Expertise
Biography
Debbie has extensive experience of advising employers on all aspects of employment law, both contentious and non-contentious. Debbie’s experience involves advising both private sector organisations from PLCs through to SMEs in various sectors, public sector clients, further and higher education universities and colleges, charities and not for profit organisations. She also advises individuals in respect of complex grievance, exit strategies and tribunal claims ranging from breach of contract, unfair dismissal to discrimination and whistleblowing claims.
She has a particular interest in representing both individuals and employer clients in employment tribunal claims. She regularly advises clients on a wide range of complex HR issues (e.g. whistleblowing, discrimination disciplinary matters, grievances, redundancy, reorganisations/restructures and changes to terms and conditions) and also advises organisations on employment aspects of corporate transactions.
Debbie recognises that it is essential to not only identify all the legal issues for clients but to also offer advice specific to their business needs, objectives and approach to risk and recognises that there are often commercial considerations that will impact upon the steps and decisions taken by a client in any given situation. Debbie provides comprehensive advice to allow clients to make informed decisions and to deal with issues effectively.
Examples of Highlights from Debbie's Recent Work Include:
- Acting for the Respondent in respect a highly sensitive and complex case involving confidential matters, whistleblowing, constructive unfair dismissal, disability discrimination, harassment, territorial issues and religion or belief discrimination, including up to appeal at the EAT.
- Advising large international client in respect of closure of site, large scale redundancies and restructure.
- Acting for a Claimant in a 6-day hearing involving complex issues, unfair dismissal and breach of contract. Successfully winning at the tribunal and the Claimant was awarded costs against the Respondent at the remedies hearing.
- Successfully acting for a Claimant in a 5-day hearing in a claim for automatic unfair dismissal on the grounds of whistleblowing.
- Regularly advising senior executives on exit packages.
Debbie is also a regular presenter of seminars to clients and regularly assists with the production of the firm’s employment law updates on topical employment law issues.
Commentary
The Legal 500 – Employment – North West
Debbie has been mentioned as both a “Recommend Solicitor” and “Rising star” since 2019:
- “I genuinely felt Aaron & Partners were fighting for me, for my justice, and they worked incredible hours in order to ensure no stone was left unturned. In particular I want to single out Debbie Coyne. She provided a truly exceptional personal service.”
- “Debbie Coyne and Helen Watson were exceptional in terms of their empathy, and necessary technical learning of my specific industry. Aarons went to considerable lengths to speak with me in order to fully understand my business and the technical nature of it, from which allowed them to legally act with both knowledge and considerable authority helping my legal case considerably. Debbie Coyne needs specific praise, as the workload she provided was not only considerable, but thorough in every aspect, picking up key points, relaying them to all legal persons connected with the case but also relaying the details to us understandable terms.”
- Debbie has also been quoted as having “personal skills are second to none” and “being knowledgeable and offers innovative solutions to complex issues”.
