James Pitts

James qualified into the team in September 2021 after completing his training contract with Howes Percival and has established himself as a key member of the team and the “go-to” person for a number of our key clients, including those operating in the automotive, logistics and food delivery service sectors.  

James regularly advises clients on a full range of contentious and non-contentious matters including complex grievance and disciplinary processes, redundancy exercises (including collective consultation obligations), as well as providing support to our Corporate/Commercial team.

James has significant experience handling employment tribunal claims and regularly represents clients at preliminary hearings.   James is also developing a reputation within the team for taking an innovative and strategic approach to employment tribunal proceedings, an approach which is becoming increasingly necessary due to the significant backlog at the Tribunal where claims can take years to reach a final hearing and clients face escalating costs in defending those claims.  As a result of James’ innovative and strategic approach, he frequently delivers tangible results for clients, including the successful strike out of claims, claimant’s withdrawing some or all of their claims or settlement being achieved on a commercial basis for nominal amounts.  

In addition to James’ client work, he is also a member of the firm’s ED&I committee where he has led a number of disability-inclusive initiatives and has delivered firm-wide ED&I training.  James is also joint-head of the firm’s junior networking committee, HPNG, for the Northampton and Milton Keynes offices, where he plays a key role in promoting the firm and encouraging other junior lawyers to develop and expand their professional network. 

James is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

• 2026 - present: Senior Associate, Howes Percival LLP
• 2022 - 2026: Associate, Howes Percival LLP
• 2021 – 2022: Trainee Solicitor, Howes Percival LLP
• 2017 – 2021: Paralegal, High Street Firm
• 2017 – 2019: LPC, BPP University
• 2013 – 2016: Law Degree, University of York