Chris Maddock - Partner

Expert profile

Chris is a partner in the employment services group and specialises in all areas of employment law. He has specialised in employment law since qualification. Chris's interest in employment law developed from time spent as a trainee solicitor in the education department where he acted for universities, FE colleges and schools.

Chris has also worked with a wide range of clients including public, private and "not for profit" organisations. Much of this work has centred on strategic advice and has included presentations on equality and diversity issues to employers and employees.

Chris regularly leads our employment road show sessions and in-house training for clients on employment issues including disciplinary procedures, grievances, TUPE and equality awareness.

Chris' specialisms:

• TUPE
• Post-termination restrictions
• Strategic planning and implementation
  

In the hot seat...

How do you see the employment services group developing over the next few years?
To build on the fantastic people we have already and by using products like Mi Shield to retain our reputation as innovative, business focused lawyers.

How would you describe your team?
A fun, totally diverse group of people but who share all the same views on employment law, high levels of client service and getting the job done.

Why did you become a lawyer?
I loved French at school and wanted to study French at university, but not be limited by just doing a language degree - so chose Law with French instead. It all just happened from there and I really enjoyed working for a criminal practice every summer in Neath, my home town in Wales, where every day was different.

Why did you choose to work at Muckle LLP?
Since moving to the North East in 2001, I had come up against Muckle LLP on a number of occasions and what I saw impressed me.

What's the best piece of business advice you've had?...and what's the worst?
Best - Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

Worst - By my brother-in-law. To buy some shares in a dot.com company that slumped overnight to a 20th of their value and never recovered!

What has been the most challenging legal deal you've been involved in?
I once worked on what became a fifteen page TUPE indemnity in a commercial transaction. It was incredibly complicated, but had to be done over a short period which meant working late in to the night (and on one occasion through the night) to get the clause agreed.

What was the last CD you bought?
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat for my daughter - she's four and already knows a lot of the songs off by heart!

Describe how you live your life in 3 words?
In a rush.

Is there anything you'd change about yourself?
Be less serious at times.

What are your personal ambitions?
To be recognised as straightforward, reliable and a real team player.

Are you a morning or evening person?
A morning person (once I get going).

What do you most enjoy about living in the North East?
The people - they are open and much like where I grew up in South Wales.

What's your most irritating habit?
Grinding my teeth in my sleep - so I'm told!

What would be your dream day?
A walk up Helvellyn in Spring sunshine, followed by a few pints next to Ullswater and a slap up meal in the evening - I'm easily pleased!

What's your biggest extravagance?
Books - I cannot pass a bookshop without going in.

Which 4 people dead or alive would you most like to take to dinner?
Michael Palin, Sir Edmund Hillary, Gareth Edwards and Queen Victoria.

Direct line: 0191 211 7919
Email Chris