Experience
Joe’s clients include senior executives, partners, board directors, sportspersons and athletes.
His practice includes advice to employees on a broad range of employment and HR issues in both company and LLP contexts, often complex in nature. This work covers grievance and disciplinary investigations, unfair dismissal, discrimination complaints, whistleblowing, contract disputes, the negotiation of exit terms (including settlement agreements), and post-dismissal issues (including breaches of post-termination restrictions and enforcement).
Joe advises directors on their duties, appointments and exits.
He also advises employers. Joe’s work for employers covers both contentious and non-contentious issues, including providing HR advisory services, and drafting employment contracts and HR policies.
Acting for individuals and organisations allows Joe to develop a deep understanding of the issues affecting both sides of a dispute.
Joe has particular expertise in Employment Tribunal litigation, providing assistance to claimants and respondents at all stages.
Recognition
Joe is ranked by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 for his work for Senior Executives.
“Joe is incredibly professional and great in all areas. It is not just his knowledge of the law and experience that stands out, but also his ability to connect with the client and fully understand a situation including its background and sensitivities.” – Chambers
“He is very good at being responsive and listening to the issues we bring to him.” – Chambers
“Joe handles cases decisively and is very focused on understanding the details in order to respond strongly.” – Chambers
“Joseph Lappin is a real star: his reassuring manner belies a ferocious work ethic and ability beyond his years.” – The Legal 500
Accreditations and Memberships
- Member of the Employment Lawyers Association.
- Member of the International Forum of Senior Executive Advisers (IFSEA)
Career
Joseph gained his undergraduate degree in Economic History from Bristol University before obtaining his LLB at the University of Law.
He qualified as a solicitor at Penningtons Manches Cooper, a top 50 law firm, in 2014. Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, Joseph completed a graduate scheme in Human Resources Management at KPMG.
Joseph returned to KPMG’s employment law team as a solicitor in 2015 before joining Stewarts’ employment practice in February 2017. He was promoted to Partner in July 2019.
Publications and media
Joseph comments on employment law issues in different publications, including in the broadsheets, People Management and Personnel Today.
Joseph appeared on Sky News discussing the dispute between McDonald’s and their former CEO Steve Easterbrook, and the effect of the Uber decision on the gig economy.
He also appeared on CNBC News in 2022 to discuss the effect of the train strikes on the economy and work.
Joseph is a contributor to the annual Bloomsbury publication on Termination of Employment.
Personal
Joseph is a keen sportsman. Despite a long list of injuries and his age he represents a football team in the Southern Amateur League.
