Debra Cottam

Principal Associate - Employment Law

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"I am an employment lawyer with over 20 years’ experience of advising on all aspects of employment law”

I am a Principal Associate in the employment team, having joined Higgs in February 2006. Prior to joining Higgs I was an associate in another large regional law firm.

I have been advising on all aspects of employment law, both contentious and non-contentious, for over 20 years.

I am particularly experienced in the drafting of contracts of employment and HR policies and procedures. I advise clients on day-to-day HR issues including disciplinary, grievance and performance management, redundancy, discrimination and atypical working.  I have expertise in managing Employment Tribunal litigation and I regularly train clients on all HR and employment related matters.

I am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

  • Successfully defending employment tribunal proceedings for unfair dismissal, sex discrimination and disability discrimination.
  • Providing in-house bespoke training courses tailored to client needs/sector.
  • Securing a large compensation/exit payment under a settlement agreement for a senior member of a large organisation.
  • Providing ongoing advice to a number of regional, national and multi-national companies in all aspects of their employment and HR needs, including day to day employee management.

More about me

Favourite food

Chocolate

Favourite place

Anywhere hot and sunny

Memberships

Wolverhampton & Bilston Athletics Club

Year joined Higgs

2006

"extremely professional and supportive during, what was for me, a very difficult time”

A satisfied client

Meet the team