I'm Blair Toner, founding Toner Legal, specialising as a HR settlement agreement specialist (employment law and settlement agreements). Based in London, we serve clients across England and Wales, supporting employees (and sometimes employers) in:
My background as a barrister with deep focus on employment law underpins the services I provide.
Over my career, I saw many employees offered settlement agreements without proper legal support. I believe specialist, high-quality advice should be accessible, especially when someone’s employment and rights are at stake. That belief led to the formation of Toner Legal, a firm built around deep expertise in settlement agreements, while also handling related matters such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, restrictive covenant disputes, whistleblowing, bonus and commission disputes, and tribunal advocacy. I chose to brand strongly around settlement agreement work rather than general employment law because it allows us to refine our processes, messaging, and reputation. Many clients come to us specifically for that niche and then stay for our broader employment law services.
At the beginning, I leveraged my legal credentials, case experience and network. I published content (FAQs, articles) around "Settlement Agreement" to drive organic traffic and answer common questions. For example, our FAQ page outlines:
I made sure to deliver fast turnaround when clients needed urgent advice. One offering is "same day settlement agreement turnaround" for clients needing quick review.
I also ensured client reviews and testimonials are visible (like on Trustpilot) to build trust. Toner Legal has over 45 reviews covering employment law, negotiation, and litigation work.
Over time, Toner Legal grew beyond settlement agreement reviews to provide a full range of employment law services, including tribunal litigation, discrimination claims, covenant enforcement, and bonus disputes.
We now get referrals from solicitors, HR professionals and past clients. We also invest in content, SEO, and presence in legal directories. Our site prominently explains key settlement agreement concepts (termination date, notice pay, holiday pay, tax treatment, confidentiality, restrictions).
Where clients demand speed or clarity, we provide structured, clear advice on the legal and financial implications. A key promise is: "virtually in all cases, our fees for advising on settlement agreements will be covered by the employer."
This lowers the barrier significantly for employees who need proper legal advice.
Key lessons emerged from building Toner Legal. Focusing on a single niche allows you to refine both messaging and procedures. Clear, informative content attracts clients, many first find us through articles or FAQs that answer straightforward but critical questions. Setting realistic expectations is essential, as settlement agreements are not instant fixes; effective negotiation of termination dates, non-derogatory references, and restrictive covenants can make a major difference. Maintaining the capacity to handle urgent situations without compromising quality is a key differentiator. Finally, consistently gathering and showcasing proof through reviews, case results, and client stories builds credibility and trust in what is often a stressful time for clients.
If I were launching anew today, I would have built more scalable digital tools, for example an interactive checklist or guided self-audit to prequalify. I'd also implement more systematic data capture early:
That data would help refine our processes even faster.
I plan to develop more resources for HR professionals and smaller employers, including training, templates, and webinars, to help them better understand settlement agreements. I’m also exploring expansion into adjacent jurisdictions, such as Scotland, depending on demand. In addition, I aim to build stronger referral partnerships with HR firms and employment solicitors, and to produce more content addressing emerging developments in employment law.
You legally need independent advice to make a settlement agreement valid. This ensures you fully understand the terms and your rights before signing away your ability to bring future claims against your employer. A specialist can also negotiate better terms for you.
Many elements are up for discussion. Beyond the main financial sum, your solicitor can negotiate things like your termination date, notice and holiday pay, confidentiality clauses, and the wording of any future references. They can also challenge restrictive covenants that might limit your future work.
In almost all situations, you will not have to pay. Your employer typically contributes a set amount towards your legal fees as part of the agreement, and firms like Toner Legal ensure their fees are covered by this contribution. This means you can get expert advice without the financial worry.
You should not feel pressured, but tight deadlines are common. Many specialist firms are set up for speed. For instance, some offer a same-day review service to ensure you get timely advice, reducing your stress and helping you meet the deadline without rushing your decision.
Look for a solicitor or firm that focuses specifically on settlement agreements and employment law. Check their credentials, experience, and client reviews. Using a directory like Fearless can help you connect with vetted experts who have a proven track record in handling these specific cases.
