Janey Smellie

Associate

Janey is an associate in the employment team and is based in the Reading office.

She works on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, tailored for individuals and businesses. Janey has worked with clients across various industries, including hospitality, charities, education, and technology, and has a particular interest in pursuing, defending and managing Employment Tribunal claims. She has represented both employees and employers on matters involving discrimination, unfair dismissal, and whistleblowing claims.

I take pride in supporting my clients when navigating tricky, complex and often stressful employment matters, with a calm, practical and client-focused approach.

Janey Smellie, Associate

She regularly advises on every day HR matters, including contract and policy reviews, exit strategies, grievance and disciplinaries, redundancies, performance management and navigating sensitive employment issues. Janey is also experienced in advising on settlement agreements for both individuals and businesses. Additionally, she assists on corporate transactions and has acted for global leaders in the water, agricultural, and land sustainability sectors with revenues of over £2 billion.

Janey qualified as a solicitor in September 2023, and is a solicitor-advocate. Prior to joining the firm, she was a paralegal and trained at a neighbouring Thames Valley firm.

Recent work highlights

Settlement agreements

Successfully negotiating exits and settlement agreements for individual clients in complex and sensitive cases.

Unfair dismissal claim

Defending a claim concerning unfair dismissal and religious discrimination.

Regulatory body grievance

Handling a large-scale grievance made regarding the culture of a regulatory body.

Sexual harassment training

Presenting client training (for managers and staff) on sexual harassment in the workplace.