Hall Of Fame

Leading Individuals

Next Generation Partners

Employment in Jersey

Carey Olsen

Carey Olsen‘s Channel Island employment practice is well-placed to advise both onshore and offshore employers and trust managers on matters concerning pension schemes, as well as assisting with the structuring of large-scale pension plans and associated regulatory matters. The team is also able to advise on exits of senior employees and employee incentive schemes, as well as handling discrimination claims. Huw Thomas, who was made partner in January 2023 and focuses on mediation, leads the team alongside pensions specialist Alexa Saunders, who also heads up the firm’s trusts and private wealth team. Counsel Julie Currie is an experienced pensions practitioner, advising on transfers, scheme restructures, risk transfers and benefit changes. Senior associate Tarina Le Boutillier is noted for her work on immigration, in addition to contentious and non-contentious employment work.

Practice head(s):

Huw Thomas; Alexa Saunders


Other key lawyers:

Julie Currie; Tarina Le Boutillier


Testimonials

‘Carey Olsen’s pensions team is thoroughly knowledgeable and well respected in their field, clearly keeping up to date with industry developments, legal updates and regulatory developments.’

‘Julie Currie is thoroughly professional, knowledgeable and very responsive.’

‘The advice Huw Thomas provides is always clear and proportionate to the size and sector of the client.’

‘I felt they were very client-focused. They understood the challenge and risk and were honest about possible outcomes, risks and ideas for different options. It was not an easy case across a couple of jurisdictions, and they ensured that all groups involved were aligned and did their best to make the issue seamless. Very much appreciated their support – a great partner.’

‘Huw Thomas and Tarina Le Boutillier worked well as a team.’

‘Carey Olsen takes the time to get to know its clients and their business. They then tailor their approach and advice to the size, culture and industry; all the time ensuring they uphold the law and all ethical standards.’

‘Huw Thomas and Tarina Le Boutillier provide an efficient and caring service, always ensuring they find time to help (sometimes at extremely short notice).’

‘Helpful, responsive advice. They understand commercial realities and provide practical solutions.’

Key clients

Committee of Management of the Public Employees’ Pension Fund


Management Board of the Jersey Teachers Superannuation Fund


RBS International Employees’ Pension Trustees Limited (Trustee of the RBS International Pension Trust)


RBS International Employees’ Pension Trustees Limited (Trustee of the RBSI Widows and Orphans Purpose Trust)


Trustees of Aberdeen Asset Management Pension Scheme


Nedbank Private Wealth


Ports of Jersey Limited


Rossborough Financial Services Limited


Fairway Pension Trustees Limited


Alex Forbes


Work highlights


  • Advising the Committee of Management of the Public Employees’ Pension Fund and the Management Board of the Jersey’s Teachers Superannuation Fund on an ongoing basis.
  • Advised Nedbank Private Wealth on the sale of its Channel Islands trusts businesses, Nedgroup Trust (Guernsey) and Nedgroup Trust (Jersey) to Suntera Global.
  • Advising on the Jersey and Guernsey law issues relevant to the RBS International Employees’ Pension Trustees, a large multi-jurisdictional pension scheme.

Mourant

Mourant‘s ‘responsive and pragmatic’ employment practice is instructed by financial services employers and senior employees to handle the spectrum of employment issues, including discrimination, contentious exits, M&A and restructuring. Team leader Carla Benest assists employers with immigration matters, business and employee licensing, and data protection issues. Counsel Laurie Child represents clients in employment disputes, covering matters including discrimination and collective employment issues. Associate Katie Phillips focuses on dismissals and tribunal claims on the contentious side, while on the non-contentious front she advises on contractual matters and the establishment of new businesses in Jersey.

Practice head(s):

Carla Benest


Other key lawyers:

Laurie Child; Katie Phillips


Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive. Always approachable and highly knowledgeable in their field.’

‘The employment team at Mourant understands the issues that HR are facing, and as such, gives practical advice which is easily translated into action.’

‘Carla Benest’s approach is excellent – she takes the time to listen and fully understand the issue. Carla has extensive experience in her field and provides first class advice which is clear, concise, balanced and communicated in a way which none of her competitors are able to do.’

Work highlights


  • Defended a tribunal claim brought against an analytics company by a former senior employee.

Ogier

Ogier provides ‘very commercial, comprehensive and timely’ advice on a range of employment issues, including relevant M&A deals, employee benefit schemes, data protection issues and workplace injuries, as well as acting for employers and employees in tribunals concerning dismissals, breaches of contract and discrimination. Practice head Helen Ruelle is sought after for her experience in both contentious and non-contentious employment and discrimination matters, with further expertise in immigration and business relocation matters. Having been made counsel in February 2023, Will Austin-Vautier continues to advise on discrimination, data protection and employment relations matters.

Practice head(s):

Helen Ruelle


Other key lawyers:

Will Austin-Vautier


Testimonials

‘Helen Ruelle is always a pleasure to deal with. Her extensive experience and knowledge ensures you are in a safe pair of hands. The quality of Helen’s advice is second to none, cementing her position as a Hall of Famer, a real powerhouse in the employment world!’

‘Ogier provided sound advice on employment matters involving Jersey, including their excellent strategic review of issues and considerations. Their advice and direction transitioned seamlessly to strong advocacy on behalf of the client at the statutory tribunal and eventual resolution of the matter.’

‘My experience with Ogier has been excellent, including prompt answers to my questions and detailed analysis of my case. The practitioners were sympathetic and took the time to listen and understand my case and goals.’

‘I found that Will Austin-Vautier was not only very knowledgeable for my particular case, but he also explained a realistic expectation, and laid out a clear plan to a successful outcome for what I required. I was especially impressed that he also undertook some work over weekends to meet deadlines and help speed up my case; a thorough commitment to work.’

‘Will Austin-Vautier provides an excellent service, he is a pleasure to work with and his advice is always very useful.’

‘The Ogier team is our trusted advisor on a range of employment matters – from contractual matters and local regulation, to contentious employment matters. The advice is always very commercial, comprehensive and timely.’

‘The employment team, lead by Helen Ruelle and supported by Will Austin-Vautier, provides an outstanding level of service. They are trusted advisors; delivering commercial, comprehensive and timely advice on a range of employment matters.’

‘The practice is well organised and I felt that I was in extremely good hands from the outset – lines of communication were excellent and proportionate.’

Appleby

Appleby’s pan-Channel Island employment team advises financial institutions and senior executives on employee exits and has been increasingly instructed on investigatory matters, including those concerning regulatory misconduct. Employee share schemes are a further area of expertise. Practice head Richard Sheldon, whose practice encompasses both Jersey and Guernsey, advises on complex severance matters where employment, directorship and shareholder issues intersect. Niall MacDonald regularly handles contract drafting, immigration and business licensing issues, and the enforcement of post-exit obligations. Associate James Gallimore joined the firm in January 2023 from Simmons & Simmons, and is well versed in both contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.

Practice head(s):

Richard Sheldon


Other key lawyers:

Niall MacDonald; James Gallimore


Testimonials

‘Richard Sheldon and his team put the client relationship and understanding of their needs at the forefront of their advisory practice. The advice therefore reflects the culture and commercial needs of the business, rather than just interpreting legislation and the facts of any matter.’

‘Richard Sheldon is a trusted business partner and feels like a part of the team when providing advice. He consults thoroughly with the business to ensure he is clear on the brief and requirements, provides nuanced recommendations and partners the company throughout any process, adapting any advice in real time to respond to given circumstances.’

‘Appleby understand the importance of our work in delivering high quality, safe and effective services. They are responsive and supportive and always work in our best interests, often finding ways to reduce resources and costs without compromising on quality.’

‘Niall MacDonald has provided my organisation with an exceptional service. Niall is approachable, accessible and very responsive. Niall considers all eventualities and provides information in a way that supports informed choice and decision-making. When facing difficult circumstances, Niall is fully prepared, his knowledge and skills provide confidence and security.’

‘The practice is always professional when dealing with our complex international requirements and has the ability to access “experts” for our matters.’

‘Richard Sheldon and the team have the ability to speak in appropriate language to help the lay person understand.’

‘Niall MacDonald was outstanding. From initial contact to conclusion we were treated with the utmost professionalism and courtesy.’

‘Niall MacDonald was excellent – he worked hard on our case and provided us with sound legal advice and documentation and kept in regular contact. Niall took the emotion out of the case for us and made sure also that we were all content with how things were moving forward.’

Key clients

Barclays Group


Canaccord Genuity Wealth


CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang


Eversheds Sutherland


Family Nursing & Home Care


HSBC Group


PraxisIFM


Sanne Group


Suntera Global


Work highlights


  • Advised an international institution on the exit of a chief executive based in Jersey who was also shareholder of group entities elsewhere.
  • Advised an international financial services business on issues concerning a senior executive on garden leave.

Viberts

Viberts‘collaborative’ employment team is adept at representing both claimants and defendants in claims concerning negligence and discrimination before tribunals, and also regularly handles subsequent appeals to the Royal Court. The firm also handles M&A-linked employment matters, contractual and regulatory issues. Vicky Milner leads the practice, supporting senior employees and employers in complex matters concerning claims of discrimination, negligence and psychiatric injury. Giles Emmanuel, who heads the firm’s dispute resolution team, regularly handles compromise agreements, breaches of contract claims and personal injury cases. Chris Hendry specialises in advising clients from the financial services sector on employment law.

Practice head(s):

Vicky Milner


Other key lawyers:

Giles Emmanuel; Chris Hendry


Testimonials

‘Vicky Milner is an expert in employment law and provided excellent, pragmatic and sensitive guidance to address an unusual scenario for us.’

‘Viberts has an excellent team of employment lawyers who are able to work collaboratively to provide sound advice on matters which are outside the usual HR issues. I note their diligence in keeping on top of an issue, which in the case of my company, was ongoing for over a year. I was also impressed with their compassion, as the case involved a sensitive issue.’

‘My experience was one of a collaborative and good-humoured approach between partner and associate who worked together to provide me with high quality advice which was also both practical and pragmatic in approach. Such an approach can be particularly important in employment-related matters, which often involve both sensitive and emotional issues and client reactions.’

‘Vicky Milner has an obvious and reassuring level of technical expertise. Chris Hendry has a high level of technical expertise and both provide their advice in a comprehensible manner, taking a practical, pragmatic and good-humoured approach. Both are, by way of example, tactfully able to suggest a client approach which might be different to that which the client initially and instinctively wants to follow but which would not be in the client’s best interests.’

Key clients

ROK Construction Limited


Institute of Law


Unite the Union


Work highlights


  • Appeared as independent adviser to the Royal Court of Jersey in a matter concerning the autonomy of Jersey’s employment law systems.
  • Represented a senior lawyer in proceedings brought against him by the Law Society of Jersey.
  • Represented the Institute of Law in litigation brought against the client by its former Director of Studies.

Walkers

Walkers‘highly regarded’ employment team notably supports the financial sector across the spectrum of employment issues, and is well versed in handling all aspects of senior employee exits on behalf of employers. Beyond this, the firm also advises on immigration, data protection and pensions issues. Daniel Read leads the team, specialising in employment disputes, including claims of discrimination and misconduct. Associate Jenny Brunton supports clients with tribunal proceedings, and has particular experience in the charity and trust sectors.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Read


Other key lawyers:

Jenny Brunton


Testimonials

‘The Walkers team are professionally recognised across the islands and highly regarded. They act with utmost integrity and deliver solutions in a timely manner. The advice they provide goes beyond following the law and best practice, they factor in all human aspects of dealing with a situation to ensure the there is a best outcome for all parties in an expedient, cost effective and empathetic manner.’

‘Daniel Read and Jenny Brunton provided very timely and helpful advice.’

‘Daniel Read is charismatic, an excellent communicator, accessible and responsive.’

‘The team is both very attentive and experienced. They always make themselves available when I reach out to them, and take the time to explain things and make sure I understand.’

‘Highly engaged and invest in building knowledge on employment law. Very proactive and provide good advice.’

‘Daniel Read connects well with clients and knows his stuff.’

‘The team at Walkers is excellent. Their approach and service delivery is always to the highest of standards. The team has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of employment law and always provides the best solution to any enquiry.’

‘Daniel Read – an exceptional employment lawyer who demonstrates a level of expertise that surpasses expectations. He always provides simple but very effective advice and handles each case with the utmost care and attention.’

Key clients

Clarivate PLC


Vistra


KPMG


Advocate Davida Blackmore

Davida Blackmore of Advocate Davida Blackmore is a data protection specialist, advising clients on issues revolving around GDPR and the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 in the employment context. Blackmore also offers further expertise at the intersection of employment and personal injury law, handling cases of workplace harassment and bullying, in addition to acting in claims relating to restrictive covenants and unfair dismissals.

Practice head(s):

Davida Blackmore


Testimonials

‘Adv. D Blackmore maintains a very current and future-thinking knowledge of data protection legislation, rulings, changes, interpretation and international activities to ensure we are kept current in the application of DP as a regulator. She operates in a very transparent and communicative manner.’

‘Great personality and commitment to our organisation.’

‘Davida provides a personal yet professional touch, demonstrating her detailed knowledge of the subject matter from both a technical and commercial point of view.’

Key clients

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust


D’Houet Limited, t/a FCJ School


Marbral Advisory


Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner


Myerson


Work highlights


  • Acted for a number of senior individuals in employment exits, including claims for unfair constructive dismissal, unfair dismissal, redundancy, ill-health grounds and sexual harassment.
  • Acted for a senior employee in a claim for psychiatric injury, discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal against a former employer.

Bedell Cristin

Bedell Cristin’s ‘extremely well-rounded’ cross-Channel Island practice handles the gamut of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including the departure of executives, contractual issues and business reorganisations. Practice head Carly Parrott is also qualified as a workplace mediator. Associate Heather Watters is noted for contentious employment work.

Practice head(s):

Carly Parrott


Other key lawyers:

Heather Watters


Testimonials

‘Carly Parrott is an exceptional individual who was proactive, commercially focused and delivered.’

‘Heather Watters is very personable and delivers to client needs.’

‘I came across Carly Parrot and instantly I knew that we were going to have the kind of working relationship I was seeking. She is sharp, understanding of my business needs and is able to provide the expertise and peace of mind I require.’

‘Carly Parrot has been able to accurately identify my requirements and support me with the employment law work that I have needed. She has done it in a working style that suits me and my needs. She takes time to get to know her clients and responds accordingly to help build good working relationships – this is very important to me as a small business owner.’

‘In recent years we have used the services of Carly Parrott and Heather Watters. The team have provided advice in a clear consistent manner within our desired budget. I couldn’t speak more highly of the help and advice that Carly and Heather have provided over recent years.’

‘We found the team to be extremely well-rounded and fully conversant with the Channel Islands’ nuances. The approach taken with our instruction was highly pragmatic and effective. The team took time to understand our unique situation, yielding the right result on our part.’

‘Carly Parrott and the team each brought their individual strengths to the table in order to dissect the details of the particular case. The common thread was their attention to the critical details and bringing these to the fore.’

Key clients

JT Group


Work highlights


  • Advising JT Group on the full spectrum of employment matters, including the exit of senior and junior level staff, restructuring of operations, data protection and health and safety matters, staff absences, capability and conduct issues, and policy re-drafting.
  • Defended a major agricultural employer in Jersey in three employment tribunal claims, as well as advising on exit of employees from the business, the transfer of employees, the re-drafting of employment-related documentation, and the re-structuring of seasonal working arrangements.

Seymour Law LLP

Seymour Law LLP specialises in handling employment matters on behalf of senior executives and key stakeholders, whom it advises on arrivals into and exits from positions in Jersey, including those where disputes arise. Under the leadership of Jean-Marie Renouf, the group has experience in handling tribunal proceedings, as well as assisting employers with the drafting of workplace policy and procedure documents.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Marie Renouf


Testimonials

‘They’re professional, approachable, capable, patient, and forgiving.’

‘The team is very reactive.’

‘Jean-Marie Renouf is very agreeable to work with. Reactive, always to the point, an excellent team player.’

‘This is a boutique, independent firm with a small number of highly skilled and experienced practitioners.’

‘Jean-Marie Renouf’s advice is practical, clear and balanced. An experienced litigator with a really helpful common sense approach.’