News

Aberdeen’s leading commercial law firm, Paull & Williamsons, has strengthened its employment law division with the appointment of two senior members of staff, making it the largest team of employment lawyers based in the city.

David Burnside, one of the city’s most eminent and experienced lawyers, joins as a consultant. Tricia Walker, who has worked closely with David in the past, joins as a partner. The pair now forms part of an 11-strong team that comprises five partners with a variety of specialisms including strategic advice in redundancy/reorganisation projects, pensions, discrimination, working time and TUPE. The firm can now also boast two Employment Specialists as accredited by the Law Society of Scotland in David and head of division, Sean Saluja.

David has been one of the leading figures of employment law in Scotland for more than 35 years and was a founder member of the Industrial Law Group (now the Employment Law Group). He has appeared at Employment Tribunals throughout Scotland, England and Wales and advised employers and employees across all sectors on every aspect of employment law from formation of contracts to complex sex discrimination cases.  His experience as a member of the steering committee for the Chinook, Piper Alpha, Brent Spar and Cormorant Disasters and his acting as joint lead negotiator in the Piper Alpha Disaster have given him a considerable knowledge in dealing with complex issues.

The firm’s Employment Law Division is headed by lead partner Sean Saluja, who has been heavily involved in Working Time Regulations tribunals held in Aberdeen. The unions supporting these cases have recently appealed the EAT decision, which decided matters in favour of the employers, and the outcome is likely to have a significant impact on the offshore oil and gas industry generally. Tricia Walker is an integral part of the legal team acting for the employers in the WTR cases. She also brings a substantial amount of tribunal and training experience to the team.

Sean Saluja said: “I am delighted we have secured David and Tricia’s services. David is one of the most experienced and respected employment lawyers in Scotland at present and his knowledge and expertise will enhance an already very strong team.  Tricia is also a very talented employment lawyer who brings with her great dynamism and commitment.”