who we are » Ramsay Paterson

Our purpose (our 'why')

We have a very distinct focus - driven by our belief that organisations thrive by reflecting their purpose and values in everything they do.

We work with organisations with a strong sense of purpose and values. Our clients are conscious of approaching their people issues in a way which is not only legally compliant and meets their business objectives, but also reflects the purpose, values and culture of the organisation.

We’re also very aware that employment law cannot be applied in a vacuum - it’s about people.

This approach not only feels better for those leading it internally, but also generally achieves more effective overall outcomes.

Our values

We see our values as our compass, helping us to make the right decisions and influencing how we go about our business, day to day.

In everything we do, we do so:

- believing in the power of being purposeful

- never forgetting we’re all human

- starting with trust and building on that

- welcoming the joy of learning that come from collaboration and embracing progressive ideas.

Emma “pre-empts future issues and risks “

legal 500, 2012

Emma Ramsay

emma ramsay photo

Emma’s warm and responsive approach puts clients quickly at ease and ready to work with her to resolve the issues.

Understanding that the sensitivity with which the law is applied is often as important as the law itself, Emma provides advice which carefully balances the legal and commercial pressures while reflecting the values of the organisation - advice that clients will also be comfortable implementing.

While Emma has worked across all sectors, she has developed a deep understanding of employment law issues within the education sector.

"...a dynamic, experienced and commercially savvy employment lawyer who takes the time to get to know a business."

Chambers UK 2016

Stephanie Paterson

stephanie paterson photo

Stephanie takes a holistic approach to employment law advice. She has particular experience in looking beyond the strict legal obligations and giving advice which also weaves in the values and culture of a client organisation.

With an intuitive understanding of how the style and tone of employee communications, documentation and policies are of key importance to a positive workplace culture and a strong ‘employer brand’, Stephanie attracts clients on the strength of her ability to approach employee issues in a way which fits comfortably with that.

Stephanie’s expertise and engaging approach has led to her being recognised as a leader in in the employment law field by Chambers and Partners legal directory since 2010.

"...a dynamic, experienced and commercially savvy employment lawyer who takes the time to get to know a business."

Chambers UK 2016

Karl Deakin

Karl works with us as a consultant solicitor. He is pragmatic and flexible in his approach, to help organisations meet their objectives, but also mindful of the impact of workplace decisions on individuals. The human impact of any decision inevitably impacts the organisation as a whole.

Karl qualified in England in 2002 and also qualified to practise in Scotland in 2009. He spent the first years of his career at VWV (Veale Wasbrough Vizards), ultimately working as a Partner advising education and charity clients on employment issues. Since then, he has worked in-house for a range of purpose-led organisations. Karl’s experience working in-house enables him to see client problems in the round and address issues which can sometimes be seen as outside an employment lawyer’s sphere.

Having been part of the executive of a probation service body throughout the turbulent period when it was privatised, Karl often draws on this experience when advising on change management processes.

Karl’s a keen gardener and is a core group member of the Transition Towns and Plastic Free Communities movements.