Louise is the head of our employment team and has over 20 years’ experience in employment work, she is one of the region’s most dynamic and sought after employment lawyers.

Recognised in Chambers UK legal directory, she advises on all aspects of employment law including disciplinary and redundancy issues, whistle-blowing, data theft and restrictive covenants. Louise also advises on business and shareholder disputes to include unfair prejudice claims involving minority shareholders.

With clients ranging from owner-managed businesses and large corporates to individual directors and senior managers, Louise is strongly recommended for her clear, pragmatic advice and her ability to deliver commercial and cost effective solutions.

Expertise

Louise offers a complete employment service which includes preparation of contracts; advice on handling HR issues such as disciplinaries and redundancies; advice on the employment aspects of organisational change such as restructuring and mergers, and representation at Employment Tribunals. She advises on and litigates claims for breaches of confidence, data theft and breaches of restrictive covenants and has experience of obtaining emergency search orders in the High Court. Commercial clients include Fujitsu UK Ltd, and organisations in the residential care, interior design, manufacturing, construction, education, technology and recruitment sectors. She also advises individuals, particularly at director level.

Louise studied Politics at York University, she then worked in retail management before completing the Common Professional Examination conversion to Law. Louise qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and completed her training contract with Turner & Debenhams (now Debenhams Ottaway) in 1998. Louise became a partner in 2003.

In Touch

Louise is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and an affiliate member of CIPD. She also leads the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee which drives and coordinates all community and fundraising efforts.

Louise Attrup's news

What Clients Say
  • I always find you to be professional, knowledgeable and accommodating. I also feel I am in safe hands that’s why I keep coming back to you as and when I need assistance with something.

    Client
  • Louise Attrup gives clear and pragmatic advice. She always outlines all the risks and benefits to enable effective decisions to be made.

    The Legal 500 UK 2023
  • Louise Attrup is efficient and responsive and, most important for us, she answers a question and she does not sit on the fence.

    Chambers UK 2022
  • Lousie Attrup is very knowledgeable, gives sound advice and has been a great help when negotiations have been tricky and testing. Louise is very responsive and has helped guide me through several difficult negotiations.

    The Legal 500 UK 2022
  • My thanks to Louise Attrup for her speed, diligence and closing before the deadline. It is a pleasure working with the Debenhams Ottaway employment team.

    Howard Ford, Filtronic plc
  • Debenhams Ottaway’s support in employment matters such as good practice, litigation and tribunal affairs has been hugely helpful and knowledgeable.

    Ralph Verlander, Chief Executive, Life Opportunities Trust
  • I would like to thank Andrew and Louise’s help in this matter.

    It’s been a great reassurance that you have been involved in making sure that everything has been done correctly and efficiently.

    Client
  • Louise provided a focused, well informed and well balanced service taking account of the complexities involved. Alongside that adopting a well needed supportive and caring approach. The support given from all perspectives proved to be invaluable.

    Client
  • Excellent subject knowledge. She completely understood my requirements, and especially how to talk to my employer in my best interest. Responses were also fast.

    Client
  • Louise was very professional but caring and understanding of our difficult situation. She was efficient in dealing with our issue, not letting it drag on unnecessarily. She calmed me down from my very anxious state and helped me find a way forward. I’m truly grateful for her guidance.

    Client
  • Louise works so efficiently and effectively. She is encouraging and always provides clarity. I would highly recommend this solicitor. Absolutely, superb. Thank you so much Debenham Ottaway!

    Mel
  • Louise could not have made the process easier. Her knowledge and expertise are second to none.

    Victoria Bone
  • Friendly and professional. Able to focus directly on the issues and communicate in an effective manner.

    Client
  • Timely responses to our case and sound advice pitched to our organisation needs and budget.

    Client
  • Louise Attrup is very professional and provided excellent practical advice on how to take things forward. Louise always found time to explain how to progress with the case.

    Legal 500 UK 2024
  • Louise Attrup is a brilliant employment lawyer who always delivers well thought out advice.

    Legal 500 2024 UK
  • Louise is always available, returns calls and takes the time to explain her reasoning.

    Chambers UK 2024
  • Louise knows her subject inside out and can take complex issues and find effective solutions.

    Chambers UK 2024
  • She has a strong and practical approach to delicate issues.

    Chambers UK 2024