Sara Patel

Chartered Legal Executive

Sara is a qualified Chartered Legal Executive. She has over 11 years’ experience in dealing with all aspects of HR and for 8 of these years she has specialised in Employment Law. Sara has a wealth of experience in representing claimants and respondents before the Employment Tribunal, the Employment Appeal Tribunal, and in judicial mediation. How Sara helps • Advising in relation to claims before the Employment Tribunal including unfair dismissal, constructive unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and discrimination. • Drafting and reviewing of contracts of employment, policies and procedures and staff handbooks. • Advising on grievance and disciplinary matters. • Drafting and advising on settlement agreements, as well as undertaken negotiations. • Advising on redundancy rights • Advising on flexible working rights • Delivering various types of Employment Law training Expertise Sara’s previous employment in HR at the University of Sheffield, gives her an insight into both employer and employee perspectives, especially when dealing with matters relating to disciplinary and grievance procedures, redundancy, discrimination and sickness absence. Prior to qualifying as a lawyer, Sara obtained a masters in the field of forensic psychology. With her academic and professional experience, Sara prides herself on being able to apply this knowledge within a legal setting, and demonstrate empathy and understanding to clients who, due to the nature of employment law matters, face potentially life altering issues. Sara is also a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. Recognition Sara is extremely proud to have been a part of the Employment Law team who have won the Employment Team of the Year Award for three consecutive years (2022, 2023 and 2024) at the Sheffield & District Law Society Awards. She also advised alongside our wider commercial law team on a deal which won National / International Deal of the Year at the 2023 South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards. In 2023, we were once again independently ranked for the fourth consecutive year as one of the ‘Three Best Rated’ Employment Solicitors in Sheffield, recognising our position as a leading provider in the region.