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Employment - Senior Associate (FCILEx)

Alana Penkethman

Direct dial: 01202 377 872

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Alana is a Senior Associate at Laceys and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives specialising in employment law. Alana advises businesses and individuals on all aspects of employment, from recruitment to termination, and everything in between.

Alana typically advises clients on:

  • Contractual terms and variations
  • Restructures, TUPE, and redundancy procedures
  • Grievances, disciplinaries, and conduct procedures
  • Absence management and capability procedures
  • Discrimination and equality of terms
  • Exit strategies and termination options
  • Settlement negotiations and Early Conciliation via ACAS
  • Litigation in the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal.

Alana is an expert in discrimination law, with a particular specialism in complex disability and long-term absence disputes. Alana is also able to take a lead role in the management of moving employees during restructures, redundancies, and transfers.

Alana is known for her clear and pragmatic advice, ensuring problems are tackled thoroughly, whilst minimising disruption and stress to both parties. When litigation is unavoidable, Alana excels in negotiations and will deliver robust representation and advocacy.

Recent example of cases which Alana has advised on include:

  • Successfully appealing an ET judgment in the EAT regarding unfair dismissal and the extent to which the trial judge should consider issues that have not been advanced at first instance.
  • Successfully defending a vexatious claim, once in the ET, and then again in the EAT, and then securing a costs on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour.
  • Undertaking a thorough investigation into workplace culture, prompted whilst providing representation in respect of a claim for sex discrimination.

Outside the office: Alana is a keen cyclist and is a member of a hot air balloon team.

  • 2011

  • 2026

  • Qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive

  • Joined Laceys Solicitors

Alana had so much integrity and a calm demeanour that guided every step. The support I received was exceptional - firm when necessary and deeply compassionate at the right moments. I am eternally grateful, and I would not hesitate to recommend her.

Alana was very helpful, supportive and professional. She explained everything clearly, which was important due to the nature of the issue. I appreciated the service.

Jo

Employment

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