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, Helen Littlewood, Rizwana Ishaq and Georgia Goulding 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 Tier 2 ‘Leading Firm’ on numerous occasions by Legal 500. In the 2025 edition we were referred to as a ‘highly collaborative and modern’ specialist employment law firm.

Individual clients told Legal 500 that they felt ‘so lucky to have had [us] recommended to [them]. [We] were genuinely friendly and cared about [their] situation from the first call.’

Business clients have told Legal 500 that we ‘distinguish [ourselves] through [our] unparalleled commitment to understanding [their] business and industry, ensuring that [our] advice is not only legally sound but also commercially practical.’

Chris has also personally been recommended by Legal 500 on numerous occasions, and over the last two years, he has been recognised as a ‘Next Generation Partner‘. In the 2025 edition, Legal 500 wrote that Chris is extremely knowledgeable in his field and that he frequently advises high-net-worth individuals on issues such as discrimination, whistleblowing and constructive dismissal.

Despite only being one year qualified, Lauren has also been recognised as a ‘Leading Associate‘, recognising the well deserved great feedback that she has personally received from our clients.

Chris has also received recognition from Chambers and Partners. Over the last two years he has been ranked in Band 4 with clients telling Chambers and Partners that ‘his set of expertise shines through’ and that ‘he inspires confidence in knowledge’. They have also said that ‘he is responsive, good to work with and has the highest order of client manner’. They have also commented that ‘Chris is an absolute powerhouse and a fountain of knowledge’, that ‘his experience is unrivalled and [they] constantly feel in safe hands’ and that ‘Chris is a very skilled and committed lawyer.’

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

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Pragmatic

Affordable

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Some words from our happy clients

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"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 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 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

"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 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 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

"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