We help people and small businesses by providing them with an exceptional, responsive and affordable employment law service. For individuals we offer free legal advice and apply a range of different funding options, including “no win no fee” arrangements. We also mediate disputes and provide training.

How we help people

How we help businesses

Employment law services

People Legal was founded by Chris McAvoy-Newns who, since 2008, has been a qualified Solicitor specialising in all aspects of Employment Law.

As well as practising in law firms such as Addleshaw Goddard and DWF, Chris has also worked in-house for organisations such as BP, British Airways and The Co-operative Group.

Chris is a CEDR-accredited mediator and experienced trainer. He enjoys conducting workplace mediations as well as designing and delivering bespoke training sessions.

People Legal has been ranked as a ‘Leading Firm’ by Legal 500, who have commented that it is an ‘extremely knowledgeable firm’ with an ‘excellent pedigree at a fraction of the cost of city centre practices.’ Chris has also personally been recommended by Legal 500 on numerous occasions and most recently clients have cited his ‘exemplary level of understanding and precision of legal knowledge’, his ‘client-friendly approach’ and his ‘approachability and ability to break down what is required into workable and comprehensible terminology’.

Chris also sits as a part-time Employment Judge in the North East of England Employment Tribunals. As such, unfortunately, we may not be able to assist you with your claim if it is likely to be heard in the Newcastle, Leeds or Sheffield Employment Tribunals. If you have any queries regarding this, please contact us and we can discuss this further.

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Some words from our happy clients

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"Chris is able to understand issues quickly and give prompt, accurate and honest advice in employment disputes, leading to a speedy and satisfactory resolution for all parties. He is extremely professional, always making time to be available for any questions and I have no hesitation in recommending his services", Gary, North West

"I recently worked with Chris on an Employment Tribunal case, which we won. Chris has a great manner, friendly, approachable and open. He is extremely knowledgeable and meticulous in his work. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him. Thank you", Gayle, Operations, FTSE 100, London

"As a small business we outsource all of our HR to Chris and his team. They are 24/7 and superb in their diligent, careful and intelligent counsel. I commend Chris wholeheartedly", John, Business Owner, Cheshire/London

"From the moment I met Chris he came across as knowledgeable, supportive and detailed. He always put me at ease and whenever I had any further questions or queries nothing was too much trouble. Incredibly attentive", Andrew, Operations, FTSE 100, London

"I would always recommend Chris to provide a thorough and professional service. I would not hesitate to approach Chris for future work", Chloe, HR, North West

"Chris is very professional and very knowledgeable in his field. He plans his strategy carefully and thinks ahead of every action while consulting with client. I definitely recommend this young solicitor as he definitely knows what he is doing", Kiavash, Birmingham

"Chris... is a knowledgeable and pragmatic employment lawyer, who built up a strong working relationship with myself and my HR Business Partner colleagues. He ran some great training sessions for our teams to up skill business partners in employment law. Great to work along side with", Iwan, HR, FTSE 100, London

"Chris is a delight to work with - a genuine partner. I quickly came to trust his detailed and thoughtful professional advice. Chris is hugely responsive, energetic and committed to the best outcome possible", Ann, HR, FTSE 100, London

"Chris is very knowledgeable, honest and professional and went above and beyond what I would have expected with the support and advice he provided to me. I would highly recommend him without hesitation", Lisa, North West

Latest from our blog

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11Feb

Penalties for businesses who fail to train staff regularly on anti-discrimination

The importance of effective and frequent equal opportunities training was recently highlighted by th...

12Jan

Home-schooling and Furlough

Last week, HMRC updated their guidance to confirm that employees who are unable to work because they...

24Jun

Chris McAvoy-Newns appointed as Fee Paid Employment Judge

We are delighted to announce that our Founder, Chris McAvoy-Newns, has been appointed as a Fee Paid...