Background:

Victoria’s first degree was in Biochemistry at Southampton University followed by a MPhil in Biochemical Genetics jointly sponsored by Southampton University and Magdalen College Oxford.

After leaving Southampton she pursued a career in industry firstly as an Industrial Relations specialist for companies working within manufacturing, broadcasting and water treatment and supply, and then as a self-employed management consultant.

She undertook her law degree as an external part time student of London University and was one of only three students in her part time year to be awarded a first class honours degree.

She took the BVC at the ICSL and was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in July 1997.

Police Law:

Victoria has acted for a number of Constabularies in disciplinary matters at first instance and at appeal both as a representative and as a legal advisor. She advises a number of constabularies in relation to police pensions and their administration. The majority of her police work focuses on advising and representing forces with respect to employment/discrimination matters.

Recent Police Cases:

TVPA v Berkshire County Council 2009: Case involving claim for multiple errors in pensions calculations stretching over a number of years and amounting to seven-figure value. Case goes to arbitration.

Employment Law:

Victoria’s main areas of practice are employment and discrimination law. She has represented clients within the public service and private industry in complex and lengthy cases in all aspects of her employment practice, and in particular in relation to all types of discrimination claims. She also has particular experience of Restrictive Covenants, TUPE and employment status cases. She represents many police forces in employment and discrimination cases often with associated matters such as PII, RIPA and cases with National Security implications.

Her advocacy work involves frequent appearances in the Employment Tribunal and the High Court. Her appellate work has included appearances in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. Victoria is retained as employment law advisor to the one of the world’s largest brick companies as well as the world’s third largest oil company. Her advisory work spans employment, statutory interpretation and pensions.

McKie v Bluefin Insurance 2009 Scottish ET: Acted for Claimant in Constructive dismissal claim with restraint of trade sequellae

Haynes v Gloucestershire Police 2009: Case involving a claim of disability discrimination against a dyslexic Chief Inspector applying for promotion to Superintendent. Majority of claim dismissed. Costs application outstanding

Chandler v Kent Police 2009: Race discrimination claim settled through mediation (VvW acted as mediator) resulting in predominantly non-financial solution