When seeking help with employment law, it's helpful to know the people you're working with. Get to know our employment department below.
James Watkins - Senior Associate
I am a Senior Associate solicitor specialising in employment law. I lead the Employment Department at Howells and have over 15 years’ experience practising in this area. I’m from Cardiff originally, where I live with my wife and two young children. In my spare time I enjoy playing the piano, cooking, playing football, and spending time with family and friends.
My sense of job satisfaction comes from knowing I have helped to solve someone’s problem, or to have equipped them with the knowledge they need to take control of a situation. I enjoy representing clients in Employment Tribunal proceedings and I have a particular interest in discrimination and unfair dismissal claims. It’s always rewarding to be able to resolve disputes that are having a negative impact on the individual or business for whom I’m acting.
I am a good communicator and I take pride in being able to explain difficult concepts to clients in simple terms. I work in partnership with my clients, offering a sympathetic ear when needed, but at the same time providing sound advice and strong representation. I have been praised for my excellent attention to detail and knowledge of the law. I also assist with marketing and contribute to the training of the lawyers of the future within the firm.
Luke Bitti – Trainee Solicitor
I am a Trainee Solicitor in the Employment Department. I have been working at Howells since 2017 and joined the Employment department in April 2023. After obtaining a history degree from Cardiff University, I completed my Graduate Diploma in Law, Legal Practice Course and Masters in Law to Distinction level. I am an avid reader, sports fan, and love to travel, having visited many countries around the world.
What I most enjoy about my role is helping to provide solutions to clients’ problems, with the aim of achieving fair and equitable outcomes for those clients who have been treated unjustly. I am a sociable person and enjoy interacting and communicating with people and dealing with the more contentious aspects and challenges that come with pursuing the best interests of my clients. I enjoy interacting with my colleagues in what is a very warm, helpful, friendly, and sociable work environment.
I entered the legal profession as it has been a passion of mine from a young age. I initially pursued a history degree, which I believe provided me with several transferable skills that paved the way for me to achieve the required qualifications, knowledge, and aptitudes to become a trainee solicitor. I very much look forward to my future at Howells and upcoming legal qualification.
Sue Khalsi – Executive Assistant
I am the Executive Assistant for the Employment Department. I have been with Howells for 6 years and enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the company. I am a mother of two, and I also love spending time with friends and family, gardening, DIY, and reading.
I have worked in Employment in various companies and positions for the last 17 years and enjoy the satisfaction of helping clients who have been treated unfairly in the workplace to obtain the justice they deserve.
Having been in the department a long time I was tasked with putting all the processes in place to ensure our department runs smoothly from start to finish for each client. I am also responsible for the billing and credit control, and with my love of spreadsheets, this helps greatly in achieving my goals for the department.
Hannah Fry – Legal Secretary
I am the Employment Department’s Legal Secretary. I have been a part of the team since February 2023. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, being outdoors, and going for walks with my dog. I am a creative person and enjoy crafting, sewing, and reading.
My favourite part of working at Howells is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The Employment Department has a great team who work together very well. I love being able to talk to a range of different people and to assist clients in getting the help that they need. I am often the first point of contact for clients, and I provide a friendly and welcoming service to reassure clients and help them with their queries. I am really enjoying being able to expand my knowledge on employment law through research and observation.
I have studied law for 6 years, first studying A-level law, and then going on to complete my Law degree and my Legal Practice Course at Swansea University with commendation. During my studies, a topic I was particularly interested in was employment law. Work is a huge part of people’s lives and can cause a huge amount of stress when things go wrong, so it is rewarding when we are able to help.
Get Employment Law Help with Howells
Our employment law experts at Howells are here to help you with your legal employment concerns. Have a look at our employment law page to find out exactly how Howells Solicitors can help, or simply get in touch.
