Meet the Team

Darren began his journey as a solicitor in Employment Law working for a trade union in 1991. He is regarded as the most well-known employment lawyer in Gloucestershire and is recognised for a practical, down to earth approach. Since embarking on his career, Darren achieved a Master’s Degree in Industrial Relations Law, was appointed as an Arbitrator for ACAS, has been a contributing author for numerous legal practitioner and text books and appears regularly as a commentator in the press and on the radio. He has been instructed in ground breaking legal cases.

• Anyanwu v South Bank University, the case went to the House of Lords and changed the law on Discrimination
• Mears Limited v Salt, the case changed the law on Unfair Dismissal
• Williams v Jackson Lloyd which ended in the Supreme Court and affected the law on TUPE transfers

Since he qualified in 2000, he has worked in-house for large clients such as T & S Stores PLC (a subsidiary of the Tesco Group), Travelodge Limited (whilst owned by Permira Venture Capital) and latterly as Group Head of Legal for Mears Group PLC. Simon has gained substantial experience in the Wealth Management (Financial Advice), Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Housing, Construction and Outsourcing industries. Simon has a generation of corporate experience, undertaking a wide range of transactions, including business sales and purchases, mergers, joint venture agreements as well as company incorporation, restructuring and liquidation experience.

Trula has over eighteen years legal experience, having specialised in employment law throughout this time. Trula has experience of bringing and defending a wide range of claims including unfair and constructive dismissal, discrimination and breach of contract. She’s also acted in group actions, represented clients at mediation and regularly advises on settlement agreements. She has an interest in working with employers to solve problems – whether it’s the employee who’s not pulling their weight, who’s got a bad sickness record or who doesn’t understand that the “joke” e-mails they’re sending really aren’t funny or appropriate! She also works with employers to ensure their contracts and procedures are up-to-date. Trula’s clients range from national PLC’s to owner managed businesses. Trula has a reputation for a sensitive, but practical approach to achieving her clients objectives. She is also an Associate Member of the CIPD.

Outside of work Trula enjoys walking her dog, regularly attends ballet class and she also keeps bees.

Trainee Abi joined the firm in September 2018 shortly after graduating from the University of Exeter. Since joining the firm, Abi has gained valuable time-management and organisational skills which has enabled her to efficiently allocate her time between the different departments of the firm. Abi has found that her days are always varied at Sherbornes. One day may be spent assisting the fee-earners in the Employment department; submitting an Employment Tribunal claim on behalf of a client or preparing a bundle ready for an Employment Tribunal hearing. Meanwhile, another day may be spent assisting the fee-earners in the Corporate department; drafting documents for a share sale transaction or liaising with HMRC in relation to the payment of Stamp Duty funds. Abi thoroughly enjoys the varied workload and responsibilities that her role entails. Alongside her role at Sherbornes, Abi has recently completed the Legal Practice Course and has recently moved into her third and final Training Seat.

Matt joined Sherbornes in 2016 and since then he has built up a wealth of experience working on a variety of corporate matters. On a day to day basis Matt deals with all aspects of corporate and commercial law ranging from initial company incorporations through to Business Sales & Acquisitions. His specialities include advising the owners (and prospective owners) of small and medium sized companies on:

• Shareholders’ Agreements;
• Business Sales and Acquisitions;
• Management Buy-Outs;
• Incorporations;
• Mergers and Restructures; and
• Supporting our corporate retainer clients with general corporate and commercial advice.

At Sherbornes we advise clients across a wide range of industries and Matt has developed considerable experience in particular within the Wealth Management (Financial Planning), Telecoms, Hospitality and Engineering sectors.

Outside of work Matt likes attending various sports events including football and horse racing as well as playing golf, when time (and patience..) allows.

Natasha qualified in March 2021, and has since worked at both national and international law firms before joining Sherbornes in August 2023.

Natasha is an Associate Solicitor in our corporate department and advises directors and shareholders of small and medium sized companies and businesses. She enjoys advising on all aspects of corporate law at each stage of the lifecycle of a company.

Broadly, Natasha is able to assist clients who are looking for pragmatic, commercially focused advice in relation to the following areas:

Sales and purchases of businesses and assets.
Sales and purchases of shares within private limited companies.
Restructuring/ demerging of companies.
Management buyouts.
Joint ventures.
Shareholders’ agreements.
General corporate advisory work.

Outside of work, Natasha enjoys reading, spending time on the Welsh coast, and entertaining her young nieces.