Head of Department
Nick Smith has a nationwide practice exclusively in the fields of employment, discrimination law, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SENDIST) Tribunals. He also practices in the field of sports law contracts and disciplinary matters.
He has been marked in category 1 as a ‘leading junior’ in Chambers and Partners Directory as a leading junior since 2000. He has received a similar standing in ‘Legal 500’ and appears in the publication ‘Legal Experts.
The above publications have included the following testimonials and comments:
"Nicholas Smith is a highly regarded discrimination exepert. He is much in demand due to the fact that he 'has a tenacious spirit' and fosters excellent relationships with clients" - Chambers and Partners (2010)
"Nicholas Smith has a national following" - Legal 500 2009
"Nicholas Smith 'establishes client empathy' and has a large following nationally." - Legal 500 2008
"Nicholas Smith is very well supported nationally and 'inspires confidence'." - Legal 500 2007
"Nicholas Smith handles some very high profile work, and is popular with solicitors.’ - Legal 500 2005
" Nicholas Smith a 'terrific cross-examiner' and discrimination expert who 'always strikes the right note with clients and commands market respect for being 'bullish when required.' Boasting a particular forte in sexual harrassment, he has been instructed by two major high street clearing banks, and has been involved in a number of tribunals in higher education. " - Chambers and Partners 2009
"Knowing employment law inside out, Nicholas Smith has amassed such extensive tribunal experience that few can claim to have more." - Chambers and Partners 2008
‘Nicholas Smith was praised for his ability to “build up a good rapport with the client.” “He is always well prepared,” “we are confident in handing him work.” - Chambers and Partners. 2006
‘Nicholas Smith receives plaudits as a “pragmatic and dependable” practitioner.' - Chambers and Partners 2005.
Nick has been credited with contributing to the growth and success of the Chambers Employment Department, which is now recognised as “having an excellent range of senior and junior counsel,” recently being credited as being “right up there with the best of them.” - Chambers and Partners 2006, and having a 'blue-chip following' - Legal 500 2007
Nick’s lay clients on behalf of respondents have included airlines, clearing banks, petrochemical conglomerates, global car manufacturers, Government Departments, international telecoms providers, Premiership and non Premiership football clubs NHS trusts, and local authorities.
On the Claimant’s side, he has acted on behalf of a number of Trades Union and employee representative organisations (see for example recent the high profile case on Chamber’s home page) as well as a complete range of employees.
Nick’s particular fields of interest include constructive dismissal claims (see EAT cases in Tolson v Governors of Mixenden School [2003] IRLR 843. JV Strong v Hamill LTL 20/01/01.
In Whitehouse v North Bristol NHS Trust UKEAT/0133/06 Nick secured a land mark victory in the EAT on behalf of the Junior Doctors Committe of the BMA. On a complex construction point the EAT accepted the Appellants case as to the correct interpretation of Registrars pay protection scheme. This case has nationwide implications for a significant proportion of NHS trusts.
He has been asked to give expert advice to the BBC and Broadsheet press upon a range of issues including the threatened PFA footballers strike. He has had articles published in the ELA Bulletin of which he is a member.
Undergraduate degree:
LL.B(HONS)
Membership ELA Western Circuit
Interests:
When the pressures of Practice / Family life allow, Nick enjoys being in, on or under the sea. Nick is a devotee of Rugby Union and all forms of motorsport. Nick is a keen skiier and enjoys cross-country mountain biking.
