Team

Jean Onions

by

Jean joined Astons Solicitors in 2011 bringing with her a strong administrative background and wealth of experience in support based roles.

Jean’s early career saw her undertake a variety of secretarial roles mainly within the legal and finance industry and more recently within the education sector where she worked as the Personal Assistant to the Duty Head of a local Secondary School. Jean has a proven track record as a multi tasker and is able to prioritise work loads to ensure that tasks are always completed to the highest of standards and to the strictest of deadlines.

In her spare time Jean enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking and singing, the latter of which can often be heard in the office. Jean also has a love of Jon Bon Jovi and has been lucky enough to have seen him numerous times live in concert.

Hannah Smith

by

Hannah joined Astons Solicitors in May 2018 having spent the previous 10 years of her career with another niche Employment Law Practice carrying out a very diverse Business Support role. Having a strong interest in law, Hannah embarked on a law degree with the Open University, which she then went on to complete whilst working part-time and achieved a First. Managing her studies whilst also working in a busy practice gave Hannah a real insight into the diversity of law and in particular employment law for which she has a real passion.

Since joining the team at Astons, Hannah has proven herself to be extremely proficient in all aspects of administrative support and in particular to have a real keen eye for detail. Proof reading is Hannah’s speciality.

In her spare time Hannah enjoys socialising with family and friends and reading a good book when her young family allows it!

Stacey Aston

by

Stacey joined Astons Solicitors in October 2011 as Head of Business Development to drive forward sales and marketing for the firm.

As a progressive and expanding law firm this was a significant acquisition for Astons. With a 2:1 degree in History and American Studies from Keele University and over 10 years experience in high profile national sales roles within the hospitality industry, Stacey brought with her a wealth of knowledge and skills in account management.

Since joining Astons, Stacey has enhanced the firm’s brand, corporate awareness and added new clients to the Firm’s portfolio. In 2017, following the semi-retirement of former senior partner and founder Robin Aston, Stacey became joint director of the firm with her husband Edward.

Stacey enjoys meeting new people and prides herself on her ability to build solid trusted working relationships.

Outside of work Stacey enjoys an energetic family and social life.

Anita North

by

Anita qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and has worked in private practice for both regional and national law firms. Anita has extensive experience advising both employers and employees in relation to their employment law matters. She is particularly versed in advising on claims of sexual harassment in the workplace and pregnancy discrimination.

Anita regularly represents clients in the employment tribunal and also in judicial mediations, helping clients to settle their disputes early, to avoid costly tribunal litigation. Anita also provides advice on settlement agreements, leading negotiations to obtain the best outcome for her client and advises on matters at the initial stage to inform clients on their prospects of success in both defending and bringing employment law claims.

Recent successes include settlement of a claim against a national plc for an individual who had been the subject of sexual harassment and achieving successful judgment on behalf of a large group of employees who had been made redundant without notice after their employer had entered administration.

In her spare time, Anita is a co-Event Director of her local junior parkrun in Lutterworth, encouraging children to take part and ensuring that the event runs safely each week.

Anita is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and the Industrial Law Society.

Sarah King

by

Sarah gained a 2.1 (hons) degree in law with accounting studies at Staffordshire University where she also studied for the Legal Practice Course passing this with a distinction. She also undertook her Masters in Legal Practice at Staffordshire University part-time whilst undertaking her training contract with a Legal 500 firm.

Sarah qualified as a Solicitor in 2003 and spent two years post qualification undertaking a mixture of employment and civil litigation cases. In August 2005 she joined a niche employment law firm and was a partner from June 2007 to May 2012.

Sarah is also a part time Employment Judge in the Employment Tribunal.

In December 2013 Sarah joined Astons bringing with her a wealth of experience acting for both employer and employee clients on all aspects of employment law. Sarah has acted for both individuals and for small and large businesses including Plcs. Sarah has provided advice on complex settlement agreements at Director level and advised on a number of reorganisations and TUPE transfers. Sarah has experience of employment related County Court cases and taken part in several mediations. She has experience of conducting her own advocacy in Employment Tribunal and delivering employment law training to managers in-house as well as public seminars.

Sarah is renowned for her commercial and pragmatic advice and personable approach. She has spent many years either being involved in running of businesses or as the businesses key employment adviser so has a good understanding of the real issues that face business and the need for commercial advice.

Sarah is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. Outside of work Sarah likes to spend time with her young family, socialising with friends, thai/italian cooking, reading, watching films and travelling.

Edward Aston

by

Personal Interests:

Qualifications:

BSc (2.1 Hons) in Business Studies with Law, Salford University

Diploma in Legal Studies, Birmingham University

Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (with Commendation), College of Law

LLM in Employment Law with Distinction, University of Surrey

Summary:

Admitted as a solicitor in January 2005, Edward embarked on an illustrious career path. He kickstarted his journey with a training contract at a regional heavyweight law firm before joining Astons, where he was quickly elevated to Partner status by October 2005. Edward's profound commitment to his profession is reflected in his pursuit of a Masters in Employment Law, undertaken part-time alongside his work commitments, from which he graduated with distinction.

Specialising in employment law since his qualification, Edward's breadth of expertise encompasses the entire spectrum of the discipline. He has lent his skills to multinational corporations and SMEs alike, advising on non-contentious matters like re-organisations, employment law practices, procedures, and family rights. His representation extends to contentious cases in Employment Tribunals across the UK.

Edward's dual foundation in business studies and employment law affords him a unique perspective. This combination empowers him to contextualise workplace challenges, ensuring he offers pragmatic and effective solutions to intricate problems. His client-centric approach guarantees timely and efficient service, tailored to the individual requirements of his clients.

For individual employees, Edward's counsel has been sought for a plethora of issues ranging from dismissals, redundancy, discrimination, breach of contract, to maternity rights and settlement agreements. His adept representation has benefitted numerous employee clients in Employment Tribunals.

Notable Cases:

▶  Mrs M Biggs and Ms R Stewart v Aethelbert Ltd and others
Ms Biggs was awarded £70,760.80 and Ms Stewart £108,744.28 in respect of their pregnancy and maternity Discrimination claims

▶  Ms L Nottola v Atelier Clifton Ltd and Ms E Hawkey
Ms Nottola was awarded £59,632.94 by the Employment Tribunal in respect of her pregnancy discrimination claim

▶  Mr R Newlyn-Jones v Herongrange Ltd
Mr Jones was awarded £130,256.56 in respect of his unfair dismissal and discrimination claims

▶  Harper v Moulton College
The Employment Tribunal awarded Mrs Harper compensation of £144,099.89, comprising of £9,870 for her unfair dismissal claim and £134,229.89 for her age discrimination claim

Professional Affiliations:

Member of the Employment Lawyers Association

A sports enthusiast, Edward cherishes both playing and watching a variety of sports. Loyally, he supports Leicester City, showcasing his unwavering commitment through thick and thin.