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 for 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 clients range from national PLC’s to owner managed businesses. Trula has a reputation for a sensitive, but practical approach to achieving her client’s objectives.

Paralegal Abi is the newest member of the firm, having joined in September 2018. Abi graduated from the University of Exeter in July 2018 with a Law degree, having studied in the South West for three years. During her time at University, Abi gained valuable time-management and organisational skills which enabled her to efficiently delegate her time between leading volunteer projects in local secondary schools and the lecture halls. Similarly, in Sherbornes Abi splits her time between different areas of the firm. Abi’s days are always varied as she finds herself assisting other fee-earners on matters in the Employment and Company sectors of the firm.

Matt joined Sherbornes in 2016 and has built up a wealth of experience as a junior member of the firm. His days are varied, assisting the other fee earners on a diverse range of employment, company and commercial matters. Matt originally completed a degree in Criminology before completing the GDL and Legal Practice Course. He achieved a Masters in Legal Practice, writing his dissertation on the impacts to employers of the widening scope of protected characteristics. Within the Employment team he assists with both bringing and defending Employment Tribunal claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, unpaid wages and TUPE related issues. He also assists with an array of corporate matters, ranging from company incorporations through to business sales and purchases.

Tonia started her career as a business advisor in Greece in 2010. She holds a Bachelor in Finance and a MSc in Marketing. She has more than 8 years’ experience in business administration, specialising in finance. As a former business owner herself, she understands what it takes to run a business. Tonia likes a challenge and she sees client satisfaction as her number one priority. While raising invoices and setting up payments, she is monitoring the firm’s compliance and she is handling all marketing activities. She is a strong believer in personal development and she always attends different courses, like First Aid, AAT Accounting and various conferences