Invicta Law is proud to announce Nina Lingard’s appointment to Head of the Employment, Privacy and Governance (EPG) group. With an extensive career spanning over two decades in public sector Employment Law, the depth of Nina’s experience is hard to match. Her work has been integral to local authorities across the UK.
A Career Grounded in Public Sector Experience
Nina’s journey in law began in 1998 after completing her Common Professional Exam and Legal Practice Course at the College of Law at Chester. Her early years were spent in private practice, but it was in the public sector that she found her true calling.
She achieved a Masters in Employment Law from the University of Central Lancashire in 2002 and began working as a solicitor with several large Local Authority in-house legal teams the following year. Reflecting on this period, she notes, “Working as the sole in-house employment solicitor responsible for thousands of staff, was an invaluable learning experience.”
Nina became an accredited mediator in 2005, and since then, she has been involved in numerous sensitive and politically charged cases, often working closely with Monitoring Officers, Chief Executives and other senior officials to advise on employment law matters.
Contributions to Local Authorities
Nina’s work has had a significant impact on several local authorities. She was the first solicitor in the UK to advise on disciplinary matters under the Joint Negotiating Committee for Chief Officers of Local Authorities (JNC) Handbook, contributing her findings to the subsequent reviews of the handbook. Her role in coordinating investigation and disciplinary committees involving statutory officers has been pivotal on numerous occasions.
During her time with various local authorities, Nina has addressed standard complaints, revised council constitutions and dealt with politically sensitive issues.
“One of the things I particularly enjoy is pulling all the pieces of the puzzle together when a claim arrives,” Nina says. “The challenge of gathering information from multiple sources – witnesses, emails, reports, etcetera – and crafting a well-prepared defence is something I find deeply fulfilling.”
The EPG Team at Invicta Law
Since joining Invicta Law as a senior solicitor in July 2021, Nina has been an essential part of the specialist EPG team who are recognised for their extensive experience in the public sector and advise on a range of issues, from employment tribunals to local government pensions and TUPE consultations. Their clients include local authorities, fire and rescue authorities, local authority trading companies (LATCOs), multi-academy trusts, headteachers, and school governing bodies.
Now, as its leader, she emphasises the collaborative nature of the group. “We’re a small, close-knit team that works incredibly well together. The supportive environment this creates is a big reason why I’ve enjoyed being part of this firm over the last three years.”
Looking Ahead
Nina remains committed to staying at the forefront of developments in employment law. She stresses the importance of keeping informed about legal updates and changes, particularly as the field evolves with new legislation.
“You have to keep a finger on the pulse,” she notes, pointing out the raft of upcoming changes that will undoubtedly impact local authorities.
Nina also emphasises the importance of being able to collaborate and consult with a wider network of professionals, recognising the value of shared expertise in this ever-changing field. “Having a network of barristers and other professionals to sense check with is invaluable,” she says.
A Personal Side
Outside of her legal work, Nina has some surprising interests. She has visited Antarctica as part of a study on wildlife, completed static line parachute jumps for charity, and has a passion for collecting detailed 1/12th scale miniatures crafted by artisans.
As Nina steps into her new role, her commitment to delivering clear, pragmatic legal solutions will continue to guide her work. She looks forward to leading the EPG team in navigating the upcoming legislative changes so that they can ensure their clients remain well-supported, informed, and legally compliant.
