DSW lands first legal licensee in employment law push
DSW Legal has welcomed Apex Employment Solicitors as its first licensee, expanding the legal division of business advisory group Dow Schofield Watts into employment law.
The firm will operate as DSW Apex, led by founder Joanna Gooden, who becomes partner and head of employment at DSW Legal.
The appointment marks the next step in developing DSW’s legal platform, launched earlier this year to attract legal talent looking for an alternative to traditional partnership models.
Joanna Gooden, partner and head of employment at DSW Legal, said: “Joining DSW gives us the opportunity to build on that foundation, retaining our independence and client focus while benefiting from the relationships, infrastructure and wider expertise of an established professional services group.
“DSW’s entrepreneurial culture was a major attraction. Its network opens the door to a broader employer client base and gives us a platform to grow our team and develop practical training alongside our legal advice.”
Founded in 2019, Apex advises SMEs on employment matters including disciplinaries, grievances, contracts, handbooks, redundancy and negotiated exits.
It also represents employers and individuals in tribunal proceedings involving discrimination, unfair dismissal and breach of contract.
Headquartered in Maidstone, Apex operates remotely, serving clients across England.
Its four-person team comprises Gooden, two senior associates and an HR co-ordinator. Gooden trained at leading London law firm Herbert Smith.
The firm aims to grow to over 10 senior associates within three years.
DSW Apex will provide employment advice to clients of DR Solicitors, the primary care consultant-model firm acquired by DSW in 2024.
James Mallender, managing director at DSW Legal, added: “Welcoming Joanna and the Apex team is an important step in broadening our legal offering. They bring an established practice and employment expertise that will support clients of DR Solicitors and the wider DSW network.
“Our model gives entrepreneurial lawyers the freedom to run their own practice, backed by the infrastructure, relationships and expertise of the wider group.”
DSW Capital owns the Dow Schofield Watts and DR Solicitors brands.
