Mark Ridley

Mark Ridley

Partner - Employment

 024 7649 3126
Direct Dial Extension 708

 MER@bandhattonbutton.com

Mark is one of the Top 3 Employment Law solicitors in Coventry according to ThreeBestRated.co.uk

The Latest Blogs from Mark

Why did you choose the law?

Because as a child my parents told me I would be suited to it, as I was so argumentative.

Tell us a bit about how you got here…

I qualified as a solicitor with a firm in the London Borough of Bromley in 1992, becoming a partner of that firm in 1995. Following a relocation back to the Midlands I joined Band Hatton in 2008.

What does your day job look like?

I am an Employment Solicitor, Partner and Head of our Employment Department. I began undertaking employment work in 1992 and now specialise exclusively in this area of law, handling a broad range of contentious and non-contentious work. This includes the preparation of contracts of employment, company handbooks and policies and procedures. I also conduct Employment Tribunal litigation, including complex multi-day cases. In particular I specialise in advising both employers and employees in relation to unfair dismissal, redundancy, breach of contract and discrimination claims.

I also advise employers in relation to business transfers, providing practical and strategic solutions.  I can provide practical advice to both employers and employees in relation to the conduct of disciplinary and grievance procedures, including appeals. I am also able to advise both in relation to sickness procedures and performance improvement procedures.

I can advise companies as to how best to protect their customer contacts and intellectual property, including the use of confidentiality agreements and restrictive covenants (also known as restraint of trade clauses).  I’ve advised numerous employees in relation to Settlement Agreements (formally known as Compromise Agreements), and have regularly drafted such agreements for employers. I have also successfully represented clients in numerous employment tribunal claims, including multi-day cases involving complex employment issues.

I understand the benefits of dispute resolution. Accordingly, whilst a robust litigator when necessary, I will always seek to find cost effective ways of resolving employment disputes, if possible, without the need to litigate.

I act for a wide range of clients, including individuals, small businesses, and companies that employ several hundred employees.

My career highlight was advising a client in relation to litigation concerning a health and safety related dismissal, which, on appeal, became a reported case, setting a precedent for the lower Tribunals.

I am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and the Industrial Law Society.

What do you like to do outside of work?

My interests include football and art. I have two grown up sons and am a FA Qualified Football Coach.

“Thank you once again for your representation, advice and completion in such a short timeframe. Your hard work is very much appreciated, and I am really grateful for your time.”

“Thank you so much for all your hard work on my behalf, advice and legal representation over the past few days. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain everything within the agreement so that I could understand and also completing in such a short timeframe.”

“Mark Ridley was a very friendly professional guy, who took time to explain the process with me & took me through every step, with excellent advice and continued updates.”

“Thanks for going the extra mile to get this over the line – appreciated.”

“Mark Ridley heads a strong team at Band Hatton Button LLP that acts for a range of businesses as well as employees who are based primarily in Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider Midlands region. It deals with a caseload of contentious and non-contentious work acting predominantly for commercial clients and high-net-worth individuals. Ridley is adept at handling a broad range of non-contentious work as well as Employment Tribunal litigation including complex multi-day cases.”

‘Clients are in good hands with Mark Ridley. Mark is energetic and passionate in the representation of his clients and his advice is sensible and carefully considered.’

‘Mark Ridley stands out in respect of his commitment to his clients and his dedication to fighting their corner.’

“Thank you for all your hard work and effort. I am indeed delighted.”

Thank you for working with me on my case with the highest level of professionalism. Your knowledge and insight ensured there was careful management and handling of my case. I really do appreciate your prompt handling of my queries and expertise with delivery of required output. It has been excellent working with you.

Solicitor explained process in layman’s terms to aid overall understanding of the services provided and received by Mark Ridley.

“I really appreciate your help on everything and I highly recommend you”.

“Thank you for assisting me, certainly would use yourself and your firm again in the future”.

Thanks very much for all your help.  Your professionalism and care was very much appreciated.

Thank you for your email and assistance. Hopefully nothing further will arise, but if it does you are my first port of call.

It was a pleasure to have an expert working on my side.