Who? Layla Barke-Jones, dispute resolution partner, Aaron & Partners, Chester.
Why is she in the news? Representing Delta Taxis, one of two taxi companies that have set up a ‘fighting fund’ to battle Uber in the Supreme Court in July.
Thoughts on the case: ‘The case is about whether a contractual relationship is required under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. This is legally interesting but also of immense public importance because if the Supreme Court decides (as the High Court did) that the wording does require the contractual relationship which Uber seeks (between the passenger and the private hire taxi operator), then firms which operate as agents of their drivers will have to remodel or likely lose their licence to trade. For those that remodel, it will force them to have to charge VAT to passengers. Given that disabled people, in-home care providers, elderly people and those from rural communities frequently use private hire taxis for essential door-to-door service, this case has the potential for significant consequences for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society.’
A spokesperson for Uber said: ‘Uber believes that there should be consistency throughout the UK to ensure all operators are required to have the same model.’
Dealing with the media: ‘There has been quite a bit of media attention in this case since the first hearing in 2022. I have been fortunate to have an excellent marketing and development team at Aaron & Partners support me with the media side of things. We also engaged with the PR team at No Brainer Agency, who have allowed me to add my thoughts where appropriate, but also focus on the law and bring others in to bring the issues to life.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘My parents were heavily involved in the anti-apartheid movement when I was younger, so growing up I had a strong sense of justice. I was encouraged to articulate my point of view even from a very young age.’
Career high: ‘Receiving the Court of Appeal judgment in the appeal by Delta Taxis in less than a week. The outcome at the High Court threw their model, which had been legislated for nearly 50 years, into disarray. Receiving such a quick and unequivocal judgment felt like vindication for the decision to appeal.’
Career low: ‘I qualified at Halliwells during the credit crunch, the impact of which saw the firm go into administration. I had joined at a time of real optimism and growth, and was astonished by how quickly things turned. It felt like my career was over before it had started.’
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