Employment solicitor · Southampton and online
Employment law advice in plain English, at a fixed fee.
I’m Tessa Pennington, an independent employment solicitor. Offered a settlement agreement, facing redundancy, or something at work doesn’t feel right? I’ll tell you where you stand, what your options are and what help would cost, before you commit to anything.
- Fixed fees, agreed in writing
- Reply within one working day
- Video, phone or in person
Settlement agreement review
£450 + VAT
Fixed fee, usually paid by your employer.
Free 15-minute callNo obligation, no hard sell
Credentials
Solicitor since 2011England and Wales
Employment law onlyFor 15 years
Accredited mediatorWorkplace disputes
Member, SELFSouthern Employment Lawyers’ Forum
Where I can help
One area of law, done properly.
I only do employment law, and I mostly act for employees and senior staff. That focus means quicker answers, sensible fees and no being passed around a firm.
Leaving a job
Settlement agreements, redundancy and negotiating a fair exit package.
- Settlement agreements
- Redundancy
- Exit negotiation
Problems at work
Discrimination, harassment, grievances and disciplinary meetings, while you’re still employed.
- Discrimination
- Grievances
- Disciplinaries
Claims and disputes
Unfair or constructive dismissal, early conciliation and employment tribunal claims.
- Unfair dismissal
- Early conciliation
- Tribunal claims
Starting a new job
Contract checks before you sign, including notice periods, bonuses and restrictive covenants.
- Contract review
- Non-competes
How working together works
Four steps. No surprises.
- 1
A free 15-minute call
Tell me what’s happening. I’ll flag any urgent deadlines and say honestly whether I can help.
- 2
A fixed fee, in writing
You get a short letter saying exactly what I’ll do and what it costs. Nothing starts until you say yes.
- 3
Advice you can use
A clear written summary of your position, your options and the risks of each, in plain English.
- 4
You decide what’s next
Negotiate, raise a grievance, make a claim or move on. It’s your call, and I’ll back whichever you choose.
Fixed fees
Know the cost before you start.
Most of my work is done for a fixed fee, quoted in writing. Where a fixed fee isn’t realistic, such as a full tribunal claim, I fix the price of each stage so you’re never handed an open-ended bill.
Settlement agreement review
Usually paid in full by your employer
£450+ VAT, fixed
Redundancy check
Is the process fair? Is the pay right?
£325+ VAT, fixed
Advice session
One hour, plus a written summary
£350+ VAT, fixed
Payment plans
Spread fees over £1,000 across three months, interest-free
Client reviews
“I finally understood what was going on.”
4.9 out of 5 from 212 reviews
“I was sent a settlement agreement on a Friday with a Tuesday deadline. Tessa read it over the weekend, explained every clause on a call and got the reference wording changed. My employer paid her fee.”
“After nine years I was put at risk of redundancy. Tessa spotted that the selection scoring hadn’t been applied consistently and helped me raise it calmly. I knew the cost from day one.”
“I’d been dreading my grievance meeting for weeks. Tessa helped me write it up and plan what to say. No jargon, no pressure, and she was honest about what was and wasn’t worth pursuing.”
Reviews describe individual clients’ experiences. Every case is different and past results don’t guarantee a similar outcome.
Questions
Before you get in touch
Quick answers to what people ask most. The guides go into more detail.
Yes. The 15-minute call is free and you’re under no obligation afterwards. It’s a chance to explain what’s happening, hear whether I can help and find out what it would cost. It isn’t detailed legal advice: that comes once we’ve agreed a fixed fee.
Usually, yes. Most employers offer a contribution towards your legal fees, often between £350 and £750 plus VAT, because the agreement is only binding if you’ve had independent advice. My fixed fee is £450 plus VAT, so most people pay nothing themselves.
Often not long. Many employment tribunal claims must be started within three months less one day of the dismissal or the act you’re complaining about, and you normally have to contact ACAS first. Try the deadline calculator for a rough date, and speak to a solicitor quickly if it’s close.
No. Most clients speak to me by video or phone, and documents are signed electronically. If you’d rather meet, my office is in Chandlers Yard, a short walk from Southampton Central.
Occasionally, for small local businesses, but most of my clients are employees and senior staff. Before we speak I run a conflict check to make sure I’ve never acted for the other side in your matter.
Free, no obligation
Not sure where you stand? Let’s talk it through.
A 15-minute call with me, Tessa. You’ll hang up knowing your options, any deadlines to watch and what help would cost.