Blacks Solicitors LLP’s Leeds-based employment team is led by Paul Kelly and Tom Moyes, with Chris Allen and David Ward also playing key roles. The team acts for both employers and employees, bringing a balanced perspective to its contentious and advisory work. Kelly is known for advising senior executives, particularly in the sports sector, while Moyes focuses on long-term employer relationships. Allen is a go-to adviser for SME owners and executives, and Ward has developed a strong profile in employment tribunal litigation and education-sector disputes. Anna Schiavetta is also noted for her tribunal expertise and high-profile discrimination work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘What makes this practice unique is their exceptional commitment to personalised service and their understanding of the specific challenges faced by clients from diverse backgrounds.'

  • 'Potential clients would appreciate this firm's strengths in employment law, their empathetic approach, and their proactive communication style. They truly stand out compared to other firms due to their collaborative team dynamic, which brings together diverse perspectives to deliver well-rounded legal solutions'

Key clients

  • EMS-FP&S Truck & Trailer Parts
  • Augean PLC

Work highlights

Successfully represented Kerr Mackie Primary School in defending a complex Employment Tribunal claim.
Practice head

Paul Kelly; Tom Moyes

Other key lawyers

Chris Allen; David Ward; Anna Schiavetta; Euan Lawrence