Sarah provides pragmatic advice and is by a client’s side when things don’t go to plan.

The evolving world of employment law

The world of employment law is continually evolving, and Sarah and her team are at the forefront of these changes.

From the recent Employment Rights Bill, which will reshape employment law, including significant changes to unfair dismissal rights and fire and re-hire, it is clear the requirements on employers, and the potential risk of claims, will continue to increase.

Sarah provides tailored in-house training for clients to support managers and minimise the risk of tribunal claims, as well as leading the team’s HR corporate support work in relation to commercial projects and transactions.

The Hay & Kilner approach

Sarah says: “We understand your people are your greatest strength.

“We take the time to understand your organisation and culture, tailoring our approach to help you achieve your commercial goals.

“Our employment law team builds close relationships with businesses across various sectors, providing legal and commercial HR advice with a results-driven focus.

“Clients value our practical, common-sense approach, quick response times and ongoing support.

“We offer flexible fee options, allowing you to budget effectively while accessing expert legal advice.”

People and Culture Forum

Hay & Kilner’s People and Culture Forum provides an opportunity for senior HR professionals to network and discuss key topics, such as the role of emotional intelligence in workplace culture and the impact of artificial intelligence.

The most recent forums have covered workplace wellbeing and what it actually means in practice for HR professionals, and the future of diversity, equality and inclusion and how it’s evolving in the workplace.

Sarah adds: “Creating a sense of belonging, where people feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work, makes for a healthier and happier workforce, and is essential for employee wellbeing.

“It’s something we pride ourselves on at Hay & Kilner.”