About Us

Outstanding Work

James came into our business and helped us make some employment decisions which we had been putting off and stumbling over for decades. Our previous advisors had never given us all the options and left us to believe that we had little or no options with difficult staff members. With James’ help we made swift and effective choices which had led to a completely different atmosphere in our clinic and we are now already seeing the financial reward of the decisions. More people should know this man!

I Cannot Recommend Eight Legal Highly Enough

I was seeking to improve employee engagement in running the practice as a business. They helped me through the stressful and painful process. The result is that I have a more harmonious practice with improved engagement and profitability. I cannot recommend Eight Legal highly enough.

Pragmatic Common Sense Approach

We have been working with Eight Legal for 3 years now, having previously used the services of larger organisations who just didn’t seem to achieve anything.

James and his team have provided a formalised approach to our HR with regular updating as to contracts and the staff handbook throughout each year. We have in place suitable processes for every single new member of our team to be inducted into GP Vets.

Further to the above James has been able to approach each of our problems/challenges with a uniquely calm and personalised approach. He has brought a level of perspective from outside the business that has helped to take personality and ego out of the equation and to replace that with a calculated estimate of what it will cost the business to manage a problem… and equally what it will cost if we DON’T manage the problem! He has removed the FEAR element so beloved by the bigger legal companies and replaced it with a pragmatic common-sense approach.

In our experience, even relatively small changes to staffing, when managed well, have had a hugely positive knock-on effect upon the morale and well-being of the remaining team and indeed the profitability of the practice.

Professional Team

Since my introduction to Eight Legal, the workplace has been immeasurably less stressful and more productive. There has been less sickness days since and profits are up according to the accounts. I have no way of measuring where we would be had we not used their services but I do enjoy going to work, much more, again! They have continued to give good advice on numerous occasions and helped to avert problems in advance of an escalation. They are also easy to communicate with, practical and have a great sense of humour.

Very Happy With The Advice

We are a new client to Eight Legal, having previously been with one of the main steam HR consultants. I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the lukewarm advice I was receiving from my provider. After hearing James speak at a local VPMA event I was sure that his no nonsense approach was what we needed. I am very happy with the advice and the service that we get from James and the team at Eight Legal and would happily recommend them.

It’s Like The Sun Came Out

I can’t thank you enough. The progress in the practice has been outstanding…. and the atmosphere in the office is superb. It’s like the sun came out.

Eight Legal is The Sensible Choice if You Have Staff

James and Kay at Eight Legal have a different approach to employment and employment law compared to other law firms. They have the practice harmony at the centre of their philosophy. If a person is no longer part of the team then it is better for them to leave. James was at the end of the phone or email practically every day through the process. The process was still painful but we did not have to go through the endless cycle of warnings, disciplinary hearings and tribunal; instead we cut to the chase discussed best options and then were guided to achieve a resolution. Because we pay a monthly retainer there is no concern about costs snowballing out control. Kay has also helped us with doing appraisals and we are in the process of updating our contracts; all this is included in the retainer price. I would say Eight Legal is the sensible choice if you have staff!

They Give Real World Advice

I have used Eight Legal for several years and I am very happy to thoroughly recommend them. Eight Legal have delivered a very personal and personalised service for my business. This has included the delivery of contracts and employment handbooks, the education of key staff in employment law, same day telephone advice and great support when you really need it.

Much of what Eight Legal does, is to supply their clients with the knowledge and skills to anticipate and avoid problems with human resources and employment law. They also help to keep everyone compliant with the latest regulations and laws which change on an all too frequent basis. Much employment law is the same regardless where you work. However, Eight Legal have lots of experience with the veterinary business which really helps them to understand the unique positions we can find ourselves in. They know what is going on in a vet practice on a day to day level and can advise accordingly.

Despite the excellent advice and training, we have still found ourselves in unexpected and difficult situations. Specific issues have included advice surrounding pregnancy, mental health issues and staff members leaving before completing their notice period. We have found the support Eight Legal gives at these times to be really excellent and helped us to say the right things at the right time, to minimise problems and deal with things swiftly and efficiently. They give real world advice, which works well, helps to deliver the best possible outcome for all parties and allows me to get on with important things such as growing the business.

Motivated and Happy Team

We have found that Eight Legal provide a very personal service. They offer sensible and pragmatic advice in plain English, they demystify employment law and enable one to make a rational decision going forward while being fully aware of the risks associated with said decision. We have used Eight Legal on multiple occasions to move team members along who were not on message or who where pushing their own agenda to the detriment of the practice.

Breath of Fresh Air

We were just sick of the advice we were getting, and your proactive approach was a breath of fresh air.