Harriet Gardner

Associate & Team Leader in Employment Law & HR Services

Education:

Harriet completed her Qualifying Law Degree and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Sheffield. Harriet qualified as a solicitor in October 2021.

Main Areas of Work:

Harriet advises clients on the full range of employment law issues, including both contentious and non-contentious matters. Harriet regularly supports employers with day-to-day employment law and HR issues including difficult investigations, disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Harriet specialises in Employment Tribunal claims and has particular experience in multifaceted, complex, cases including allegations relating to unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing. Harriet takes great pride in assisting her clients to find strategic and cost-effective solutions, which often includes managing associated press attention and protecting against reputational risk.

What clients say about you:

"Harriet was always calm, patient and understanding. In fact the whole team were so lovely and kind at one of the lowest point at in my life. It was this that made the difference to me. It felt as if my concerns regarding my suspension and disciplinary were personal to the team. I felt I had a cast around me, and I wasn’t alone.

Harriet and her team were excellent in preparing me for the disciplinary and also helping me understand that I’d been discriminated in work. All advice around this was fair and based in fact. Something which I desperately needed at the time. It was lovely to be supported in a way that helped me understand things. As someone who has Dyslexia, and was suspended for not being supported in work;  or reasonable adjustments out in place. The simple action of asking me what colour  paper to print things out on. Meant so much to me." - Anonymous Client 2025

"Harriet provided me with excellent legal advice which was clearly explained in a supportive and informative manner. She significantly helped me progress with my legal issue quickly and efficiently. I would be more than happy to work with Harriet again in the future if I ever need legal advice again."  - Anonymous Client 

I contacted Harriet to seek advice when I’d been offered a settlement agreement shortly after returning from maternity leave. The transition back to work had been difficult for me, so the agreement came at a challenging time. Harriet worked with me with compassion as well as expertise, she went through the agreement line by line and with care for how I was feeling and my wellbeing through the experience. Having worked as an HR manager for almost a decade, I was familiar with settlement agreements and the things that other legal advisers challenge in them- Harriet was more thorough and technically able than I’d ever experienced before. It was apparent to me that I could trust Harriet, not only to provide excellent legal support, but to act with my best interests at the centre of the situation. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with her again. -  Anonymous Client, November 2023

“Harriet explained everything clearly and had such a friendly demeanour that I was put completely at ease.  Thank you very much.” Anonymous Client, April 2024

Recent articles by Harriet Gardner

Protect your company’s interests with post-termination restrictive covenants

Sex-based judgment brings clarity but sparks further debate

New neonatal care leave and pay now in force

Is a settlement agreement looming before the year end?

Are you a parent subjected to bullying or harassment in the workplace?

What do employees and employers need to know about settlement agreements?

Employment Rights Bill – latest details and timings

Importance of a well drafted employment contract

What type of leave are employees entitled to?

Positive culture and robust procedures crucial for businesses

Declaration of convictions’ time reduced