Sophie Hayward

With several years’ experience acting for organisations across the private and public sectors, Sophie delivers practical, solutions-driven advice tailored to each client’s objectives, culture and operating environment. Having undertaken client secondments within both the public sector and a leading national retailer, she has developed valuable insight into the commercial realities and operational pressures faced by employers, enabling her to provide advice that is both legally robust and commercially pragmatic.

Sophie has extensive experience defending Employment Tribunal claims, including complex cases involving discrimination, whistleblowing and constructive dismissal. Her recent experience includes successfully obtaining an extended civil restraint order against a serial litigant on behalf of a public sector client and successfully defending an interim relief application for a private sector employer.

In addition to her litigation practice, Sophie advises on the full spectrum of day-to-day employment law issues, including disciplinary and grievance processes, redundancies, flexible working requests and family-related rights. She also regularly drafts and reviews employment contracts, workplace policies and settlement agreements, and advises on the resolution of sensitive and high-value workplace disputes.

Known for her responsive and approachable style, Sophie works closely with clients to deliver clear, practical advice that supports effective decision-making and achieves positive outcomes.