Sejal Patel

Career and Experience

Sejal Patel is a Legal Director and Employment Team Manager specialising in complex, high‑value employment law disputes.

Sejal joined Lawson West in 2016 and has progressed rapidly to Legal Director -a reflection of her expertise, leadership and results. She was also shortlisted as a Finalist for Solicitor of the Year at the Leicestershire Law Society Awards 2025, recognition of her impact and client care.

She represents both employees and employers across a wide range of matters, with a particular focus on:

• Discrimination claims (especially disability and mental health-related cases)
• Whistleblowing and victimisation
• Unfair and constructive dismissal

Sejal is known for combining technical legal expertise with a pragmatic, results-driven approach, guiding clients from initial advice through to tribunal hearings and, where necessary, appeals.

Track Record & Results

Sejal has a strong track record of delivering successful outcomes in complex and sensitive cases. She has also been involved in cases before the Employment Appeal Tribunal, demonstrating her ability to handle technically demanding litigation at the highest level.

Sejal’s notable cases Include:

• Mr J Gibbin v Leicester City Council – 2604349/2020 & Leicester City Council v Mr John Gibbin: [2024] EAT 138 – Discrimination Arising from a Disability, Failure to Make Reasonable Adjustments; defended at EAT and now awaiting re-trial and remedy to be decided
• Mr Ben Varney v Thomas Percy Construction Limited – 2601356/2023 – unpaid wages and holiday pay was being claimed by the Claimant totalling £22,000; acting for the Respondent (employer) we successfully defended, ensuing our Client paid nothing.
• Mr J Dunn v Boots Opticians Professional Services Limited – 2602197/2022 – Successful claims for Unfair Dismissal, Disability Discrimination, and Failure to Make Reasonable Adjustments, with judgment in favour of the Claimant at the final hearing. A compensation award of £13,421.76 was granted at the subsequent remedy hearing.
• Mrs J Coley v Herongrange Recruitment & Training Solutions Ltd – 3303789/2023 – harassment and victimisation; awarded £117,465.19
• Mrs Sharon Williams v Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust – 1303251/2022 – Indirect disability discrimination, specifically on the basis of the application of the requirement to cover for the lack of support staff, and the particular disadvantage of exacerbation of mental health and greater risk of health-related problems and being less likely to be able to meet working requirements; awarded £21,700.06
• Ms K Miller v Earl Shilton Town Council – 2602588.2018, EA-2021-000196-LA , BBC national news coverage 8th Feb 2023 – Council’s gender-neutral toilets discriminated against female clerk – sex discrimination, harassment, victimisation
• Ms O King v Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust: 2302760/2020 – Unfair Dismissal – negotiated Consent Order for £32,056.58.
• Mrs M Garner v Cooper Residential Homes Limited – 2600428/2024 – a successful claim for Unfair Dismissal for and employee with over 11 years’ service; Remedy Hearing listed in February 2025.
• Mr R Sodano v Ensemble Software (UK) Ltd: 2214039/2023 – Discrimination Arising from a Disability, Failure to Make Reasonable Adjustments; awarded £61,147.70
• Mrs Lee-Shields v Exquisite Displays Ltd – 2601609/2022 – complex Unfair Dismissal – forced resign following employers repeatedly saying to deal with great grandson’s behaviour by giving them “a good slap” and “it never did any harm to my kids”; resignation amounted to unfair dismissal -awarded £24,725.35.
• Mr Steven Hickling v ASDA Stores Limited – 2601439/2021 – Unfair Dismissal – award basic award of £7,180.80 plus a compensatory award of £14,817.21
• Mr A Hardy v Kaby Engineers Limited – 2600119/2020 – Discrimination Arising from a Disability -awarded £32,227.56

It’s important to note that these are only the cases that are publishable, as most are settled before reaching a final hearing.

For Employers & Businesses

Sejal advises businesses, directors and HR teams on:

• Managing disciplinary, grievance and dismissal processes
• Redundancy and restructuring
• TUPE and business transfers
• Drafting contracts, consultancy agreements and senior exit arrangements

She works closely with the firm’s commercial team, supporting clients on business sales, acquisitions and workforce risk management

Leadership & Approach

As Employment Team Manager, Sejal plays a key role in:

• Leading and mentoring junior lawyers
• Driving client service standards and case strategy
• Supporting innovation, including new systems to improve client experience

Her approach is:

• Strategic – focused on achieving the best possible outcome
• Practical – cutting through complexity to give clear advice
• Supportive – ensuring clients feel informed and confident throughout

What Clients Say

“Outstanding from start to finish… professional, supportive and extremely knowledgeable.”

“Sejal made a stressful situation much easier to manage… clear advice and excellent communication.”

“She genuinely cares and goes above and beyond.”

Why Work With Sejal

Clients choose Sejal because she:

• Has experience in complex and high-value claims
• Delivers clear, honest and practical advice
• Combines strong negotiation skills with tribunal expertise
• Provides genuine support during difficult situations

Get in Touch

If you need advice on an employment issue, Sejal will guide you through your options and help you take the right next step.

About Sejal

Sejal is a Buffalo Bills and Lewis Hamilton fan!