Damian is regarded as one of the leading employment lawyers in South Wales. He has over 20 years’ experience of employment law, 12 of them spent as a Partner in Darwin Gray’s renowned employment team.
He has considerable experience of advising employers and senior executives in respect of complex and often high value employment disputes and also non-contentious employment law issues. Areas include unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE (being of particular interest), business reorganisation, redundancy, corporate acquisitions and disciplinary procedures. Damian also specialises in advising professional sports people on employment matters, particularly high-profile international rugby players and coaches
Damian’s technical legal knowledge is excellent but additionally, he strives to provide clear, objective advice and seek commercial and practical solutions when most beneficial. Damian is able to quickly get to the core of complex issues and has developed a keen sense of when to dig in and when to be more pragmatic. Damian is described by clients as “an excellent employment lawyer” and “a level-headed and constructive person whose advice is based on both experience and fact”.
Considerate and good-humoured, Damian delivers training on employment and HR, and is a regular legal commentator on BBC Radio and contributor to employment law news. He was the South Wales Representative of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) for a number of years and sat on its National Management Committee.
For Employers
Providing employment advice and support for a nationally renowned theatre on its merger with two other arts organisations and the creation of a new arts organisation. TUPE was a particular issue.
Successfully defending an industrial client in proceedings by a former senior executive for unfair dismissal and age discrimination. The claims were withdrawn before the final hearing as a result of the robust defence.
Advising a training provider on significant fragmentation issues under TUPE arising from service provision changes.
Acting for several businesses in removing CEOs/senior executives through firm negotiations.
Advising a multinational corporation regarding its Sales Agents and the impact of the Commercial Agents Regulations
Defending claims of race and sex discrimination and whistleblowing by a former employee.
Advising several businesses in both manufacturing and professional services sectors on enforcing post termination obligations owed by former employees.
Advising several Housing Association on managing out their Chief Executive, dealing with both employment law and regulatory issues.
Providing significant support to numerous businesses and organisations on the impact of the COVID-10 pandemic
Advising on the employment aspects of an £8m sale of a care home
For individuals
Advising the UK MD of an international motorbike manufacturer on his exit from the business.
Advising numerous leading professional rugby players and coaches in respect of contract disputes with Regional and English Premiership clubs and the WRU/RFU.
Representing an individual in regulatory proceedings by a sport related National Governing Body
Advising/representing numerous senior executives on exits from various financial institutions in the City
Advising senior executives in respect of post termination obligations owed to former employers.
Representing an employee in sexual orientation discrimination proceedings against a university.
TUPE transfers, particularly relating to service provision changes
Unfair dismissal
Restructuring and redundancy
Self-employed contractors
Partnership agreements
Whistleblowing
Discrimination
Employment issues involving corporate mergers and acquisitions
Employment contracts and policies
Professional sports
Post-employment obligations and restrictions
Data protection / GDPR
Disciplinary and grievance procedures and investigations
Employment Tribunal litigation
Experience
Partner, Darwin Gray – 2009 – present
Senior Associate Solicitor, Hugh James – 2003-2009
Solicitor, Lyons Davison – 2002-2003
Trainee solicitor/solicitor, Charles Crookes & Jones – 1995-2002
Education
Cheltenham College
Manchester University
College of Law, York
Employment Lawyers Association
Parent Governor at Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch
Non-Executive Director of Welsh Sports Association
Non-Executive Board Member of Welsh Rugby Players’ Association
Cardiff and County Club
I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”
Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”
An extremely professional and sincere firm who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the firm to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”
PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”
Darwin Gray have acted for myself and my company over a number of years and at all times we have been treated with a professional manner yet maintain a common-sense approach at all levels. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism. They work around us, even during awkward hours, and we feel confident we can always rely on them.”
Darwin Gray has been acting for Siltbuster for more than ten years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray to other organisations small or large.”
From the very first conversation, I had no doubt that Darwin Gray should be the firm to receive our instructions on this matter. I would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray.”
We regularly instruct Darwin Gray. Their service in dealing with our transactional matters and disputes is always professional, prompt and efficient.”
Darwin Gray guided me through a long and extended process that would have been much more difficult had it not been for their patience and constant support.”
Excellent and efficient service. Great result achieved, highly professional and transparent on pricing. Would recommend.”
Superb legal service provided. Exceeded expectations. They went above and beyond in order to provide the best service possible.”
Very professional and understanding. They were a calming influence in a very troubling situation and they brought it to a very successful conclusion”
We have used Darwin Gray and have been seriously impressed. The personal approach is what Darwin Gray are excelling on and is the reason why we will continue to work with them in the future.”
