Rhiain Lewis

Partner
T: +44 (0)1392 333927
F: +44 (0)1392 336927
r.lewis@ashfords.co.uk

Rhiain acts primarily for public sector organisations, but also advises businesses and senior executives on employment issues. She has experience of advising local authorities, FE colleges, universities, NHS Trusts, development corporations and Magistrates Courts Committees.

Rhiain is a Partner in the Employment department. She qualified in 1990, joined the firm in 1995 and was made partner in 1999.

Rhiain is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. She is also an experienced speaker, and has provided training to other employment lawyers through a national training company and training to college HR managers through a FE HR Forum.

Recent advice includes:

• Advising Wandsworth Borough Council on the defence of unfair dismissal and discrimination claims;
• Defence of a claim against a FE college for unfair dismissal & detriment on Trade Union grounds by a TU representative;
• Defeating a race discrimination claim against a college by an unsuccessful job applicant;
• Defending a sex discrimination (gender re-assignment) claim against a college and securing a £5000 costs award;
• Advising a unitary authority on the defence of part-time pension claims;
• Providing strategic advice on harmonising pay scales and terms & conditions;
• Advising a District Council on the transfer of its leisure services to a private trust;
• Providing equal pay advice to district and unitary authorities in connection with single status;
  
• Providing TUPE advice to private and public clients, to include due diligence and consultation obligations;
• Defence of a multi-action unlawful deduction from wages claim for a District Council;
• Advising several colleges, manufacturers and businesses on the restructure and redundancy programme including collective consultation procedures;
• Defending a whistle blowing claim against a County Council;
• Advising a numerous public sector clients on early retirements and pensions;
  
• Drafting collective agreements and HR policies; and
• Providing employment input on business sales and outsourcing.

The "clear, friendly and approachable" Rhiain Lewis is recommended for her work advising clients in the education, healthcare and local government sectors.  
Chambers Guide to the Legal profession, 2012 Edition 

highly rated and "deals promptly with matters"
Legal 500, 2010 Edition

Ranked as a leader in the field by Chambers 2010

"Rhiain Lewis has a wealth of experience"
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2010 Edition

"Rhiain Lewis primarily handles the public sector aspects of the practice, working for a number of further education colleges and NHS trusts. clients are impressed with her work: "She pays close attention to detail and has a huge breadth of knowledge."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2009 Edition

"very experienced" partner Rhiain Lewis"
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2008 Edition

"The "most impressive" Rhiain Lewis"
Legal 500, 2007 Edition

"exceptionally good lawyer."
Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession, 2007 Edition