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Browne Jacobson LLP moves up in the ranking this year to reflect the breadth of its public and private sector client base and the quality of its coverage of all aspects of employment law. Practice head Edward Benson is recommended, while Peter Jones takes responsibility for the nationally rated fire services team and is also highly regarded by clients. The team is currently testing the part-time workers directive in the Court of Appeal.

Eversheds LLP’s sizeable team is headed by Mark Fletcher, whose in-house experience counts with corporate clients looking for practical and commercial advice on reorganisations, severances and collective consultation. He and Nicola Bennison - who focuses on public sector health and education matters - both have substantial employment tribunal experience and TUPE knowledge.

Freeth Cartwright LLP is noted for its dedicated and experienced partners, and provides employment advice to high-profile clients in the retail, energy and construction sector as well as, increasingly, public sector entities. David Potter ‘has a first-class approach and a high degree of knowledge’.

Harvey Ingram LLP’s recent experience ranges from advice to national enterprises on TUPE issues, to defending a sex discrimination claim in which the damages claimed exceed £250,000.

Shoosmiths’ national head of employment Peter Duff continues to expand his large Nottingham team to cater for the flow of instructions from the likes of the Volkswagen Group, Thomas Cook, and - a recent client gain - the BP group. An immigration unit assists with the international aspects of the instructions.

Andersons primarily offers respondents assistance with contentious issues. Sally Laughton is now in charge, and Malcolm Davies is a consultant.

Clients of HBJ Gateley Wareing LLP range from owner-managed businesses to plcs, and are impressed by the ‘speed of response and thoroughly commercial/practical approach’. All enjoy working with the ‘approachable’ Andrew Macmillan.

Howes Percival LLP provides a prompt and responsive service to a raft of employers through its substantial Leicester and Northampton teams. A highlight was a reported case in which the firm successfully defended a complex disability discrimination matter. Alison McFarlane has left the firm, but the ‘talented and knowledgeable’ Paula Bailey and Graham Irons continue to ‘identify what clients really need and deliver it consistently’.

At Actons, the ‘down-to-earth’ Claire Bell is noted for her data protection experience. Employers and senior employees have instructed the firm on equal pay, sex and race discrimination and dismissal matters.

A practical approach and speedy response rates are features of Berryman’s service to clients such as Vision Express, EMDA and other manufacturing and public organisations. Ginny Hallam’s growing group provides contentious and non-contentious support and training.

Robert Tice at Flint Bishop Solicitors is ‘knowledgeable, decisive, realistic, approachable and efficient’; he focuses on respondent work for SMEs, but received his first plc instructions in 2008. The team also handled a sensitive Disability Discrimination Act appeal.

Mike Butler’s team at Geldards LLP focuses on work for respondents in tribunal cases.

Hewitsons LLP punches above its weight, attracting instructions from household names such as TGI Friday’s and Travis Perkins as well as health, education and public authorities. Its successes in 2008 included a major TUPE matter which reached the Court of Appeal, and a multi-claim tribunal by 15 claimants.

Niche employment practice Hutchinsons Employment Solicitors is highly experienced in conducting and presiding over tribunals for corporate respondents and claimants.

Nelsons’ team covers the East Midlands and beyond and has recently tested some groundbreaking points in tribunals. Practice head Andy Jamieson specialises in TUPE, redundancy and severance packages. Keeley Baigent is now a partner, while Andrew Rowell has left the firm.

The ‘impressive’ Jane Eatock at North Lincolnshire-based Grange Wintringham advises national employers on contentious and strategic matters. ‘She is an expert in her area with an ability to present the information in an understandable and logical way’.

South Lincolnshire firm Langleys enters the table this year, acting for employers including new client Simons Group plc. Nick Sheppard ‘is very knowledgeable, responsive and experienced’.

Helen Mason, formerly at Flint Bishop Solicitors, is now a sole practitioner, as Helen Mason & Co, and attracts high praise from clients.

Niche new entrant PJH Law is a good choice for advice to employees and small businesses.

Smith Partnership advised three national contractors on a £54m outsourcing TUPE contract with Birmingham City Council in 2008, successfully transferring 140 employees to the contractors.

Former head of employment at Nelsons Andrew Rowell has joined Amanda Badley at Spearing Waite. Recent instructions highlight the team’s experience in complex collective redundancies, TUPE issues, service provision change, and unfair dismissal and race discrimination matters.

Tollers LLP’s strong client base includes Lafarge Aggregates Limited, Norbert Dessentrangle and Carlsberg.

Weightmans LLP advises Leicester County Council, Royal Mail and two police forces on general matters, most recently equality and discrimination issues.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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Press releases

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