David Franey, Partner

• Area of expertise: Employment
• Office: Manchester
• Email:d.f.franey@rjw.co.uk
• Telephone:0161 934 4868

David Franey is a partner in the Employment Department of Russell Jones & Walker with responsibility for the North of England including Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle.

David is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and on the panel of legal advisers for the Equal Opportunities Commission.

David deals with a broad range of employment law and trade union issues, but his particular areas of specialism include discrimination law, judicial review, public sector pensions and welfare benefits. Recently cases include Khan v CC West Yorkshire (House of Lords victimisation decision) and Targett before a Tribunal of Social Security Commissioners.

David joined Russell Jones & Walker in 1988. He studied Law at Cambridge University, graduating in 1987. He regularly delivers seminars on employment law issues to interested groups; recent topics include human rights, pensions, data protection and stress at work.

David Franey has been recommended by The Legal 500 and in the Chambers and Partners legal directory, where he is ranked first among claimant employment lawyers and praised as "incredibly intellectual and very experienced"

In the 2008 edition of the Legal 500 it is noted that David and his department enjoy 'an exemplary record in discrimination matters.'

"Claimant advice forms the bread-and-butter work for this leading [Manchester practice]. A strong track record in trade union representation drives the practice, which added the The Fire Officers' Association to its union clientele. From its three centres of excellence in London, Cardiff and Manchester, the group is also seeking to further develop its representation of senior executives and individuals. The team was involved in advising North Wales Police on a newly introduced smoking policy and its health and safety aspects, a possible judicial review challenge and the impact of the Human Rights Act."

Chambers and Partners, 2008 edition

"The top reputation of this five-solicitor team is boosted by the “skilled, well-prepared and down-to-earth” David Franey. With more than 16 years of experience “brainy Franey,” as one interviewee described him, handles the employment work for the Police Federation, as well as for the FDA and communications union Connect."

• City worker accuses firm of racial and sex discrimination
• Employment tribunals 'to be able to adjust compensation awards'
• Database of employees accused of misconduct 'likely to be illegal'
• Council manager sues for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination
• Sacked vet wins £100k in dispute settlement