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 in February 2019. Chris’ goal was to provide high quality Employment Law advice and representation to individuals and small businesses.

Since then, Lauren Beaumont, Jessica Daniel, Helen Littlewood and Rizwana Ishaq have joined to expand the firm’s capability and broaden its Employment Law expertise. Find out more about the team here.

People Legal is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and its registration number is: 654830.

People Legal has been ranked as a ‘Leading Firm’ twice 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.’ In the recent 2022 edition, they have commented that ‘as a team [we] pack a punch and work on high value and complex cases at a fraction of the cost of [our] competitors.’ Chris has also personally been recommended by Legal 500 on numerous occasions and most recently clients have referred to him as ‘bright, commercial and a pleasure to work with’, ‘very personable’, with ‘exemplary level of understanding and precision of legal knowledge’, a ‘client-friendly approach’ and ‘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.

Responsive

Emotionally intelligent

Find out more about us

Pragmatic

Affordable

Let’s talk about your case

Arrange a chat using our online booking system and together we'll resolve your problems

Arrange a chat

Some words from our happy clients

Arrange a chat to become one of them!

"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

"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

"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 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

"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

"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

"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

"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

Latest from our blog

View all

20Jan

Can you be dismissed for raising grievances?

Yes, held the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in the recent case of Hope v British Medical Associat...

30Sep

Are flexible working requests set to change?

As people start returning to the workplace, more staff are making flexible working requests which is...

12Aug

When a failure to consider furlough will result in an unfair dismissal

The Employment Tribunal (“ET”) have recently found, in the case of Mhindurwa v Lovingangels Care, th...