Emily Yeardley, Solicitor
Director & Head of Employment Law
“Emily guided and supported me through a workplace and disability dispute. She is an extremely efficient and knowledgeable lawyer, ensuring I was always fully up to date with my case, taking the time to explain the complexity of the employment law at every stage. I cannot recall having to chase Emily for anything throughout this process; Emily was always fully in control, which was a great comfort to me knowing I had someone on my side and often referred to her as my guardian angel. Emily showed me nothing but kindness through some of the most challenging days. This lady really cares about her clients. Thank you for being by my side and keeping me strong.”
Private Client
Exceptional service and support from Emily. We felt supported all the way through difficult employment issues.
Director, Limited Company
Emily looks after our employee and business clients in the employment law field. She recognises that people can be one of the biggest assets of a business which is why not all employment law advice is required because a dispute has arisen. The implementation of well-drafted policies and provision of good people management can help to avoid issues or set an expectation as to how they will be dealt with. However, when a dispute does arise, it can be time consuming, stressful and costly for everyone involved.
Emily advises employees and businesses on a broad range of employment-related matters from raising issues regarding performance or conduct to pursuing or defending employment tribunal claims. Emily regularly represents clients in the employment tribunal preparing their case to achieve the best possible outcome.
Work is an important part of peoples’ lives so when things go wrong, it can have a real impact. She understands that instructing a solicitor can be daunting and is regularly praised for her confidence, knowledge and compassion.
Having qualified as a solicitor in 2012, she has exclusively practised employment law. She worked at a niche firm specialising in employment law before moving to other Firms in Hampshire and Surrey where, in addition to her day to day role advising on employment related matters, she managed the Firm’s HR matters and spearheaded its social media campaigns and marketing activities. Her commercial approach has resulted in her always playing an active part in the local business community recognising the importance of developing collegiate relationships.
Emily obtained a First-Class Honours degree in Law and Criminology at Portsmouth University and was awarded the Oxford University Press Prize for her dissertation. After her degree she studied at the College of Law in Guildford gaining a distinction on the Legal Practice Course.
Emily has also developed a reputation in the field of occupational medicine advising HR professionals, occupational health nurses and practitioners and medical professionals on the law relating to ill health and disability in the workplace. She writes reports on interesting cases for a leading Occupational Health Journal whilst also lecturing in the field of disability in the workplace and answering questions posed by occupational health practitioners on an online portal.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys walks in the countryside with her son and dog, Lottie and pottering in her cottage garden.
Email: e.yeardley@couchmanhanson.co.uk
LinkedIn: Emily Yeardley