Woodcock Haworth and Nuttall (WHN) Solicitors has appointed Rudy Fendlen as Director and Head of Employment Law, strengthening the firm’s support for businesses across the North West.
Rudy brings extensive experience advising owner-managed businesses on the full range of employment law issues from contracts, workplace procedures and dispute resolution through to Employment Tribunal claims. He also specialises in advising shareholders on employment disputes.
Based at WHN’s Bury office, Rudy will work alongside the firm’s CEO and employment law specialist, Michael Shroot, to lead and develop the firm’s employment law offering, advising employers across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the wider North West. Rudy was previously an employment law partner at regional law firm, Rose Fendlen Law.
Michael Shroot, CEO at WHN Solicitors, said: “Rudy is an excellent addition to WHN and his appointment is an important step in our strategy to develop our employment law service for businesses and shareholders across the North West.
“His experience advising owners managed businesses that don’t have a dedicated inhouse HR resource is particularly valuable. These businesses need practical, commercially focussed advice from lawyers who understand the pressures they face, whether that is having the right employment practices in place to avoid problems, or dealing with disputes in a robust and timely manner.
“We are seeing a growing demand from directors, shareholders and senior executive facing sensitive employment disputes, and Rudy’s expertise will boost what is already a strong offering to individuals dealing with such issues.”
Rudy added: “WHN has a reputation for putting the client first in everything it does and I was attracted by this, the firm’s ambition and supportive culture.
“Employment law is entering a significant period of change. The new Employment Rights Act is a clear reminder that businesses need to have the right structures, legal processes, documentation and understanding in place to prevent issues before they arise. The rules are changing quickly.
“For owner managed businesses in particular, employment problems can quickly become disruptive, costly and time-consuming. They can also be hugely stressful for owners handling these issues. My focus is on giving clear and robust advice that helps them manage risk, resolve disputes quickly and free them up to focus on running and growing their business.”
Rudy lives in Bolton and, outside work, enjoys music, playing electric guitar, weightlifting and running.
