Our People°
Building and maintaining strong and long-lasting client relationships is at the heart of everything that we do at People Law. We are aware that this is a very easy thing to write on a webpage, but the only real measure of this statement that really matters is whether clients continue to value our insight and judgement over time, and over repeated instructions. We invest heavily in the education of our whole team because that directly equates to investing heavily in our client relationships.


E: darrenstevens@peoplelaw.legal
T: +44 (0)1622 933 547
With over two decades of experience, Darren has advised clients across a wide range of sectors, including local government, education, healthcare, and the third sector. He has held senior positions, including Partner in a regional law firm and Head of Employment Law at a niche consultancy, providing trusted guidance to CEOs, HR Directors, and business leaders on complex, risk-based decisions.
Darren is a qualified coach, accredited mediator, and holds the Law Society’s Higher Rights of Audience qualification, allowing him to advocate in the Senior Courts of England and Wales. He has also served as a non-executive director, trustee, and Chair of Governors for multiple schools.
Outside of work, Darren enjoys golf, family time, and exploring business and psychology through the works of thinkers like Jim Collins and Brené Brown.

Darren Stevens
CEO & Solicitor
E: darrenstevens@peoplelaw.legal
T: tel:+441622933547
With over two decades of experience, Darren has advised clients across a wide range of sectors, including local government, education, healthcare, and the third sector. He has held senior positions, including Partner in a regional law firm and Head of Employment Law at a niche consultancy, providing trusted guidance to CEOs, HR Directors, and business leaders on complex, risk-based decisions.
Darren is a qualified coach, accredited mediator, and holds the Law Society’s Higher Rights of Audience qualification, allowing him to advocate in the Senior Courts of England and Wales. He has also served as a non-executive director, trustee, and Chair of Governors for multiple schools.
Outside of work, Darren enjoys golf, family time, and exploring business and psychology through the works of thinkers like Jim Collins and Brené Brown.

E: amandabrown@peoplelaw.legal
T: +44 (0)1622 534 072
Amanda has 25 years’ experience in employment law, advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters. She has held senior roles, including Associate at a large regional firm and Legal Director at a niche employment law firm and HR consultancy, with a particular focus on equality and diversity.
Amanda works across public and private sectors, advising industries such as higher education, hospitality, and maritime. Known for her pragmatic and strategic advice, she’s a trusted partner for senior leaders and HR teams. Amanda also delivers bespoke in-house training.
She holds a degree in modern languages, a postgraduate diploma in law, and is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. Amanda is also a qualified coach.
Based in the South West, Amanda enjoys exploring Exmoor, Dartmoor, and Cornwall with her family. A keen foodie, she loves hosting and indulging in crime thrillers, both in books and films. She’s also learning Italian to fuel her passion for languages.

Amanda Brown
Legal Director
E: amandabrown@peoplelaw.legal
T: tel:+441622534072
Amanda has 25 years’ experience in employment law, advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters. She has held senior roles, including Associate at a large regional firm and Legal Director at a niche employment law firm and HR consultancy, with a particular focus on equality and diversity.
Amanda works across public and private sectors, advising industries such as higher education, hospitality, and maritime. Known for her pragmatic and strategic advice, she’s a trusted partner for senior leaders and HR teams. Amanda also delivers bespoke in-house training.
She holds a degree in modern languages, a postgraduate diploma in law, and is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. Amanda is also a qualified coach.
Based in the South West, Amanda enjoys exploring Exmoor, Dartmoor, and Cornwall with her family. A keen foodie, she loves hosting and indulging in crime thrillers, both in books and films. She’s also learning Italian to fuel her passion for languages.

E: dansmith@peoplelaw.legal
T: +44 (0)1622 956 241
Dan has 15 years’ experience in employment law, advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters. He began his career litigating in Employment Tribunals and later became an advocate, representing employers nationally. Before joining People Law, Dan was a Senior Associate at a niche employment law firm, focusing on litigation and consultancy for SMEs.
Dan has worked across various sectors, including healthcare, logistics, hospitality, and retail, partnering with senior leaders and HR teams. He also designs practical management training to help leaders enhance communication and handle challenging conversations.
Dan holds a law degree from the University of Warwick, is a qualified barrister (non-practising), Chartered Legal Executive, and accredited mediator.
Outside work, Dan enjoys family time in the South West, exploring the countryside with his dog, and playing football.

Dan Smith
Legal Director
E: dansmith@peoplelaw.legal
T: tel:+441622956241
Dan has 15 years’ experience in employment law, advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters. He began his career litigating in Employment Tribunals and later became an advocate, representing employers nationally. Before joining People Law, Dan was a Senior Associate at a niche employment law firm, focusing on litigation and consultancy for SMEs.
Dan has worked across various sectors, including healthcare, logistics, hospitality, and retail, partnering with senior leaders and HR teams. He also designs practical management training to help leaders enhance communication and handle challenging conversations.
Dan holds a law degree from the University of Warwick, is a qualified barrister (non-practising), Chartered Legal Executive, and accredited mediator.
Outside work, Dan enjoys family time in the South West, exploring the countryside with his dog, and playing football.

E: kerryrose@peoplelaw.legal
T: +44 (0)1622 933 547
Kerry is a CIPD Level 5-qualified HR professional with expertise in sensitive HR investigations and bespoke policy drafting. She has supported employers across diverse sectors, including agriculture, construction, NHS primary care, and recruitment, bringing a personable and adaptable approach to employee relations.
Prior to her HR career, Kerry spent 16 years as a patient advocate in adult mental health settings, honing robust yet compassionate skills that now inform her work in HR and employment law. She is also an alumna of the 2022 Daniel Barnett Virtual Employment Law Academy, graduating with commendation.
Outside of work, Kerry is passionate about motorsport, especially F1, and enjoys disciplined technical sports. A former martial arts trainee, she once completed a 7.5-tonne truck pull for charity. Kerry also loves crafting, outdoor activities, and spending quality time with her family.

Kerry Rose
HR Consultant
E: kerryrose@peoplelaw.legal
T: tel:+441622933547
Kerry is a CIPD Level 5-qualified HR professional with expertise in sensitive HR investigations and bespoke policy drafting. She has supported employers across diverse sectors, including agriculture, construction, NHS primary care, and recruitment, bringing a personable and adaptable approach to employee relations.
Prior to her HR career, Kerry spent 16 years as a patient advocate in adult mental health settings, honing robust yet compassionate skills that now inform her work in HR and employment law. She is also an alumna of the 2022 Daniel Barnett Virtual Employment Law Academy, graduating with commendation.
Outside of work, Kerry is passionate about motorsport, especially F1, and enjoys disciplined technical sports. A former martial arts trainee, she once completed a 7.5-tonne truck pull for charity. Kerry also loves crafting, outdoor activities, and spending quality time with her family.

E: clairemcintosh@peoplelaw.legal
Claire has been an HR Consultant since 2005, partnering with businesses from start-ups to global corporations. She has managed HR teams and developed HR strategies, workflows, and systems, with expertise across the employee lifecycle and HRIS implementation.
Her sector experience spans banking, logistics, healthcare, and more. Claire is a Fellow of the CIPD, a certified mediator, and holds project management and mental health advocacy qualifications.
Outside of work, Claire loves camping, hiking in Kent, and adventurous activities like scuba diving and snowmobiling.

Claire McIntosh
Senior HR Consultant
E: clairemcintosh@peoplelaw.legal
Claire has been an HR Consultant since 2005, partnering with businesses from start-ups to global corporations. She has managed HR teams and developed HR strategies, workflows, and systems, with expertise across the employee lifecycle and HRIS implementation.
Her sector experience spans banking, logistics, healthcare, and more. Claire is a Fellow of the CIPD, a certified mediator, and holds project management and mental health advocacy qualifications.
Outside of work, Claire loves camping, hiking in Kent, and adventurous activities like scuba diving and snowmobiling.

Grace Pariser
Senior HR Consultant
E: gracepariser@peoplelaw.legal
Grace has eight years of HR experience, including five years working as a consultant across multiple sectors. She partners with business leaders to deliver practical, commercially-focused HR support on complex people challenges, with particular expertise in employee relations including tackling tricky investigations and hearings.
Grace holds a Masters degree in Human Resources from the University of Plymouth, and is CIPD Level 7 qualified.
When not at work, Grace designs websites for HR consultancies and spends her weekends exploring woodlands with her chocolate labrador Darcey, or getting stuck into DIY projects at home.

Grace Pariser
Senior HR Consultant
E: gracepariser@peoplelaw.legal
Grace has eight years of HR experience, including five years working as a consultant across multiple sectors. She partners with business leaders to deliver practical, commercially-focused HR support on complex people challenges, with particular expertise in employee relations including tackling tricky investigations and hearings.
Grace holds a Masters degree in Human Resources from the University of Plymouth, and is CIPD Level 7 qualified.
When not at work, Grace designs websites for HR consultancies and spends her weekends exploring woodlands with her chocolate labrador Darcey, or getting stuck into DIY projects at home.

Karen Wellman
Senior HR Consultant
E: karenwellman@peoplelaw.legal
Across 15 years as an HR Director and, latterly, as an HR Consultant in Energy, Defence, Engineering, Health, Passenger Transport, Maritime, Manufacturing and Leisure, Karen has developed significant Employee Relations experience. She has particular expertise in collective industrial relations, working alongside employers in connection with trade unions matters.
Across a range of clients and sectors, Karen is instrumental in delivering complex HR Projects and transforming Leadership capability.
Karen is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and is a Qualified Mediator.
Outside of work she is a keen follower of F1, walking in the countryside, loves live music, and is a keen foodie.

Karen Wellman
Senior HR Consultant
E: karenwellman@peoplelaw.legal
Across 15 years as an HR Director and, latterly, as an HR Consultant in Energy, Defence, Engineering, Health, Passenger Transport, Maritime, Manufacturing and Leisure, Karen has developed significant Employee Relations experience. She has particular expertise in collective industrial relations, working alongside employers in connection with trade unions matters.
Across a range of clients and sectors, Karen is instrumental in delivering complex HR Projects and transforming Leadership capability.
Karen is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and is a Qualified Mediator.
Outside of work she is a keen follower of F1, walking in the countryside, loves live music, and is a keen foodie.

E: seangorman@peoplelaw.legal
T: +44 (0)7966 229 280
Sean qualified as a lawyer in 2006, becoming a partner at a large regional firm in 2011. Recognised as a leading individual by Chambers & Partners since 2010, he spent 10 years as a corporate M&A lawyer before transitioning into senior leadership roles in construction and professional services.
Most recently, Sean served as CEO of Outset Group, steering the business through private equity investment. He’s also an active investor, working with SMEs to drive growth.
Sean has extensive experience in sectors such as professional services, construction, SaaS, and food and drink.
A cycling enthusiast and avid learner, Sean enjoys exploring new topics, from coffee brewing to team building, and spending time abroad.

Sean Gorman
Consultant
E: seangorman@peoplelaw.legal
T: tel:07966229280
Sean qualified as a lawyer in 2006, becoming a partner at a large regional firm in 2011. Recognised as a leading individual by Chambers & Partners since 2010, he spent 10 years as a corporate M&A lawyer before transitioning into senior leadership roles in construction and professional services.
Most recently, Sean served as CEO of Outset Group, steering the business through private equity investment. He’s also an active investor, working with SMEs to drive growth.
Sean has extensive experience in sectors such as professional services, construction, SaaS, and food and drink.
A cycling enthusiast and avid learner, Sean enjoys exploring new topics, from coffee brewing to team building, and spending time abroad.

Deborah Scales
Consultant Solicitor
E: deborahscales@peoplelaw.legal
Deborah has 15 years’ experience as an employment and discrimination lawyer with a mixed practice, representing both businesses and individuals. Seeing things from “both sides” helps all of her clients achieve great outcomes.
Areas of expertise include discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing, restraint of trade, TUPE, collective redundancies, employment status and IR35 issues, as well as negotiating severance packages. With the explosion in remote working, Deborah has been advising businesses on the risks and opportunities of employing workers living in overseas jurisdictions. Industry sectors in which she has advised include publishing, creative and media, construction, education and IT.
Deborah was Called to the Bar as a barrister in 2007 and cross-qualified as a solicitor in 2011. She has sat on advisory panels including the EHRC’s panel on Religion & Belief and the Federation of Small Businesses’ Employment Law Policy Committee. She is a member of Lincoln’s Inn Denning Society. She has also been interviewed about employment law issues by BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Nottingham, BBC Radio Derby, and has appeared on BBC News.
Outside of work, Deborah enjoys reading, art galleries, following her local pub bands and catching up with her three adult daughters – when they are in the same country!

Deborah Scales
Consultant Solicitor
E: deborahscales@peoplelaw.legal
Deborah has 15 years’ experience as an employment and discrimination lawyer with a mixed practice, representing both businesses and individuals. Seeing things from “both sides” helps all of her clients achieve great outcomes.
Areas of expertise include discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing, restraint of trade, TUPE, collective redundancies, employment status and IR35 issues, as well as negotiating severance packages. With the explosion in remote working, Deborah has been advising businesses on the risks and opportunities of employing workers living in overseas jurisdictions. Industry sectors in which she has advised include publishing, creative and media, construction, education and IT.
Deborah was Called to the Bar as a barrister in 2007 and cross-qualified as a solicitor in 2011. She has sat on advisory panels including the EHRC’s panel on Religion & Belief and the Federation of Small Businesses’ Employment Law Policy Committee. She is a member of Lincoln’s Inn Denning Society. She has also been interviewed about employment law issues by BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Nottingham, BBC Radio Derby, and has appeared on BBC News.
Outside of work, Deborah enjoys reading, art galleries, following her local pub bands and catching up with her three adult daughters – when they are in the same country!

Josie Stevens
Administrator and Marketing Assistant
E: josiestevens@peoplelaw.legal
Before taking a career break to raise her two children, Josie was a teacher and Early Years Leader in a private school education setting.
Josie now supports the People Law team with administration, and with our marketing and client success endeavours.

Josie Stevens
Administrator and Marketing Assistant
E: josiestevens@peoplelaw.legal
Before taking a career break to raise her two children, Josie was a teacher and Early Years Leader in a private school education setting.
Josie now supports the People Law team with administration, and with our marketing and client success endeavours.