DR Solicitors’ clients to access employment advice as DSW Legal expands into employment law with the arrival of Apex Employment Solicitors

DSW Legal, the legal division of business advisory group Dow Schofield Watts (DSW), has welcomed Apex Employment Solicitors as a licensee, expanding its legal offering into employment law.

DSW Apex will be providing employment advice to clients of DR Solicitors. Apex’s experience includes involvement with tribunals involving the NHS, alongside its wider work with businesses across different sectors.

Founded in 2019, Apex advises SMEs on employment matters including disciplinaries, grievances, contracts, handbooks, redundancy and negotiated exits. It also represents employers and individuals in tribunal proceedings involving discrimination, unfair dismissal and breach of contract

The firm will operate as DSW Apex, led by founder Joanna Gooden, who becomes Partner and Head of Employment at DSW Legal. Headquartered in Maidstone, DSW Apex operates remotely, serving clients across England. Its four-person team comprises Joanna, two senior associates and an HR coordinator.

Joanna Gooden, Partner and Head of Employment at DSW Legal, said: “I’ve built Apex around strong client relationships and personal service. Joining DSW gives us the opportunity to build on that foundation, retaining our independence and client focus while benefiting from the relationships, infrastructure and wider expertise of an established professional services group.
“DSW’s entrepreneurial culture was a major attraction. Its network opens the door to a broader employer client base and gives us a platform to grow our team and develop practical training alongside our legal advice.

“As the first legal licensee, we also have an opportunity to help shape how DSW’s legal offering develops. We want to become the first point of contact for employment matters across the network, working closely with colleagues to give clients joined-up advice as their businesses grow.”

James Mallender, Managing Director at DSW Legal, added: “Welcoming Joanna and the Apex team is an important step in broadening our legal offering. They bring an established practice and employment expertise that will support clients of DR Solicitors and the wider DSW network.”