Emma Darlow Stearn
Emma has a busy trial, appellate, and advisory practice, specialising in employment and discrimination law. She acts for workers and employers, led and unled, in multi-day Employment Tribunal trials, Employment Appeal Tribunal appeals and civil court hearings.
Emma has particular expertise in whistleblowing law and crossover cases involving employment, freedom of expression and/or human rights law, informed by her previous work as a senior legal adviser for whistleblowing charity Protect.
Emma is adept at navigating legally complex, high-value litigation and frequently appears against more senior opponents, including silks. She is excellent with clients, from international corporations to vulnerable individuals.
Emma is an accomplished advocate with appellate experience beyond her year of call, including appearances as sole counsel in the equal pay appeal Mrs Adele Perkins v Marston (Holdings) Limited (EAT) and led by Chris Milsom in the landmark whistleblowing appeal, Dr Nigel MacLennan v The British Psychological Society (Protect and The Charity Commission intervening) [2024] EAT 166. Judges have praised Emma for the 'high' quality of her advocacy, describing it as 'clear, well-structured and thought through'.
Emma is an avid legal commentator and is editor of the Human Rights Act 1998 chapter for Bullen & Leake and on the executive committee of the Industrial Law Society.
Emma won Lawworks’ Pro Bono Connect Award 2024 and was shortlisted for Advocate’s Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year Award 2025.
Prior to coming to the bar, Emma worked for more than a decade as a professional actress, musician, and musical director.