Victoria Willson

Partner

Email  vwillson@levenesemployment.co.uk

Direct dial  020 7148 7852

Download vCard and add to Outlook

"...Victoria Willson is 'very strong, technically and tactically'." Legal 500 UK 2011

I have specialised in employment law since qualifying as a solicitor in 2003 and joined Levenes Employment in January 2009 from a large commercial City practice.

I enjoy advising on all employment law issues but find it particularly rewarding to advise employers on day to day HR issues and guide them through restructuring processes, including advising on TUPE, a notoriously difficult area.

I successfully represented one of the respondents in the first appeal case regarding service provision changes under TUPE, Kimberley Group Housing Ltd v Hambley and others, and also the associated case, Clearsprings v Ankers and others. These cases involved over 170 claimants and 12 respondents in relation to the provision of accommodation and support services for asylum seekers for the Home Office.

I am a regular contributor to Third Sector, a leading publication for charities, the voluntary sector and social enterprises, and these articles can be viewed using the following links to its website (www.thirdsector.co.uk) -

• Notice can vary - as can the time permitted for a claim
• An employer's liability can extend beyond its own staff
• The risks of straying from good grievance procedure
• Expatriate employees who claim for unfair dismissal
• Lighting case illuminates legal duties of employers
• Charities should have clear policies on whistleblowing
• Discrimination claims can result in personal liability
• The importance of being employed in a legal sense
• Guard against allegations of discrimination at work
• Written standards help in claims of unfair dismissal
• An example of why all staff should be given contracts
• On call workers and the national minimum wage
• The definition of disability can lead to legal problems
• Timing is crucial when you dismiss a member of staff
• Whistleblowers are given wide ranging protection
• Costly court battle provides lessons in communication

In addition I provided Third Sector with expert comment on the legal rights of volunteers, the article on which can be viewed using the following link to its website - 

• Are volunteers entitled to any workplace rights? 

I have contributed to a wide range of other publications, including Legal Week, Chief Executive Officer, Better Business and Executary News.

I regularly speak on employment law issues and chair seminars. Most recently I was asked to speak at the Royal Society of Medicine and did so, delivering a presentation to over 100 delegates, including medical professionals and patients. Other events include a seminar on Flexible Working with the Federation of Small Businesses and Women Like Us, seminars on the Equality Act at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Midtown Business Club, and providing bespoke training for managers at charities and accountants. 

I am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and am participating in its pro bono initiative. I was a member of the Levenes Employment teams which recently completed the London Legal Support Trust's sponsored walk and the Crisis Square Mile relay race, helping to raise funds for these charities.  

I enjoy travel and visited Peru last year, completing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu being a particular highlight of the trip. Closer to home I am an art lover and am currently taking tap and ballet lessons.