Joanne Owers

Joanne joined the Employment & Pensions Group as a Partner in October 2016.

Joanne advises national and international employers on a wide range of HR and employment issues, both contentious and non-contentious. She has developed a particular expertise in defending high value and complex discrimination claims and in advising financial institutions on the employment law aspects of the Senior Managers & Certification Regime working alongside her regulatory and governance colleagues. In addition, she has considerable expertise in the employment aspects of GDPR and has assisted a number of clients with their preparations for and implementation of the new law, particularly in the financial services sector.

Joanne co-chairs the City HR Consultation, Legislation and Policy Committee which has taken the lead in working with HR to consider the implications of the Senior Managers Regime and has run numerous seminars on the topic for City HR and clients. She writes and lectures extensively on topical employment law matters, including for various branches of the CIPD. She has been interviewed on Radio 4's Law in Action and is actively involved in delivering seminars and training to clients. 

Joanne is also a past Chair of the 6000 member Employment Lawyers Association and is currently a member of its Legislative and Policy Committee in which she is playing an active role in responding to key Government consultations. In this capacity she co-chairs the Harassment standing committee which provides commentary on ELA's behalf on #MeToo issues (including proposals to alter NDA's and Settlement Agreements).

Endorsements

"Praised by clients for her 'blend of pragmatism and commerciality' and 'unflappable style'." Legal 500 UK 2020 Edition, Employment, Bristol

“ Clients have 'complete confidence in her guidance and advice', particularly in the regulated financial sector.” Legal 500 UK 2020 Edition, Employment, Bristol