Meet Phoebe Gogarty, Solicitor in the Swinburne Maddison Employment Team.
Phoebe joined the team in March 2023 and provides advice in all areas of employment law. She has particular expertise in representing both employers and employees in both mediation and tribunal cases including unfair and constructive dismissal cases, wrongful dismissal cases, discrimination, whistleblowing and breach of contract. Within the first few months of 2024, Phoebe had two large tribunal wins for her clients – one a London-based employer in a discrimination case and another relating to an unfounded sex discrimination claim.
In addition to her lawyer role, Phoebe presented at our recent employment seminar, providing a whistle-stop tour of the employment law changes for 2024 and beyond. She has also played a pivotal role in the launch of smartHR.
So, grab yourself a cuppa, and let’s get to know Phoebe!
Tell us about your role at SM…
I joined Swinburne Maddison in Spring 2023 as a solicitor in the employment law team. I work alongside managing associate, Sharney Randhawa and Managing Partner, Jonathan Moreland. We have recently been joined by Solicitor Anna Harbinson too.
My role as a lawyer is to support and advise employers and employees with their general queries, legal issues and their private and tribunal disputes.
Why did you choose a career in law?
I have been interested in a career in law since taking the subject at A Level, learning of the weird and wonderful cases that have
shaped our legal system.
You recently played a key role in the launch of smartHR. Please can you tell us more about it?
Our smartHR employment retainer service is the result of listening to our client’s experiences of other packaged HR support with their limitations to basic documents alongside a fixed block of hours for advice.
We wanted to offer an enhanced, no-fuss option of unlimited advice, bespoke documentation, training, and tribunal representation from a team of qualified solicitors. Our aim is for clients to feel confident and protected in all aspects of employment law from the outset to the end of an employment relationship, and everything in between, including legal expenses insurance to cover the financial risk associated with disputes.
If you could give one tip to an employer, what would it be?
Be aware of the, soon to be enforced, Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, under which employers will need to ensure
their tips are fairly distributed to their employees!
Do you have any interesting hobbies?
I love to read and visit new bookshops in each place I travel to. I hope to soon have a collection worthy of my own home library.
What’s your drive to work radio station?
Magic FM – I always try to play the Reflex game.
Beach holiday or city break?
I love nothing more than being by the sea so it would have to be a beach holiday for me.
This interview was previously featured in our Winter 2023 edition of Prism Magazine which can be viewed online by clicking here.
