Mark Ridley

Partner and Head of Employment

About Me

I became a lawyer because, as a teenager, my parents suggested it was a suitable career for someone as argumentative as me!

I studied Law at the University of Manchester before completing my Law Society Finals at York College of Law. I began my career as an Articled Clerk (the former name for a trainee solicitor) at a firm in the London Borough of Bromley, qualifying as a solicitor in 1992 and later becoming a partner.

Following a family relocation to the Midlands, I joined Band Hatton Button, where I am now a Partner and Head of the Employment team.

My Role

I specialise exclusively in employment law, acting for both employers and employees across a wide range of workplace matters.

My work includes Employment Tribunal litigation, TUPE, discrimination, settlement agreements, disciplinary and grievance matters, as well as providing advice on the many other issues that can arise throughout the employment relationship.

Working with both employers and employees gives me an understanding of the issues from both perspectives, allowing me to provide clear, practical advice tailored to each client's individual circumstances.

What I Enjoy Most

What I enjoy most about employment law is the variety. When advising on employment disputes, rarely are two sets of circumstances the same, which means there is always a different challenge to consider.

I also get great satisfaction from successfully representing clients in the Employment Tribunal, whether acting for an employee or an employer.

Outside the Office

By far my biggest interest outside of work is art, and I spend much of my free time visiting galleries. I'm also a keen art collector and enjoy making the most of my National Trust membership.