Valerie is an Associate in Stephens Scown’s Employment team, advising employers and employees on a broad range of workplace issues, with particular experience in Employment Tribunal litigation. She qualified as a solicitor in 2020 and joined Stephens Scown in December 2024.

She supports employer and employee clients with both contentious and non-contentious issues, with a particular focus on Employment Tribunal claims. Having acted for both employers and employees, she is well placed to anticipate the arguments likely to be raised by the other side and to develop pragmatic strategies that support her clients’ objectives.

Valerie understands that employment disputes often arise during some of the most stressful periods in a person’s career or during difficult periods of change for a business. She focuses on providing clear, practical advice that helps clients understand their options and feel supported throughout the process.

She also has experience conducting workplace grievance investigations on behalf of employers, managing investigations sensitively and producing detailed reports to assist decision-making and organisational outcomes.

Recent examples of her Employment Tribunal work include:

• Hambly v Bond Oxborough Phillips [6015161/2024] – Representing the husband of a deceased Claimant in a claim of disability discrimination and unfair dismissal.
• Representing a Claimant in a whistleblowing detriment and unfair dismissal claim against an NHS Trust and multiple named respondents.
• Representing a Claimant in multiple Employment Tribunal claims against a healthcare organisation. The claims included sexual harassment, sex discrimination, victimisation and whistleblowing detriment. Valerie secured a high-value settlement that enabled the client to move forward following an extremely difficult period.
• Successfully obtaining the strike out of claims for unfair dismissal and unlawful deduction from wages on behalf of a Respondent.

Valerie has developed a particular interest in healthcare-related employment matters and regularly advises healthcare professionals and individuals working within NHS organisations. Through this work, she has gained a strong understanding of the workplace and regulatory issues that healthcare professionals can face and enjoys helping clients find practical solutions to complex situations.

Clients appreciate Valerie’s pragmatic approach, clear communication and ability to handle sensitive situations with confidence and care.

Outside of work, Valerie enjoys being outdoors, particularly paddleboarding, camping, running, and spending time with friends.