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05 November 2025
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Slater Heelis—Sylviane Kokouendo & Shazia Ashraf

Partner and associate join employment practice

Full-service law firm Slater Heelis Solicitors has strengthened its employment law team with the appointment of Sylviane Kokouendo as associate partner and Shazia Ashraf as an associate. The new hires bolster the firm’s growing practice as it continues to expand its expertise in this specialist area.

Sylviane Kokouendo (pictured, left) brings extensive international experience, advising on everything from contracts and HR policies to complex mergers and acquisitions. Fluent in French and English, she has guided multinational organisations on cross-border employment matters and compliance.

Shazia Ashraf (centre) joins with broad experience across sectors including food and drink, retail, banking and the public sector. She advises on day-to-day HR issues such as disciplinary procedures, sickness management and tribunal representation.

Employment partner Debbie Coyne (right) said it is ‘an incredibly exciting time for our team’. She added that the addition of Sylviane and Shazia ‘strengthens our offering and enhances the breadth of expertise we can provide’. Coyne noted that the firm’s recent expansion, including the opening of a Chester office, means ‘we continue to go from strength to strength’.

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