Karen qualified as a solicitor in 2006 and has over 15 years’ experience advising clients on all aspects of employment law.

Karen serves as trusted advisor to a number of businesses, obtaining a deep understanding of their operations and objectives and providing responsive, tailored and commercial advice.

Her practice has a strong international flavour and she is frequently called upon to translate English law concepts for overseas clients and contacts, and to support global GCs and SVPs, HR in managing senior UK hires (and exits) and other organisational changes.

Karen has particular expertise advising on the people side of corporate transactions, regularly acting as lead employment counsel on acquisitions, disposals and investments.

Karen’s recent experience includes:

• serving as lead UK employment counsel on a high profile, multi-billion USD acquisition;
• defending a high value discrimination claim on behalf of an FCA regulated client;
• serving as trusted advisor to a global asset manager, advising on employment and related regulatory matters; and
• drafting, implementing and project managing the roll-out of new employment contracts to the UK workforce of an international pharmaceutical business.

Karen joined Shoosmiths in April 2019 following nine years at Howard Kennedy LLP and five and a half years at Dechert LLP.

Karen is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and previously served two terms as a non-executive director on its management committee.