Lawyer acted for lap dancer in claim against Stringfellow

Who? Shah Qureshi, 42, employment partner at London firm Bindmans.

Why is he in the news? Acted in the Employment Appeal Tribunal for Nadine Quashie, a former lap dancer for Stringfellow Restaurants Limited, whose claim of unfair dismissal had been rejected by the London Central Employment Tribunal on the grounds that she was self-employed.

The appeal tribunal heard that Stringfellow gave Quashie (and other dancers) self-employed status, but expected her to behave like an employee by working set shifts, attending regular staff meetings and not working for competitors.

The appeal tribunal ruled that these were good arguments to support Quashie’s case that she was employed, and will hear her full appeal on 1 March 2012.

Peter Stringfellow, the club’s owner, said he will contest the appeal. He described the claim as ‘vexatious’.

Thoughts on the case: ‘Dancers in clubs are often exploited due to their lack of employment status. The clubs insist on them being self-employed despite the fact that they have obligations like any other employee, including the provision of services, set working hours and financial penalties for not working.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘The film Gandhi made me realise that lawyers were not just a stuffy bunch, but could make a real difference.’

Career high: ‘Acting for [environmental policy officer] Tim Nicholson, when we convinced the court that he had been unfairly dismissed under the Equality Act because of his philosophical belief in climate change.’

Career low: ‘I was working at a law centre and arrived late at court because of disruptions on the tube. The
judge glared at me for some minutes before demanding my explanation. Luckily, the case settled.’