Jo Walker
Principal Associate - Employment Law
"Experienced employment law specialist helping clients solve both day to day HR problems and complex issues with over a decade’s experience providing corporate and M&A support.”
I joined Higgs in March 2004, having trained at a large international law firm.
I bring both legal knowledge and a commercial focus. I have advised on all aspects of employment law and assisted clients from a range of sectors with day-to-day HR matters, including disciplinary and grievance and managing sickness and absence.
I typically advise employers, but also support senior employees, particularly in relation to termination of employment.
I am part of the Higgs corporate transactional team, supporting those buying or selling their businesses on all employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions, particularly within the care sector.
I am an experienced trainer on HR and employment law matters.
I am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and a qualified mental health first aider.
I have been listed as a Key Lawyer in the Legal 500 for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
- I have various clients who I have advised and supported for a number of years with a variety of HR matters.
- I was seconded to a large manufacturer one day a week for a period of approximately 18 months, working in the HR team and liaising with the senior management team.
- I negotiated a substantially greater termination package for a senior employee than initially offered, which failed to take into account my client’s disability and ability to seek alternative employment.
- I acted for an employer who terminated the employment of an underperforming employee, who then threatened to pursue claims for unfair dismissal and race discrimination. I lead a complex negotiation process, involving a lawyer in another jurisdiction before a settlement acceptable to both parties was reached.
More about me
Interests
I am a keen tennis player
Favourite place
Newcastle (there’s no place like home)
Childhood career goal
Paramedic or a nurse
Interesting fact
I sang in various bands for 10 years.
Latest insights
Meet the team
Tim Jones
Partner and Head of Employment Law
Kate Woodhouse
Trainee Solicitor - Employment Law
Jayne Holliday
Legal Director - Employment Law
Katherine Cooke
Senior Associate - Employment Law
Debra Cottam
Principal Associate - Employment Law