Who? Nick Campbell, 44, partner and head of employment (Liverpool) at north-west firm Brabners.

Why is he in the news? Acted for two unfairly dismissed teachers in a successful whistleblowing claim against their former employer, Howell’s School in Denbigh.

The employment tribunal found that Bernie Routledge, the headteacher, had been dismissed for ‘blowing the whistle’ on legal breaches by the school. He had raised concerns with the trustees about an inspection and the school’s failure to pay teachers’ pension contributions.

The tribunal also found that Helen Price, a PE teacher, had been sexually discriminated against when she was dismissed shortly before returning to work from maternity leave.

Routledge and Price were awarded compensation of £216,898 and £83,537 respectively. However, the school was put into liquidation shortly after the hearing and they are unlikely to receive their awards.

Thoughts on the case: ‘I have acted for a number of senior executives in whistleblowing claims. This case, in particular, engendered a strong sense of injustice from the outset. Indeed, the employment tribunal found that the school’s response to Mr Routledge’s concerns was to treat him “in a way which was bullying and threatening when all that he was seeking to do was to carry out correctly and professionally the functions of his job”.’

Dealing with the media: ‘Press interest focused on the allegations against the clients rather than the facts themselves. Against that background, it was satisfying to secure a judgment that put the record straight and helped restore my clients’ reputations.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I wanted to join the RAF, but my father persuaded me to study law instead. He has a lot to answer for.’

Career high: ‘The buzz I still get every time I win a case.’

Career low: ‘Witnessing what this government is doing to the legal profession.’