Ask the Expert: Sylviane Kokouendo

By Glossy Magazine

Ask the Expert: Sylviane Kokouendo

Ask the Expert: Sylviane Kokouendo

Ask the Expert: Sylviane Kokouendo

Associate Partner, Employment Team at Slater Heelis Solicitors

Why did you choose to practice employment law? 

I’ve always been drawn to the human side of law, and employment law sits right at the heart of people, business and change. It’s an area that affects almost everyone at some point in their working lives, and that sense of real-world impact is what initially inspired me to specialise in it. No two days are the same, and legislation constantly evolves, which is actually something we are seeing again with developments such as the Employment Rights Bill, which signals another shift in how we balance the needs of employers and employees. That pace of change keeps me on my toes, too, as employment lawyers are always learning!

Are there any areas within employment law that you find particularly interesting? 

I do, it’s the growing awareness and understanding of neurodivergence in the workplace. More organisations are now recognising conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia not as challenges to be managed, but as forms of difference that can enrich teams when supported appropriately. Getting this right really matters, not just from a legal perspective, but from a cultural one. Creating environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive encourages better communication, higher engagement and stronger retention. I frequently advise employers on how small adjustments can make a profound difference, and it’s rewarding to see that shift take hold.

How do you see employment law evolving in the next few years?  

It’s a hot topic right now, and I do expect the next few years to be shaped by the increasing influence of AI in the workplace and the impact on redundancies. From automated recruitment tools to AI-assisted performance management, technology is advancing faster than the legal frameworks governing it. This will raise important questions around fairness, transparency, data use and the preservation of human judgement in decision-making. As lawyers, our role will be to help organisations harness these innovations responsibly, ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the expense of people. 

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn