Kate Johnson

Kate Johnson, is a solicitor and Pickerings’ Head of Employment.  Kate joined the employment team in 2019 from national firm Irwin Mitchell, where she led a team of paralegals within the Employment division.

Kate has specialised in Employment law work for over 10 years and during that time has advised both claimants and respondents in Employment Tribunal matters. She has experience in a very wide range of employment law matters with particular expertise in claims for unfair dismissal and claims of discriminations. She acts for claimants and respondents and provides regular advice to our retained client base.

Kate has exceptional legal expertise and enjoys settlement discussions and negotiating exit packages for clients and has had considerable success in this arena. 

Recently, Kate acted for an international company in defending claims for the failure to inform and consult on the Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employees. Kate was successful in articulating and arguing the company’s position which resulted in the Claimant’s claims being dismissed from the Employment Tribunal.

She spends time getting to know her clients and her client care skills and ability to empathise are extraordinary.  She spends time to understand their situation with the aim of preventing damage to work relationships between the employer and employee.  Kate is often praised for her practical, workable solutions/resolutions and delivers in a timely manner, leading to regular glowing feedback from satisfied clients. 

Kate has particular knowledge and experience relating to claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination, employment status and whistleblowing.  Kate offers day to day advice on disciplinary and grievance issues, drafting contractual and policy documentation throughout Employment Tribunal proceedings and litigation.  With considerable advocacy experience, Kate is well equipped to represent clients at an Employment Tribunal or in the Civil Courts.

Kate headlines Pickerings Employment Breakfast Seminars, and presents on a wide variety of HR topics.  These seminars are held twice a year and are attending by over 55 attendees. 

Recent Highlights

Kate Johnson acted simultaneously for the Chief Operating Officer and Operations Director of a large-scale UK company who had recently been bought out by a US Corporation. Both employees had been made aware that there was to be a restructure after which their roles would cease to exist.  Both sought assistance from Kate to negotiate a satisfactory exit package. Kate negotiated on behalf of the two clients and obtained enhanced settlements to compensate the senior executives for their loss of employment.  

Kate acted for a client who had been recently appointed to a position on the board of directors, following 15 years’ service with the business.  The company’s newly appointed HR Partner circulated unfounded, salacious rumours internally about the client, asserting that she had obtained her professional status based on her sexuality and promiscuity towards her male counterparts. Kate negotiated a five-figure settlement on behalf of the client arising from the sex discrimination and harassment.

Kate represented a claimant during Employment Tribunal proceedings for claims of pregnancy and maternity discrimination and unfair dismissal on the basis that the Respondent breached The Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999.  Her employer had selected her as being at risk of redundancy and failed to consider suitable alternative employment. Kate was successful in obtaining a favourable settlement on behalf of her client without the need for the substantial final hearing.

Contact Kate on 01827 317063 or kjohnson@pickerings-solicitors.com  

Kate is recommended in The Legal 500 2022

‘Extremely professional and quick to respond to queries. Pricing structure was clearly explained. Kate Johnson was a joy to deal with. She listened to the issues that I presented to her and responded with solutions. She was professional and very efficient in her response to my queries. Her explanation of the process and procedures was clarified clearly and concisely. I was extremely satisfied with the financial result and conclusion to my issue’.

Testimonials

It is with much enthusiasm that I am happy to recommend the services of Pickerings Solicitors.  I would especially like to thank Kate Johnson for her professionalism, support and understanding.  I met Kate in 2020 after I was unfairly dismissed.  Kate supported me and even managed to agree an increase in my settlement amount.  Kate has given me such kindness and hope which I will never forget.  Thank you for everything.

K Feb 2023

Thank you Kate it has been pleasure working with you too under these circumstances, without your expert help I don’t think I would have achieved the results I got, so thank you again. 

TM August 2021

I'd like to express my appreciation and gratitude for your professional and competent service, provided in a friendly and thorough manner.

MD August 2022

Thank you so much for your support, advice and ultimately a positive result. Professional service with a friendly smile. If only all people in business were like you.

AG July 2022

Dealing with Kate and the whole team at Pickerings was so professional during a difficult period.They were very aware of it and handled my case fast and efficiently. Thank you!

KP May 2022

Efficient, practical and caring advice - Kate Johnson was a very supportive and friendly advisor, who also had the case law and legal knowledge to give very good advice. I would recommend her to anyone having issues with their employer and wanting to get practical, workable solutions or resolutions in a timely manner.

Karen 20 April 2022

This is the second time I have used Kate- I would again if in a similar situation - highly recommended.

PL April 2022

Kate & Lisa were extremely supportive, informative and professional. My case was dealt with swiftly and without delay. I would 100% recommend Kate at Pickerings and thank them wholeheartedly for bringing my case to a swift close.

JB April 2022

'Kate Johnson of Pickerings Solicitors built an excellent client relationship with me which made working together a pleasure. The conclusion of the settlement was mainly down to the good advice I received and the outcome was very positive.'

AL Jan 2022     

'So thanks to you, a relatively straight forward employment dispute that literally destroyed a 50-something year old, established sales executive's career, has been dealt with, buried, and to the complete satisfaction of a genuine claimant.    Kate, you are a very real asset to Pickerings, as I am sure they are already aware.You are the right person, in the right place, doing the right thing for ordinary people.' 

Mr & Mrs L April 2020