‘Caste’ discrimination case barrister joins Ward Hadaway

Andrew Marshall is representing the employer in the case of Begraj v Heer Manak Solicitors, which is believed to be the first of its kind to be heard in a UK court.

The case is due to resume in February 2013 following 35 days of hearings over the last two years.

The case has already led to questions in the House of Commons about the application of the caste system, which historically has categorised and excluded people in India according to their hereditary occupation or social standing, in the UK and the workplace.

Mr Marshall has joined the Leeds office of Ward Hadaway as an associate in the firm’s employment team, after previously being head of the insured employment team at DWF.

He has advised on high-value discrimination cases, and has represented clients at employment tribunals across the country.

He said: “There is an excellent team already in place, both in Leeds and right across the firm, and I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to help clients to find the best solutions to their employment needs.”

Harmajinder Hayre, a partner in the employment team at Ward Hadaway in Leeds, said: “Andrew is an excellent addition to the team and it is great to have him on board.

“His experience, expertise and specialist knowledge will further strengthen our service to clients and I think his recruitment speaks volumes about Ward Hadaway’s ability to continue attracting outstanding lawyers to the firm.”

Following Mr Marshall’s appointment, Ward Hadaway has eight lawyers in its Leeds-based employment team.

In June, Ward Hadaway revealed that its annual turnover had reached £30m for the first time, as it delivered a fourth consecutive year of growth.

The law firm’s overall turnover in the year to the end of April 2012 grew by six per cent, with profit rising by nine per cent to a record £9m. Ward Hadaway, which also has offices in Newcastle and Manchester, said the results were a reflection of the firm’s continued investment in its operations across the north of England.

A spokesman described the profits per equity partner (PEP) figure as stable, but the firm did not reveal the exact amount.

Fee income in Leeds rose above £5m over the last financial year.

The firm’s Leeds team advised property group Allied London on its acquisition of the Clarence Dock mixed-use development in Leeds.

A corporate recovery and insolvency team, led by consultant Steven Frieze, and a private client team led by consultant Gordon Watson, joined the Leeds office at the start of 2012.

The continuing expansion of its Yorkshire operation, which was established in 2008, has led Ward Hadaway to double the size of its accommodation in Leeds city centre.

The firm occupies more than 15,000 sq ft of space at its offices in Tower Square off Wellington Street.

In recent years, a number of north east law firms, including Watson Burton and Dickinson Dees, have entered the fiercely competitive Leeds legal market.

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