Neil Johnston
"Simply Outstanding, Neil achieved the impossible." — Former partner
Neil Johnston is a highly experienced solicitor, known for his clear, pragmatic, strategic and solutions focused advice.
Neil has specialised in employment law for in excess of 20 years. He has particular expertise in advising both employers and employees, in particular, Founders, C-Suite Executives, Partners and High Net Worth individuals and senior level employees on grievances, investigations, disciplinary exits, discrimination, whistleblowing, restrictive covenant and contractual issues.
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Neil's extensive litigation experience ranges from unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistle-blowing Employment Tribunal claims to a number of reported cases which have tested the boundaries of Employment law in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
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Neil also helped draft the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Employment Statutory Code of Practice that helps interpret the Equality Act 2010.
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Neil works across a wide range of sectors, each with its own nuances. In any one day, Neil might be advising a business on the enforcement of confidentiality and non-solicitation provisions following a potential breach by a former employee; drafting the employment provisions of an outsourcing agreement; advising on redundancies and restructuring; advising tech entrepreneurs and innovators on setting up their business, gig economy and future working matters; or advising a Chief Executive on the terms of his/her departure from the business.
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No matter how business critical, complex or unique your question might be, Neil will use his wealth of domestic and international employment experience to provide you with the right solution for you and/or your organisation.
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Reported cases
Nursing & Midwifery Council v Harrold [2015] which established that the High Court has inherent jurisdiction to impose civil restraint orders on vexatious litigants in the Employment Tribunals.
Michalak v General Medical Council and others [2017] which established that a doctor can sue their regulatory body under the Equality Act 2010.
Varnish v British Cycling Federation (t/a British Cycling) [2018] which established that athletes are not employees or workers.
Outside of work Neil enjoys spending time with his friends and supporting his young daughter with all of her extracurricular activities.
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Neil qualified as a solicitor in 2002.
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FORMER PARTNER
"Simply outstanding. Neil achieved the impossible. I shall be externally grateful for Neil's tenacious, calm and wise advice in handling my matter."
IN HOUSE SOLICITOR,
MAJOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
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"Calm, commercial and clear."
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CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER,
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS
"Simply the best employment lawyer I have worked with."
FOUNDER / CEO,
TECH START UP
"Neil knows our business. He has great technical expertise, is approachable, commercially astute and pragmatic."
SENIOR EXECUTIVE,
MEDIA BUSINESS
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"Working with Neil was a pleasure. He cut straight to the heart of my case, discussed options and advised me on the best strategy to take. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Neil to others."
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FUNDS PARTNER
"Neil balanced my expectations perfectly, was ambitious in seeking the outcome I wanted and gave me simply outstanding service."