Ayesha Casely-Hayford

Experience

Ayesha is a Principal Associate in the Employment & Pensions team advising a range of healthcare and public sector clients in contentious and non-contentious matters.  She has a vast amount of experience in representing both employees and employers across a number of industries, as well as carrying out her own advocacy in the Employment Tribunal.

Ayesha regularly writes on topical legal subjects as well as chairing and speaking at events.

Expertise

Ayesha specialises in discrimination, unfair dismissal and contractual claims with a particular interest in disability discrimination law. She has extensive experience drafting complex contracts and managing negotiations for senior and junior members of staff. In the High Court, Ayesha has experience in injunctive relief and contractual claims. 

CSR activity

When not dedicated to her law practice, Ayesha works as an actress, voice artist, public speaker, and creative professional. She is also founder of the Afro Archives programme, which raises awareness of the experience of women with afro textured hair in the UK. Ayesha is currently a trustee of Cardboard Citizens (charity #1042457) an organisation ‘unlocking the possibilities of theatre and art with people who experience homelessness, inequality, or poverty”.  She is former chair and trustee of registered UK charities (the Act For Change Project and Inc Arts UK), and a former Governor at Lambeth College.

Qualified as a solicitor

March 2008

Qualifications

• LLB (Hons), Hull University
• International Legal Studies Programme, Antwerp University (Belgium)
• LPC, Inns of Court School of Law, City University

Memberships

• Law Society of England and Wales
• Equity TU (British trade union for creative practitioners)
• Spotlight (for professional performers)
• Grand Order of Lady Ratlings

Award Nomination

Business Success Award - Rising Star (Entrepreneurship) nomination (2019)