On the move: the latest East Midlands hires
Law firm Nelsons has appointed employment law expert Rachel Hatton as a partner within its Derby office.
With more than two decades of specialist employment and HR experience, Hatton has advised local and national businesses on all aspects of employment law, providing pragmatic and commercial advice, which includes advice on day-to-day HR queries, including disciplinary and grievance matters to redundancies, TUPE processes and senior executive exits.
She also has significant experience in undertaking independent disciplinary and or grievance investigations for clients, providing employment advice and assistance to companies in both the sale and purchase of businesses, as well as representing clients in contentious employment disputes which result in employment tribunal litigation.
Hatton trained as a solicitor at Rothera Bray, before joining Geldards in 2001, working at the firm for 15 years before working as a consultant.
She then moved to Fraser Brown in 2019 before the Knights acquisition, becoming a partner in 2023.
She said: “Nelsons is a name synonymous with quality legal services in the region, and I’m thrilled to be joining the well-established employment team. This move feels like a return to my roots, allowing me to focus on supporting the local business community within the East Midlands. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to build a strong employment law presence for Nelsons in Derby, working collaboratively with the existing team and bringing in new clients.
“Employment law is fundamentally about understanding people and their business needs, allowing us to provide truly tailored and effective advice. I’m also keen to help teams navigate the evolving employment law landscape, particularly in light of recent government changes. Her legal career has equipped Rachel with a deep understanding of the local and regional business landscape, alongside the employment law challenges faced by SMEs and larger organisations alike.”
Laura Kearsley, head of the employment team at Nelsons said: “We are proud to welcome Rachel to Nelsons; her extensive experience and deep understanding of the East Midlands market will be invaluable as we continue to grow our employment team and strengthen our presence across the region. Rachel’s commitment to building strong client relationships and her broad expertise will be a significant asset, particularly as we look to establish a strong foothold in Derby. Her arrival will undoubtedly enhance our ability to meet the evolving needs of our clients and further solidify our position as a leading employment law firm.”
A family lawyer at Timms Solicitors has been promoted to associate, a role which will include greater responsibility in business management, financial oversight and the training and development of key staff.
Melissa Knight
Melissa Knight takes up the post with immediate effect at Timms, which has offices in Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Ashby, and Swadlincote.
Her promotion is an unprecedented direct appointment and comes without her even needing to complete the firm’s standard in-house programme.
Strong leadership, unwavering dedication and an innovative approach to legal advocacy, Knight is a dedicated advocate for the most vulnerable members of society.
Knight said: “I am delighted to have been made an associate solicitor at Timms, who have continually supported my development since I started working at the firm five years ago. Timms has an exceptional reputation in both family law and providing legal services across the Midlands for over 130 years now.”
