David Franey, Partner

• Email:d.f.franey@rjw.co.uk
• Telephone:016 1383 3570
• Office: Manchester
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Expertise

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.

Experience

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 trade union law. Notable cases include Khan v CC West Yorkshire (House of Lords race victimisation decision); Targett (rating issues for disabled homeworkers - heard by a Tribunal of Social Security Commissioners), Hart v Chief Constable of Derbyshire (EAT/Court of Appeal issue on disabled police officers) and Abbott and others v Littlewoods (EAT – equal pay/burden of proof).

Career

David studied Law at Cambridge University, graduating in 1987. After completing his Law Society Finals at the College of Law in Guildford he joined Russell Jones & Walker as a trainee solicitor in 1988, becoming a partner in 1995.  He regularly delivers seminars on employment law issues to interested groups; recent topics include human rights, pensions, data protection and stress at work.

Publications

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 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."

Legal 500 2008 edition comments:

"David Franey of Russell Jones & Walker has a stellar reputation for representing employees and advised the Fire Officers’ Association on the establishment of new collective-bargaining arrangements for middle managers in the fire service and the constitution of the negotiating body."

Professional Memberships

David is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and on the panel of legal advisers for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Interests and hobbies

Football, cycling, running, music, family life.

Languages

Passable French

• Compulsory retirement is "pure discrimination"
• Muslims facing employment discrimination, survey finds
• Woman secures compensation after suffering sex discrimination
• Political party faces legal action over race discrimination
• Radio presenter claims age discrimination and unfair dismissal