Tom advises employer clients on a full range of HR and employment law matters.
Specialises in:
Tom advises business clients of all sizes across a wide variety of sectors on all employment and HR matters on the full employee life cycle from recruitment to termination on onwards. This includes advising complex disciplinaries and grievances, strategic planning, employment documentation, TUPE and equality and diversity issues.
Known for giving clear, commercial advice in easy to access manner.
He has a particular specialism in contentious employment matters including representing clients in employment tribunal proceedings as well as advising on post-termination restrictions, their enforceability and enforcement.
Tom also acts for some senior executives on complex matters and managed departures.
Tom is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500 2025
Experience
- Advising on all day-to-day employment / HR matters
- Advising on complex procedures and managed departures
- Representing business clients in all manner of employment tribunal claims from early conciliation through to complex, multi-day hearings including claims of dismissal, discrimination, harassment, victimisation etc.
- Drafting and advising on the enforcement of post-termination restrictions
- Providing training to managers on subjects such as equal opportunities, conducting disciplinaries and mental health
- Advising directors and executives on settlement agreements
Outside of the office
Tom enjoys going to Newcastle games, walking in Northumberland, working on his allotment, and cooking.
Tom qualified as a solicitor in 2018.
Client
Client via Legal 500
Rachel Mcloughlin
Client
Client
“Excellent service and very thorough and patient explanation, frequent updates
“Tom Clarke is such a joy to deal with. He always goes above and beyond and will keep in good and constant communication throughout the project. No situation is outside his ability and he makes any case or issue accessible and easy to understand. Tom is a true asset of the firm.
“Tom was proactive, swift and dealt with my case timely and effectively, getting the best outcome possible whilst always being on standby with excellent communication skills. Overall a very professional experience, thank you.
“Tom Clarke is the main person we deal with and has been great to work with over the last few years. Tom fully understands our business and any issues we have had, which have been a few and varied. Tom has acted quickly and his advice has been spot on in all the varying issues we have had to deal with within the business. Very professional and gives us more than one option to look at in a situation, as well as explaining the implications behind each option.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your time and effort put in to this case to date. You picked this up at the eleventh hour, the preparation and work you have put in truly shows your passion for your role and the professionalism to provide a platinum service to your clients. I would have no hesitation to appoint you in all our HR matters.
Relevant insights, news & events
Our regular employment insights, updates and events keep you up to date with all the latest legal developments you need to know about.
Preparing for the Employment Rights Act: What employers need to do now
Sarah Furness, from our Employment Law & HR Team, outlines how employers can prepare for the Employment Rights Act, including recruitment, zero-hours contracts, sickness absence and workplace culture changes.
The Employment Rights Bill: What’s planned and how can employers prepare
Sarah Furness, from our Employment Law & HR Team, explains the key proposals in the UK Employment Rights Bill and what employers can do to prepare for upcoming changes.
Unfair dismissal: Recent cases and what they tell us
Tom Clarke from our Employment Law & HR Team, explains what two recent Tribunals mean for what does and does not amount to a potentially unfair dismissal.
A personal approach to employment law
Discover how Hay & Kilner’s Employment Law Team delivers pragmatic, tailored legal and HR advice to employers, helping businesses navigate evolving workplace issues with confidence.
Supreme Court ruling on trans rights: What employers need to know
What does the Supreme Court’s decision on trans rights mean for employers? Our Employment Law & HR Team outlines key workplace legal implications and employer responsibilities.
New ban on gagging clauses in settlement agreements as employment law reform timetable unveiled
Tom Clarke, from our Employment Law & HR Team, explains the new ban on gagging clauses in settlement agreements and what the employment law reform timetable means for employers and employees.
New right to neonatal care leave and pay
Sarah Furness, from our Employment Law & HR Tea, explains the new right to neonatal care leave and pay, outlining what employers and eligible parents need to know under UK employment law.
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