Gardner Leader—Vicky Schollar

Gardner Leader has appointed specialist employment solicitor and senior associate Vicky Schollar as its new head of employment.

Since qualifying in 2004, Vicky has held employment solicitor positions at Blandy & Blandy and Blake Morgan. She has established a reputation for her pragmatic advice and guidance, advising clients across a wide variety of sectors on all aspects of UK employment law and HR matters. She has particular experience in working with SMEs, as well as education providers and charities.

Vicky’s expertise includes advising on business restructures, the enforceability of restrictive covenants, data protection issues, drafting contracts of employment (including directors’ service agreements) and consultancy agreements, and helping clients manage day-to-day issues such as sickness absence and complex disciplinaries and grievances.

She also has extensive experience in negotiating settlement agreements and defending employment tribunal proceedings (including at appeal level).

Speaking about her new appointment, Vicky said: ‘I’m thrilled to have joined Gardner Leader at a truly exciting time in their long history. The firm’s reputation in the region and its deep roots in the communities it serves, along with the opportunity to lead and grow Gardner Leader’s employment team, was too good an opportunity for me to miss.

‘As Gardner Leader’s new head of employment, I’m looking forward to introducing myself to our existing clients, as well as working with the team to showcase our expertise and experience further afield.’

Gardner Leader has been part of the Berkshire community for over 125 years, with offices in Newbury, Thatcham and Maidenhead.

Derek Rodgers, managing partner at the firm, said: ‘Having someone of Vicky’s experience and knowledge join Gardner Leader is hugely invaluable. She brings with her a wealth of expertise in some complex areas of employment law, including the work she has undertaken in the charity and education sectors, as well as her vast experience of advising on cases that go to tribunal.'