High-flying solicitor navigates through employment law minefield

High-flying employment law specialist Jo McKenna has joined Birkett Long’s business team and is enjoying helping clients to tackle complex cases.

A former student at The Boswells School in Chelmsford, Jo developed her love of law when she studied the subject for A level and was taught by a former solicitor. She graduated in the top ten of her year on the LLB course at the University of Nottingham, and gained a distinction from her Legal Practice Course in Leeds.

Jo worked as a paralegal in Chelmsford and London, before starting her training contract with a firm based in Ipswich and Chelmsford. She qualified as a solicitor in 2014 and worked for a law firm in Colchester before joining Birkett Long’s Basildon office.

Jo, who still lives in Chelmsford, said: “Employment law affects everyone and can have one of the biggest impacts on an individual’s life. It can be very distressing for employees to find themselves facing disciplinary proceedings or dismissal and, for employers, the ever changing legislation and procedures they are required to follow can be a minefield.

“Through the recently launched Birkett Long HR service, I am excited by the opportunity to work with clients as an extension of their team, supporting them with their employment issues and allowing them to focus on running their business.”

Jo added, “Birkett Long is a progressive and dynamic firm, which really invests time in supporting and encouraging staff to fulfil their potential, and I look forward to developing my career with them.”

Outside the office, Jo is a salsa dancing enthusiast, dancing several times a week and teaching beginners.