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Fee Earner Focus: Q&A – Robert Maddocks (Employment)
Robert Maddocks, qualified as Solicitor in 2008 and joined Bermans in July 2019 as a Senior Associate in the Employment team.
1. Can you give us a brief summary of your career so far?
I started in employment law as a Paralegal.
Initially I acted for employees/ claimants mainly with Employment Tribunal claims.
As a paralegal, I represented a claimant at a 2 day Tribunal hearing for constructive dismissal and race discrimination. We were successful with the race discrimination claim. This first experience in the Tribunal was daunting however it, and many other cases where I have represented clients at a hearing have given me a valuable insight into the Tribunal processes and how employment law is administered.
My next role was at Ellis Whittam (now Worknest) advising employer clients. We assisted a range of clients from SME’s to multinational companies employing thousands of people.
My next role was a solicitor at HRC Law (subsequently bought by Brabners). We were a specialist employment law firm, mainly assisting SME’s and specialising in certain sectors e.g. recruitment. We were successful in a short time and became recognised as a leading practice in assisting SME’s and the recruitment sector.
I started with Bermans as an associate solicitor in July 2019. We have worked towards establishing an employment law department in Manchester which has grown considerably since I started. We recently appointed Tahsin Khan assistant solicitor to the team in November 2021. We always aim to go above and beyond in looking after our client interests, and this is recognised by the continuing growth of the department.
2. What area of the law do you specialise in and why?
Employment law. Every day is different in terms of matters we are asked to assist with, helping clients to resolve issues and ultimately putting them in a better position than when they first instructed us. There is strong human element with employment law which involves being insightful, responsive and decisive.
With employment law there is also a strong requirement to keep on top of various guidance and laws which can change more quickly than other areas of the law. It is a diverse area ranging from drafting to advocacy.
3. Is there a case or a particular piece of work you were proud to be involved with, if so why?
It is difficult to pick out one case in particular as there have quite literally been hundreds where success has been achieved, but I was particularly proud of my achievement in my first Tribunal case, where as stated, we were successful with a claim for race discrimination.
4. Away from the law what are your interests and passions?
Spending time with my wife and daughter and now dog. I like to get outdoors and go for a run whenever I can. I also do clay pigeon shooting when I can.
Bullet Round
Sports & Teams Supported (if any): Football, Stoke City. A good local club although performances could do with improving. I also follow and enjoy watching F1, motorsports.
Films (Top 2): 12 angry men, gladiator
Music (3 tracks/albums to take on Desert Island): I listen to a lot of Soundcloud and Anjunadeep. Modern classical, country and music from the 80’s and 90’s
Boxsets: Netflix series. The Last Dance and 14 Peaks.
Podcasts you listen to: Daniel Barnett, employment law barrister
Favourite books: 1984, JFK an unfinished life, A Long Way Gone
Meal: Anything Thai.
Holiday destination: Bali.
If you could do anything other than being a Lawyer, what would you be and why? Professional landscaper
3 people for a dinner party and why?
Winston Churchill
Lady Hale
Ayrton Senna
To get in touch with Robert
e: Robert.maddocks@bermans.co.uk
t: 0161 827 4617