Robin Watson

Barrister

Date of Call: 2022

robinwatson@no18chambers.com

Robin transferred to the Bar after qualifying as a solicitor in 2013. An accomplished advocate, he succeeded in gaining his Higher Rights in civil proceedings whilst a trainee. Robin also won the Dorset Magistrates’ Association prize for excellence in advocacy during his LPC.

As a former partner of a large law firm, Robin is able to understand the demands and needs of both the legal professionals who instruct him and their clients.

Robin qualified into general litigation, including employment law, landlord and tenant, contractual disputes, boundary issues and Court of Protection work. He is able to use his broad experience in varied areas as a barrister. These include employment law, family, landlord and tenant and chancery.

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Expertise

Family: Care & Children

Robin’s experience working with varied clients means that he can provide the robust reassurance needed in this area. Robin understands the responsibility that a family advocate takes on and takes that seriously.


Private Law Children: Contact and Residence disputes under the Children Act 1989

Robin can represent parents, extended family members, and children, in private family law matters in applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issue Orders.


Domestic violence & injunctions

Robin’s experience in criminal defence advocacy in the Magistrates’ Court enables him to use his skills in representing vulnerable clients, especially those with neurodiversity or mental health difficulties.

Robin can accept instructions in cases at all stages, from first hearing to final hearings.

Robin can act for both Applicants and Respondents in matters under the Family Law Act, in relation to obtaining Occupation and Non-Molestation Orders.


Employment & Discrimination

Robin rapidly worked his way to partner level and was himself responsible for the HR of over 100 employees. He also led the employment law team. Robin has real and practical experience of being an HR leader which benefits his clients.

Robin worked with colleagues in the commercial litigation and corporate departments on many contentious and non-contentious matters. Latterly in his practice Robin focused on employment and HR work, being the first call for many clients. These included large global corporations and boutique companies.

His contentious employment law practice and advisory work included injunctive relief, complex discrimination and whistleblowing.

Robin is also well-used to being instructed to draft complex agreements, advise on TUPE, settlement and business protection generally.

Robin is an experienced employment lawyer and can advise and represent with regard to Employment Tribunal claims including unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination TUPE and the Working Time Regulations.

His written advice often involves complex TUPE issues arising out of high-value transactions, restrictive covenants and business protection, complex discrimination and executive exits.

Investigations, Chair & Training

Robin is experienced in being appointed as Investigator for internal investigations. These include in relation to allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination, among others.

Robin can also Chair disciplinary and appeal hearings.

Robin is an accomplished trainer and has provided training on HR matters to a global high street brand and a CIPD branch. He enjoys being asked to talk at varied events. Previously Robin has been a guest lecturer to undergraduate LLB students.


Chancery and Commercial

Robin is used to advising in commercial matters and disputes. These include contractual and director disputes, injunctions and business protection.


Traditional Chancery

Court of Protection

Robin has experience of advising and representing clients on matters involving the Court of Protections. This includes on behalf of spouses and where the issues are very sensitive.


Property

Robin has experience of cases involving boundary disputes, possession and general landlord and tenant.


Qualifications

  • Solicitor (2013)
  • Higher Rights of Audience Civil Proceedings (2011)
  • Bournemouth University (2010) – Legal Practice Course (Distinction)
  • University of Southampton (2009) - LLB (Hons)

Membership

  • Inner Temple
  • Employment Lawyer Association

Personal Info

Robin is a keen cyclist and runner.