Karen Barker, a well-known Employment lawyer and HR consultant from SAS Daniels LLP, has been nominated as a finalist in the legal executive of the year category at the Manchester legal awards 2014.
Karen provides employment law advice to companies around the UK and also provides Human Resources support as an HR Manager to employers who require her practical expertise.
Starting her career as a receptionist over 30 years ago, then working for a major computer manufacturer, Karen joined the Employment and HR team at SAS Daniels in 2001. She then she took the brave decision to embark on a legal executive course over 4 years in the evening, in addition to her duties as a full-time working mum with two children.
Karen has gained a post graduate diploma in employment law and most recently completed a Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) qualification in November 2013 which enables her to provide specialist HR services.
The highlight of her career so far came in May 2013 when she was delighted to be promoted to partner, at the age of 49.
Karen (pictured left) commented:
“I have always enjoyed dealing and working with people. They are the most important aspect of my role and I am passionate about doing a great job and delivering an exceptional service”
Jonathan Whittaker, senior partner at SAS Daniels (pictured below) commented:
“Karen’s nomination is truly well deserved. She has proven herself a great asset to the firm since she joined. Her personal development has been outstanding, demonstrating an incredible willingness to embrace change and try new things and most importantly she has the ability to develop strong relationships with her clients”
Other finalists in the category include legal executives from DAC Beachcroft, Nexus Solicitors and Weightmans.
The winners of the Manchester legal awards will be announced at a gala dinner to be held at The Midland Hotel on Thursday, 6 March 2014.