Gary Smith is a Partner in Nockolds’ Employment Team, advising employers, senior executives and HR professionals on complex workplace issues. He is known for providing commercially focused advice that helps clients manage risk, resolve disputes and achieve practical business outcomes.
Gary has particular expertise in discrimination claims, whistleblowing, executive exits, restrictive covenants, TUPE and Employment Tribunal litigation. Gary is recommended in the Legal 500 for his work on handling all forms of employment litigation in the public and private sectors with a particular focus on discrimination and whistleblowing claims. He is described as ‘accessible, professional, listens, and has excellent knowledge and a great sense of humour‘. A business owner is quoted as saying that Gary ‘always puts himself in the shoes of the client and is able to quickly address the business issues at hand, rather than just say what the law says. This type of advice is invaluable’. Gary has also been ranked as a ‘Leading Individual’ in Employment Law in Chambers UK – “He was praised for his prompt, clear and considered advice, and his ability to provide commercial solutions”.
Gary is a sought after public speaker, regularly providing seminars and training on key employment law topics for clients large and small. Gary is a regularly asked to provide training to management and senior leadership teams on employment law topics and the current changing landscape brought about by the Employment Rights Act 2025. Feedback from these sessions includes – “Gary was very polished and engaging”
Gary is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and the Hertfordshire Law Society Council and is also a governor at Furneux Pelham school.
If you need advice on an employment dispute, workplace investigation, executive exit, TUPE transfer or Employment Tribunal claim, please contact Gary for an initial discussion.
Gary can assist you with:
- Employment Tribunal litigation
- Discrimination and whistleblowing claims
- Restrictive covenants and team moves
- Senior executive exits
- TUPE and business transfers
- Employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions
- Redundancy and restructuring projects
- HR and workplace investigations
- Business training
Recent experience includes:
Whistleblowing and Discrimination Claim
Successfully defended a £280,000 Employment Tribunal claim involving allegations of sexual harassment and whistleblowing.
Restrictive Covenants
Regularly advises employers and senior executives on the drafting and enforcement of restrictive covenants and protection of confidential information.
TUPE Project
Advised on the transfer of employees as part of a major business reorganisation involving employee liabilities exceeding £16 million, ensuring a seamless transition and minimising operational risk.
Redundancy/Business Restructure
Assisting our client with a merger of two of it’s businesses including the streamlining of it’s personnel via over 20 redundancies and the TUPE transfer of remaining staff across multiple locations.
Sector Expertise
Gary has a broad client base including SME’s, large PLCs and senior directors and executives. He regularly advises clients working in;
- Professional Services
- Care and Healthcare
- Technology
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Charities and Not-for-Profit
- Financial Services