Harriet specialises in advising both employees and employers in relation to the termination of employment, and represents both claimants and respondents in Employment Tribunal claims, including in respect of unfair dismissal, TUPE-related claims and complex discrimination claims.
During the last few years she has achieved favourable results for her clients in a number of discrimination claims, and is praised by clients for her empathetic and client-focused support in difficult situations. She has also developed a particular niche for dealing with mental health issues and assisting employers with managing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Harriet also advises clients in respect of matters involving trade unions, as well as being on hand to assist in the preparation of employment documentation such as staff handbooks and bespoke employee policies, contracts of employment and service agreements. She assists both individuals and businesses in settlement agreements, and prides herself on delivering advice in a timely and pragmatic way, focusing on a “can-do” approach.
Harriet is a well-respected public speaker, and regularly presents webinars and seminars, as well as providing in-house training to managers and HR Teams on a variety of topics. She is also a Non-Executive Director of Norfolk Pro Help, and is actively involved in providing advice and support to the local voluntary and not-for-profit sector.
Harriet joined our Employment Team in November 2015, and has over fifteen years’ experience advising on employment law issues. She gained her law degree at the University of East Anglia in 2004 before going on to pass her Legal Practice Course with a distinction in 2006 and qualifying as a Solicitor in September 2008. Harriet was made a Senior Associate in May 2019.
Harriet is a fantastic lawyer. She is incredibly knowledgeable but also kind. She was extremely responsive, kept me up to date and went out of her way to make sure I was OK. A true champion of mental health and so understanding of the impact being involved in contentious issues, particularly employment ones, can have. Dan also seamlessly stepped in when Harriet was on annual leave and I always felt I was in good hands. Everyone expects their lawyer to know the law but sadly what isn’t a given is compassion, value for money and a personal touch. Harriet (and Dan) gave me that and I am very grateful.
I have been working with Harriet Howes for quite a while now and she is fantastic, realistic thorough and always on point. Communications are always as expected and overall a fantastic person to take you through the kind of situations you need legal support on. I have used Leathes Prior in company litigation on several occasions and again fantastic in whatever teams you interact with.
You were always there when I needed you, always with a calm and measured solution. I felt safe in your hands due to your confident approach, excellent judgment and professional knowledge.
We have worked closely with Leathes Prior for a number of years and Harriet has always provided brilliant employment advice. The incredibly speedy and professional advice we receive from Harriet has proved invaluable and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her. More recently, the excellent ‘Modern Employer’ seminars the Leathes Prior team have hosted has enabled us to keep abreast with the latest employment law and developments, which has proved invaluable.
We just wanted to say how impressed we have been with Leathes Prior's handling of our voluntary severance settlement agreements. From the first call to the final sign-off Harriet Howes has provided a professional and first class service. She made the whole process simple and straightforward and dealt with matters swiftly and efficiently. I would highly recommend her and would certainly not hesitate to employ her services again if the need arises.
Thank you Harriet, and thank you both (and your team) for supporting us through this process. The service we have received has been excellent and you made a very challenging situation for us that much easier.
I would like to thank you on behalf of us all for being so caring and acting on this matter so quickly. You have helped us no end and we really appreciate your help, please thank Coco also for her prompt and understanding help.
Thank you for all your excellent advice, negotiations for the additional amounts and particularly your kind support - very much appreciated It was good to know, throughout that there was a professional from whom I could get the right support and feel I could trust them to treat me well. I would definitely recommend you to others.
I really do appreciate your support and advice during what has been a very unsettling and stressful time. Having you there beside me has been a massive boost in helping me to see through what seemed a pretty thick fog at times
I want to thank you very much for your support on this matter and tell you that if it had not been for you making this process a bit easier I would have struggled to cope with all the stressful affects of it. Please also pass on my thanks to Coco for her initial reassurances and knowledge.
Thanks for all your help with this Harriet - absolutely delighted with the outcome, and the support and advice you have given me has been first rate (as usual!)
I would like to say a big thank you for your help with my settlement agreement. I had a lot going on this summer with my family, your speed and efficiency made things easier to deal with, and I would highly recommend you.
Thank you again for your support, advice and guidance with what was quite a stressful experience earlier in the year and I won't hesitate to recommend Leathes Prior to friends/colleagues that may need advice also.
A personable and pragmatic approach.
I received an outstanding service from Harriet. Every interaction I had with her was productive and the service I received was excellent.