Julian Middleton
Chair
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“An exceptional key point of contact who continues to deliver high levels of support.”
(Chambers & Partners, 2024)
Julian is the Firm’s Chair and a highly experienced employment lawyer.
During his career at Freeths, Julian has helped take the Firm from a £2m turnover single-office solicitors practice into the leading national practice it is today. He has previously been Managing Partner of the Leicester Office, Managing Partner of the Head Office in Nottingham and National Head of the Employment, Pensions and Immigration Team.
As a lawyer, Julian advises businesses on implementing strategies for creating modern workplaces and delivering the most productive and engaged workforce. His main practice is on proactive risk reduction through the client’s internal skill development and the application of a commercial approach to human resource and managing people.
Julian is listed as a Leading Individual in Chambers & Partners (2024) and is one of the few solicitors identified by Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession as an Eminent Practitioner. He is listed as a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500 (2022 edition).
Legal Services
Employment
Recent Work
- Julian manages the delivery of all the employment and HR needs of one of the biggest supermarket retailers in the UK. He has written a reference book to guide all managers through their handling of all employment issues. He trains Managers and Directors and advises them and the business on all issues and represents them in all litigation.
- Advises businesses on implementing strategies for creating modern working environments to deliver the most productive and engaged workforce.
- Represents household name companies on implementing reorganisations, consultation processes and individual case handling, to deliver the best possible commercial outcomes.
- Has represented senior individuals, including executive and non-executive main Board Directors and Managers in Premier League and Championship football clubs, in handling high value disputes and claims.
- Provides focussed training on the commercial approach to dealing with employment issues for maximum financial and reputational gain.
Clients include:
- Aldi Stores Ltd;
- 2 Sisters Food Group Ltd;
- British Psychological Society;
- British Dieticians Association
- De Montfort University
- East Midlands Business Ltd
- Oakham School
- The Royal Air Forces Association
- The Chairman and Directors of Leicester City Football Club
- The Chairman of Derby County FC
- Derby County FC
Latest
- Freeths Senior Partner Philippa Dempster wins Law Firm Leader of the Year at Law.com Women, Influence, Power and Law Awards 2023
- Freeths solicitor crowned ‘Solicitor of the Year’ at prestigious awards dinner
- New Head of Employment, Pensions and Immigration at Freeths
- Employment Law Review – June 2019
- New management team reflects growth and success of firm
- Employment Review – January 2018
- Employment Review – December 2017
- Data Protection: the GDPR from an Employer’s Perspective
- Perinatal Institute v Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership
- Employment Review: June 2017
- Employment Review: January 2017
- Employment Review: December 2016
To contact Julian or for more information…
Call: 0345 634 2598
Mobile: 0776 874 3447
Or email: Send an email
“I have worked with Julian for some years since we transferred the provision of our legal advice to Freeths It was very clear from the outset that Julian was able to provide legal advice to us on a range of technically complex issues. Advice was provided not only within the context of the law but also in the context of our sector and the nuances particular to this organisation. Julian demonstrates a very high degree of professionalism, his advice is provided in a timely manner, is technically sound and provided in a way which assists me and my team to deliver solutions to some very difficult people issues.”
“Over the years working with Julian and his team, they have more than demonstrated the commitment that we expect from a key supplier to our business, particularly when it comes to access to the right people and speed of response, and we have built a high level of trust which means that we can always rely on them to deliver.”
“Julian was voted the ‘Most Admired Lawyer’ in Leicestershire in a recent survey by the Leicester Mercury of business and other professionals. He was described by respondents as ‘first class’ and ‘a joy to work with’.”
“He’s always impressive. His relentless energy and commitment result in excellent interactions.”
(Chambers & Partners, 2023)
“…first class – he continually strives to make you feel valued as a client, and he offers pragmatic advice. He has been at the top of his game for a long time.”
(Chambers & Partners, 2022)
“Julian Middleton has always been and continues to be a standout member of the Freeths team, dedicated to us as his client through exceptional levels of commitment and ownership.”
(The Legal 500, 2022)
National head of employment Julian Middleton is “exceptional,” according to sources,and is known for his work with prominent employers. An impressed client describes him as “extremely practical and commercially minded.”
(Chambers & Partners, 2020)
Julian Middleton is head of the national employment group and concentrates on providing training to employers, with notable expertise in the retail sector. Clients say: “His pragmatic advice and service is superb.”
(Chambers & Partners, 2019)
“Julian is identified as an Eminent Practitioner – one of only a few in employment law – by the Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession and is recommended for ‘going the extra mile’ and delivers ‘incredibly clear, concise and timely advice’.”
(Chambers & Partners, 2018)
Julian Middleton is head of the national employment group and concentrates on providing training and advice to employers. Clients comment: “He understands our sector thoroughly, provides excellent advice with a full options appraisal, and he goes the extra mile when time is pressing.”
(Chambers & Partners, 2018)
Client service
‘Doing the right thing’ is at the heart of Freeths. Find out more about our excellent client service and the strong set of values that guide the way we work.
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Freeths are a leading national law firm with 13 offices across the UK. If you have a query about our services or just want to find out more, why not give us a call?
Contact: 03301 001 014