About Karen Black
Meet Karen
Legal expertise matters. Human connection matters more.
Much has changed since I qualified as a solicitor in 1998.
We have become digital natives, scrolling our way through the day and, for many, even the night. We have endured the isolation of social distancing and today we are navigating the complexities of a less in-person working culture.
As AI reshapes our daily lives, I see a growing desire for greater authenticity and individuality. In a landscape increasingly dominated by automated responses, my legal practice remains deeply personal. I am here to provide the tailored, genuine counsel you need in a fast-paced and impersonal world.
I know that today, there is a calling for a new kind of professional support – one that demands communication excellence, deeper collaboration and creative thinking. It was in recognition of these evolving needs that The Works Counsel was born.
I look forward to us working together.
Karen Black
About me… in 10
Baker McKenzie gave me the best legal training. With Christine Lagarde heading the European Employment Group in the 1990s, it was here that my career began under the mentorship of an exceptional legal team. Boodle Hatfield, where I was Partner and Head of Employment, had an extraordinarily diverse client base: from manufacturers of soft toys and Swiss chocolate, to the boards of luxury brands.
Working in Bahrain as part of a multi-disciplinary team commissioned to redesign the labour law system.
Supporting GPs and their practices across the nation during the Covid pandemic.
There have been many, but any live TV or radio interview i’ve done is always “a moment”. A particularly funny and memorable one was a presentation I gave about etiquette at office Christmas parties on the BBC Breakfast.
Sir David Attenborough, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, my great uncle Charles (605 Squadron), Mother Teresa, Michael McIntyre and Steven Bartlett.
“The nicest thing about the rain is that is always stops. Eventually.”
Eeyore, Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A.Milne.
Beethoven; Miloš Karadaglic; JJ Cale; Santana; Prince; Bruce Springsteen; Olivia Dean; Coldplay.
Saying bye to my little Schnauzer and packing my By Terry lip balm.
Cheese straws and a glass of English sparkling wine!
Why I Founded The Works Counsel
As a trusted legal adviser, I saw first-hand that many clients did not benefit from process-heavy legal support provided by traditional law firms or generic, off-the-shelf advice provided by HR consultancies.
What they needed was:
I founded The Works Counsel to provide a modern alternative to the traditional law firm – one that prioritises clarity, partnership and outcomes over process and billable hours.
Our Approach to Legal and Employment Advice
Our philosophy is rooted in understanding the full context in which advice is given.
We take the time to listen to you and to understand:
By truly understanding your goals, we deliver the exact support you need.
Supporting Your Bold Decisions and Helping You to Stay Ahead
The Works Counsel works alongside individuals, business owners and leadership teams to support both everyday challenges and major strategic decisions.
From managing sensitive employment issues and disputes, to shaping critical communications and supporting organisational change, we provide calm, considered and decisive guidance when it matters most.
A Different Kind of Legal Adviser
Our approach is as bold as your ambitions.
We believe in:
Book a free consultation to find out how The Works Counsel thinks differently, communicates clearly and delivers results that truly matter to you and to your business.
The Works Counsel
The Works Counsel’s approach is as bold as your ambitions, offering clarity over complexity and partnership over process. Here, you’ll find an adviser that thinks differently, acts decisively and delivers results that truly matter.