Lorna Townsend

Lorna Townsend has more than 15 years’ experience as a practising employment lawyer as well as 10 years’ experience of conducting workplace investigations. She is a key member of Birketts’ Resolve Team and leads our Workplace Investigations practice.

A leading expert in the resolution of workplace issues, Lorna has extensive experience of dealing with complex and sensitive grievance and disciplinary investigations, often involving allegations of discrimination.  She has conducted investigations for both public and private sector organisations across a wide range of industries, including healthcare and regulated utilities.  

Lorna has a reputation for providing considered, clear and comprehensive investigation reports that explain the applicable law in an accessible manner.  Clients appreciate the succinct and helpful executive summary that she includes within each report. She is able to analyse complex and conflicting evidence and makes reasoned findings, applying both common sense and sound judgement.   Her reports are invaluable to organisations in resolving disciplinary and grievance matters and reducing the risk of Tribunal claims.    

Prior to specialising in employment law, Lorna worked for a number of leading City law firms in the UK and internationally including Hogan Lovells, Dentons, Baker & Mackenzie and Herbert Smith. She also worked as in-house lawyer for Norwich Union.   

Lorna Townsend is an accredited CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution) Mediator. 

Lorna is a fluent French and Russian speaker.

Experience & education

2015  Joined Birketts 

2002 – 2014  Solicitor/Partner, Steeles Law 

1998 – 2000  In-house lawyer, Norwich Union 

1993 – 1998  Solicitor, Dentons, Baker & Mackenzie, Herbert Smith 

1993  Qualified as Solicitor with Hogan Lovells