Mariko Yanagisawa is a lawyer in the Labour & Employment Practice Group, covering all areas of contentious and non-contentious employment law. Her particular expertise includes defending a wide range of employment tribunal claims, which she manages from the outset of the claim and conducts her own advocacy, where appropriate.
Advising on matters at the employment tribunal and defending a variety of claims, including constructive/unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing and wage disputes. This has included successfully defending a complex discrimination claim involving 31 allegations that were brought against a large financial services client in the Employment Tribunal, as well as opposing the individual’s appeal in the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
Providing support to in-house counsel and HR professionals on a wide variety of day-to-day employment issues relating to grievance and disciplinary procedures, managing sickness absence, redundancy procedures and dismissal.
Drafting and negotiating service agreements, consultancy agreements and other contractual and policy documentation across a wide range of sectors, including retail, hospitality and financial services.
Providing corporate support in relation to employment matters for both vendors and buyers on acquisitions, including due diligence. This has involved supporting clients on transactions in the credit finance, environmental and manufacturing sectors.