Introducing our new Head of Employment Law: Deborah Henning

With a career spanning employment law, employment tribunals, equal pay cases and representing both employers and employees, [Name] brings a wealth of experience to her role as Head of Department at Marshall Hall Levy.

But there’s much more to her than her legal experience. From being “a little bit bolshy” at school to becoming a self-confessed music, reading, wine and dog-walking fan, this Q&A gives an insight into the person behind the lawyer.

We caught up with her to find out what led her into employment law, what motivates her, the career achievement she’s most proud of and why she believes you shouldn’t deal with employment problems alone.

What is your professional background?

I was born in Sunderland and grew up in Sunderland and Washington before heading away to university. I trained down south and, once qualified, my clients included some well-known financial institutions. It was while working with a high street bank that I got my first real taste of employment law.

I then relocated back to the North East and joined Thompsons, the national trade union firm. I worked across all areas of employment law and employment tribunals, including managing a large team of around 20 people on national equal pay cases.

I left Thompsons in 2016 and have since acted for both employers and employees, giving me a good understanding of the challenges faced by both sides of the employment relationship.

What led you into your chosen profession?

Apparently, I was a little bit bolshy at school, liked a good argument and was fascinated by criminal law!

Thankfully, the ability to argue a case has come in quite handy over the years — although these days I like to think I use it slightly more constructively!

What areas do you specialise in?

My main area is employment law, covering everything from workplace relationships and day-to-day employment issues through to employment tribunal and court disputes.

I am also deal with a certified GDPR practitioner and can advise on data protection issues where they arise in an employment context.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Resolving problems for clients and, hopefully, achieving a fair outcome.

Employment issues can be incredibly stressful, whether you’re an employee worried about your job or an employer trying to deal with a difficult situation. Being able to help someone navigate that and find a solution is what makes the job worthwhile.

What types of clients do you typically work with?

I tend to work with small to medium-sized businesses and employees.

I enjoy working with smaller businesses in particular because you often get to know the people behind the business and understand what really matters to them. Working for small businesses is very similar to working for an individual employee as both can have a lot to lose. It is especially inspiring and rewarding when agreement can be reached (often against the odds due to the emotions involved) and both parties feel they have 'won', or more important, neither party feels they have 'lost'. It is also extremely satisfying when the other party is misbehaving and you know you have to dig your heels in and get a the right result for your client.

What do you think makes a good client relationship?

Listening, empathy and understanding.

People generally don’t contact an employment lawyer because everything is going brilliantly! By the time they need me, there is usually a problem, and often quite a stressful one.

I think it’s important to remember that clients don’t necessarily want to need a lawyer — so making them feel listened to, understood and supported is really important.

What has been your biggest career achievement?

Achieving justice for thousands of women.

I’ve had the privilege of working on significant national equal pay cases throughout my career, and knowing that the work I did helped secure better and fairer outcomes for so many women is something I’m incredibly proud of.

What has your career taught you?

That, despite everything, most people — and that includes both managers and employees — are decent people who simply want to be treated fairly.

Employment disputes can sometimes become very heated, but behind most workplace problems are people trying to do the right thing, protect themselves or simply be heard. You probably don’t want to find yourself on the other side of the table from me if you’re misbehaving though — that’s when the fiery redhead comes out!

What advice would you give to someone facing the issues you deal with?

Don’t deal with it alone.

Employment problems can quickly become overwhelming, particularly when your job, livelihood or business is involved. Getting advice early can often make a huge difference and may prevent a problem from becoming a much bigger one.

What are you most proud of in your current role?

I’m still relatively new to the role at Marshall Hall Levy as head of Department, so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve and hopefully making a real difference to our clients. I've already dealt with some pretty tricky issues for my clients and I've had some great feedback. 

I love the fact that I can now say, “Yes, I can help you,” rather than having to worry that my fees might put good legal advice out of reach. I can bring my many years of experience to the table, while working in a firm where clients can receive a personal, friendly service without the overheads you might find at a much larger firm. You get the experience, without necessarily getting the big-firm price tag — and I think that’s a pretty good combination! 

What do you enjoy doing outside work?

Reading, music, walking the dog, wine and spending time with family.

And I could say the gym… but that also qualifies as torture!

What are some interests or hobbies that people might not know about you?

I’m a big fan of music and reading, and I love getting out for walks with the dog.

I’m also very much a family person, so time spent with family is probably my favourite hobby of all.

What motivates you professionally?

A good result!

There’s nothing quite like working through a difficult problem and getting the outcome you were hoping for.

What do you enjoy about working with your current firm or team?

Being reunited with a former colleague, who also became one of my favourite people to work with, was a big part of coming to Marshall Hall Levy. As you go through your career, you meet all sorts of people, but some leave a lasting impression — and Julie is definitely one of those people!

She is just as infectious and enthusiastic about fairness in the law as I am. She also spent a fair amount of time telling me how passionate, friendly and committed everyone at Marshall Hall Levy was.

I thought I’d better come and see for myself!

She wasn’t exaggerating. The enthusiasm and passion I’ve found here isn’t just Julie’s — it runs right through the firm. From the Directors (Julie and Keith), to the wider team, everyone genuinely cares about doing a good job and getting the best for their clients.

Julie and I were a bit of a force to be reckoned with back in the day, so I’m delighted to be back working alongside her and excited to see what we can achieve together again — this time with the whole Marshall Hall Levy team behind us!

It’s a friendly team with a genuine family feel - people genuinely look out for each other and there’s a real sense that we’re all working together.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

That I am not mad!

Although I suspect my new colleagues may have a different opinion once they’ve worked with me for a little longer!

A wealth of experience, with a very human approach

With extensive experience representing both employers and employees, particularly in complex employment disputes and equal pay work, there is a wealth of knowledge behind the approachable personality.

But perhaps the most important thing is the philosophy behind the work: listen, understand the problem, give honest advice and work towards the best possible result.

Whether you’re an employee facing a difficult situation at work or a business dealing with an employment issue, having someone in your corner can make all the difference.

And, of course, if you need an employment lawyer who can combine years of experience with a little humour and a lot of empathy along the way, you now know where to find one!

Can Deborah help you? Get in touch and find out.