Nicole qualified in 2011 after completing her studies at the University of Sussex. With over 17 years of experience in a business-focused law firm, Nicole previously headed the employment department, gaining a broad range of experience advising both employees and employers.
What Attracts Nicole to Employment Law?
Nicole is drawn to the diversity of employment law, finding a new challenge with each case. She appreciates that her work is shaped by people, business, and the law, allowing her to help individuals navigate workplace challenges and support businesses in the constantly evolving realm of employment law. This fast-paced and dynamic field is what keeps her engaged and passionate.
What Nicole Enjoys Most About Her Role
Nicole thrives on helping people and takes immense pride in guiding individuals and businesses through difficult or tricky situations. She enjoys working closely with clients, offering guidance with empathy and clarity through complex employment issues. For Nicole, being able to improve a difficult situation or contribute to the creation of fair, compliant workplaces is both a pleasure and a privilege.
A Typical Day for Nicole
A typical day for Nicole involves regular communication with clients, keeping them updated on their matters and guiding them through various aspects of employment law. Her work also includes reviewing and preparing employment documents, researching and advising on legal matters, and liaising with courts and other relevant bodies. Staying up-to-date on changes in employment law is a continuous and essential part of her day.
Nicole’s Strengths and Skills
Nicole is known for being approachable, a quality she considers vital when dealing with sensitive people-related issues. She is a careful listener, demonstrating empathy and building trust by providing consistent support while maintaining professionalism and objectivity. Nicole possesses a deep understanding of employment law and excels at explaining complex legal concepts in straightforward terms, ensuring clients fully comprehend their rights, options, and potential risks.
A Memorable Client Success
Nicole recalls a particularly memorable case involving a client who was dismissed during her probationary period due to absences caused by severe morning sickness during pregnancy. This was a highly stressful time for the client, compounded by her ill health. Nicole provided crucial support, guiding her through the process and ultimately achieving a fair resolution.
Outside of Work
Outside of her professional life, Nicole enjoys country walks, often using her well-loved “Pub Strolls of East and West Sussex” books, usually topped off with a visit to a local pub. She also enjoys cycling (preferably on flat terrain!), cooking for family and friends, and dancing, which is her latest joyful hobby. Nicole is an avid reader, always having a book on the go, and has been a member of a book club for over 17 years. For exercise and relaxation, she enjoys Yoga, Pilates, and the energetic atmosphere of a Zumba class. Her local beach is a favourite spot for unwinding with a good book.
Victoria has been with the firm for 30 years, having started as a Legal Secretary in 1994 through the Training Consortium in Lewes obtaining her NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Business Administration.
She is now a Paralegal covering two departments, Employment and Litigation and Dispute Resolution.
In her spare time she enjoys reading and visiting various theme parks, seaside resorts and attractions.
Kind words from clients
Cara Hillary was great to work with. She helped me through a stressful time with good suggestions, a pleasant and professional manner and prompt and proactive responses. She made sure my interests were protected and drafted helpful and clear amendments. Many thanks, too, for the efficient and pleasant service by Victoria Seymour.
Anonymous – February 2025
Ross joined Mayo Wynne Baxter as an Employment Solicitor at the start of 2024.
Ross represents both employers and employees and has expertise in all areas of employment law. Ross has a particular interest in discrimination law. He is passionate about supporting businesses to grow and navigate tricky employment issues, as well as protecting the rights of individuals in the workplace.
Ross qualified as a solicitor in 2022. Before joining Mayo Wynne Baxter, he completed his training at a local firm before working for a national trade union firm, advising and representing trade union members on all areas of employment law.
Ross highly values building and maintaining strong client relationships. He prides himself on providing excellent client care skills and being able to expertly guide clients through all stages of the Employment Tribunal process. Ross has achieved a number of successful outcomes, including high-value settlements in complex discrimination matters.
Ross is passionate about equality and diversity. He is a member of the Society of Visually Impaired Lawyers (SoVIL) and the Law Society’s LGBTQ+ Solicitors Network.
Outside of work, Ross’ interests include fitness classes, gaming, yoga and musical theatre!
Sam qualified in 2001 and joined Mayo Wynne Baxter as an Associate Solicitor in 2015 and was promoted to Partner in 2017.
She expertly advises both employers and employees on all aspects of employment, whether as a robust litigator or by concentrating on the finer points of contract drafting.
Sam has taken on various cases centred on discrimination issues and has proven to be a highly persuasive advocate in the presentation of complex cases.
Her in-depth knowledge and eye for detail are matched by her ability to be quick on her feet in cross-examination.
She rightly prides herself on giving pragmatic advice, especially when weighing-up the potential costs involved in litigating a matter.
The needs of clients are her primary focus.
Sam consistently receives excellent feedback, building her client base through regular referrals from those she has advised throughout her successful career.
Sam plays an active part in the management of the firm and is its Equality and Diversity Partner.
Outside work she enjoys sea swimming (even better in winter!) and cycling, taking full advantage of the Sussex countryside whenever she can.
Nicola is Head of the Employment Department for Mayo Wynne Baxter and has been with the firm as a result of the merger in Autumn 2023. Nicola co-founded Pure Employment Law Solicitors in 2010. Nicola is also Head of the Chichester office.
She qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and gained experience in employment law at two of the South East’s leading law firms. In 2006, she received a Distinction in her Master’s degree in Law and Employment Relations. She has expertise in all aspects of employment law, including discrimination, dismissal, breach of contract, pay and benefits and family-friendly rights.
Nicola provides strategic HR and employment law support to a wide range of organisations and helps her clients deal with major projects such as restructuring exercises and transfers of undertakings. She is also an experienced Employment Tribunal advocate.
Nicola regularly presents at seminars and workshops on employment law and enjoys delivering interactive training sessions.
Nicola has been ranked for many years now as a leading employment lawyer in ‘Chambers UK, A Client’s Guide to the Legal Profession’ Nicola is a member of the Employment Lawyers’ Association, is a former President of Chichester & District Law Society, and has many years’ experience as a governor at two local schools.
I was introduced to law after carrying out work experience at a local firm whilst studying for my A-levels.
I joined Lawson Lewis Blakers straight from college at the age of 17 as a Legal Secretary within both the Employment and Family Departments, obtaining my Legal Secretary diploma in 2018. I later obtained a Specialist Paralegal Qualification in employment law from the CLT University of Law in February 2023, which has enabled me to have a greater understanding of the law in order to assist clients.
Following the merger between Lawson Lewis Blakers and Mayo Wynne Baxter, I am now a paralegal within the Employment Team.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and friends (but mainly my cat, George!), going on holiday and reading a good book. However, I recently got engaged and therefore the majority of my free time is currently spent on wedding planning!
Martin Williams is a Partner in the Employment team for Mayo Wynne Baxter and has been with the firm since October 2008.
Martin specialises in advising on restructuring and redundancy programmes, TUPE transfers, equality in the workplace, restrictive covenants, and data protection.
He also handles a variety of tribunal cases, providing a complete service to clients by conducting its own advocacy. Martin also has a wealth of experience dealing with complex employment issues in partnership and director disputes and plays an invaluable part of the firm’s Professional Practices team.
Martin qualified as a Solicitor in 2002 and since then has specialised in employment work. He gained invaluable experience with a Crawley based practice, and prior to working in the profession, was in the arts for 12 years where he managed orchestras in both the UK and USA.
Martin is also a member of Employment Lawyers Association.
At work Martin has particular interest in data protection within the employment arena, and he will frequently present seminars and training sessions to clients and associates.