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  1. Employment
  2. Leading individuals

Allen & Overy LLP provides ‘clear and unobtrusive advice and support’ in matters from post-acquisition integrations, demergers and European Works Council mergers, on the corporate side, to the defence of large-scale claims such as Molvik v Capital International on the contentious side. The partners – ‘superb all-rounder’ Mark Mansell; Stefan Martin; and the ‘direct and no-nonsense’ Karen Seward – are backed up by ‘very responsive and knowledgeable’ associates, and ‘excellent PSL’ Sheila Fahy.

In addition to a heavy contentious workload, Baker & McKenzie LLP’s ‘pragmatic and proactive’ group advised global clients in relation to a team move and an outsourcing. Team head and ‘great coordinator’ Christine O’Brien advised Shire Pharmaceuticals on integration issues following its acquisition of Movetis; and John Evason continues to advise British Airways on industrial relations issues, successfully defending a Court of Appeal case brought by the cabin crew union. Daniel Ellis is singled out for his ‘strong professional skill set’. ‘Intellectually one of the best’, Paul Harrison has ‘excellent technical knowledge which sits well with his pragmatic style’.

Herbert Smith LLP’s experience ranges from domestic and international restructurings and acquisitions, to advisory matters for Jaguar Land Rover, Easyjet and Pilkington, and contentious matters including employee investigations and bonus disputes. The team is ‘first choice ’ for ‘the more complex, cerebral, high-value and reputational issues’. The ‘wise’ Andrew Brown advised Indian telecommunications company Bharti Airtel on its $10.7bn acquisition of Zain Africa. ‘Dream team’ Andrew Taggart and litigation specialist Ian Gatt QC obtained a victory in the Court of Appeal in the Geys bonus dispute. Tim Leaver is ‘commercial, innovative, and thorough’.

Simmons & Simmons is the adviser of choice for a raft of investment and asset managers, and hedge funds. The bulk of the team’s work is contentious; in 2010, instructions included a range of disputes over bonus payments, high-value discrimination actions and whistleblowing claims. Practice head Simon Watson is ‘outstanding – strategic, commercial and very client friendly’; and newly promoted partner Andrea Finn is ‘very smart, and a very able litigator’. The team ‘combines its legal knowledge with a strong commercial perspective’, and its ‘strategic approach and the depth of its bench set it apart’.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP is a strong choice for instructions on sensitive, reputational issues, and has a growing presence in the financial sector. Lisa Mayhew joined from Jones Day, and ‘solid legal intellect’ Marian Bloodworth – ‘first rate at substantial litigation for respondents’ – joined from Hogan Lovells International LLP. ‘Elder statesman’ Fraser Younson ‘rolls up his sleeves and gets on with it like one of the troops’, and recently advised Jardine Lloyd Thomson in court action over a team move from Aon. Rebecca Harding-Hill, who ‘provides an exceptional service’, completed the groundbreaking Tullet v BGC case.

Lewis Silkin LLP is ‘a big player in the employment world’. Clients range from law firms seeking to outsource or hire, to senior executives and employers in High Court litigation. The team was joined by the ‘commercial and practical’ Lisa Patmore from Pinsent Masons LLP, adding to its acknowledged strength in trade union law, and recent highlights include securing Court of Appeal approval for EDF Energy Powerlink’s contingency plans against industrial action. Among the 15 partners, Carolyn Soakell is a ‘responsive, tough negotiator’; Karen Baxter ‘extremely approachable’; Russell Brimelow ‘very knowledgeable’; Jonathan Carr a ‘superb all-rounder’; Michael Burd an ‘outstanding lawyer’; and Ellen Temperton ‘highly professional’.

Clifford Chance’s team attracts very high praise from clients. The ‘hardworking’ Alistair Woodland has been leading the advice to financial services sector clients such as Goldman Sachs, Barclays and Morgan Stanley on the implications of the remuneration reforms. On the strategic restructuring and M&A side, Imogen Clark oversaw the employment aspects of Man Group’s £1.1bn acquisition of rival hedge fund GLG Partners. Chris Goodwill is ‘calm, measured and wise’, and recently represented Nomura in a complex claim involving regulatory, bonus and discrimination issues.

Kathleen Healy heads Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s team, which advises global employers on advisory, contentious and transaction-related matters. It recently advised on a global investigation for Cattles, and a confidential investigation into financial accounting matters; and assisted Northern Rock, Deutsche Bank and Mitsui on executive pay and FSA remuneration issues. Global EPB head Nick Squire is ‘good to have beside you in a difficult situation’.

Linklaters LLP has a ‘high-quality, top-end practice catering especially to major banks and financial institutions’, with a similarly high-profile corporate client-base. Recent projects have included major restructurings, and a number of sales and disposals, notably four multibillion-pound sales for RBS entities involving international transfers and TUPE matters; these were all handled by Jean Lovett, who is ‘extremely quick at grasping the issue’. ‘Great tactician’ Nicola Rabson continued to represent Commerzbank in ongoing bonus payment litigation.

The variety of instructions received by Mayer Brown International LLP in 2010 is indicative of the depth of Nicholas Robertson’s team: a bonus claim case worth several million pounds; several senior-level board exits, including three for the same brand-leading company; and the £1.7bn buyout of the RBS WorldPay business. Bernadette Daley ‘approaches every legal challenge in a pragmatic way’, and Robertson shows ‘all-round excellence’.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP is instructed by FTSE 100 companies and financial services organisations, including Associated British Foods, BAE Systems, Barclays Capital and Deutsche Bank. A highlight of 2010 was the successful defence of a whistleblowing case against Laing O’Rourke, involving an unusual award of an indemnity costs order; Michael Leftley, who ‘never fails to deliver’, was the key partner on this. Alasdair Simpson has a strong board-room following, and delivers ‘outstanding service in terms of responsiveness, effectiveness, and value for money’.

Beachcroft’s London team gained new clients including Royal Mail in 2010, adding to its financial services and commercial sector clients. The ‘responsive, available, knowledgeable, and pragmatic’ Khurram Shamsee and Zoe Wigan lead on complex litigation for banks, insurers and brokers. Charles Newman is experienced in business transfers and outsourcing for NHS bodies and private commercial sector clients such as Balfour Beatty.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is valued for its ‘very down-to-earth approach and fast response times’, and has gained new clients such as Deutsche Bank, Reed Elsevier and ConocoPhillips. Anthony Fincham’s group recently advised a major bank on its international redundancy programme. Sarah Ozanne and Ian Watson ‘provide sound practical advice’, and recently advised on the transfer of staff to five different law firms on the administration of Halliwells.

Michael Powner now heads Charles Russell LLP’s 30-lawyer team, and added the FA to his list of sports and retail clients. David Green is a key adviser to corporates and law firms on restructurings and senior team reorganisations; Nick Hurley impresses with his ‘strategic and commercial approach to complex and highly sensitive issues’; and Helen Brooks is a tribunal specialist with a technology and media focus. In 2010 the team assisted Arquiva on a major restructuring, and wagamama on due diligence in preparation for sale.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s team, headed by boardroom disputes specialist Tim Marshall, ‘inspires confidence’. Following the high-profile Tullet Prebon v BGC cases, Marshall defended RBS in a team move case. Susan Fanning has handled international corporate restructurings for clients such as Pfizer. Jonathan Exten-Wright is a disability discrimination expert, and recently advised the government on proposed legislative changes.

The ‘excellent’ team at Farrer & Co is ‘thorough, with a good tactical awareness’, advising employers in the education, institutional and professional services sectors. David Smellie and William Dawson have a solid reputation among peers for their representation of senior executives in the financial and FTSE 100/250 sector. Jonathan Eley impresses with ‘his calm approach and ability to see the wider picture’; public sector specialist Rachel Lewis is ‘professional, commercial and pragmatic’; and Anna Gregory is singled out for her ‘dedication and tough negotiating style’.

Fox Williams LLP excels in complex and groundbreaking litigation on behalf of individuals and organisations, making new law relating to PILON notices in Raphael Geys v Société Générale, and to retention of confidential information in another high-profile action in 2010. The team is valued for its ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, and ability to innovate and to give clear, understandable, and authoritative advice’. Practice head Jane Mann combines ‘a razor-sharp intellect and detailed knowledge of relevant case law with first-class negotiating skills and keen tactical awareness’.

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s team has ‘great expertise’. It is headed by David Harper, who recently deployed his ‘tremendous experience in difficult employment disputes’ for an energy sector client in the employment tribunal. Elizabeth Slattery has ‘great judgement in high-value employment litigation’, notably senior executive remuneration cases in the financial services sector. Jonathan Maude and Marian Bloodworth left in 2010.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP has ‘one of the few employment departments in the City capable of competently running large pieces of High Court litigation’, as illustrated by its epic battle in the team-poaching case Tullet Prebon v BGC. The ‘very knowledgeable, superbly responsive, and no-nonsense’ Katie Clark recently assisted Barracuda plc in a discrimination case; and the newly promoted Sharon Tan, ‘a tremendously clever lawyer’, assisted Expedia in multi-party negotiations averting collective claims. Alison Wetherfield ‘will fight’ for clients.

Mishcon de Reya ‘goes the extra mile every time’. Notable successes in 2010 included completing the Dresdner bankers’ action over bonus payments, and the defence of a discrimination case for The National Magazine Company. The team is ‘very professional, hands-on and approachable’, and advises both employers and employees. The ‘tough and masterly’ Joanna Blackburn is ‘an awesome lawyer – legally, tactically, commercially’; and Greg Campbell is ‘an exceptional lawyer and trusted counsel’. Sarah Keeble joined from Olswang in March 2011.

The ‘approachable and knowledgeable’ Julie Quinn at Nabarro LLP is active on behalf of finance sector clients such as HSBC in High Court and tribunal matters, from team moves to bonus payments and discrimination. She is also instructed on strategic HR issues and national and international projects. The team is ‘accessible, and gives practical and easy-to-follow advice’.

Osborne Clarke delivers ‘Magic Circle advice for a lot less money’. The team has assisted Greene King, Betts, and Gaz de France Suez on numerous senior executive terminations; and has experience in complex whistleblowing and discrimination cases, including for Credit Agricole in the Court of Appeal – a matter which will provide guidance on long-term compensation for discrimination. David Cubitt is ‘outstanding – you would want him on your side, or at least off limits to the other side!’

Pinsent Masons LLP’s team is structured around sector specialisms, and works with clients such as Allianz, Kier, Morgan Stanley and Wal-Mart. Helen Farr is ‘good at analysing complex matters and relaying them in lay person’s terms’, and recently defended a Lloyds Banking Group client in the £1m Constantine whistleblowing case; and Bob Mecrate-Butcher is noted for TUPE issues. Team head Michael Ryley is ‘excellent, with a great deal of experience’. Lisa Patmore and Tom Flanagan left during 2010.

Headed by Sean Nesbitt, Taylor Wessing LLP hired new partner Niki Walker from Addleshaw Goddard LLP in May 2011, bringing in-house experience to the international-facing team. It received new instructions from KPMG, Threadneedle Asset Management and Targus in 2010. It gives ‘pragmatic, realistic and considerate advice which shows respect for the employee or employees’.

Travers Smith LLP ‘provides a first-class service’. It acts for 3663, Pinewood Shepperton Studios, and Raytheon Systems, alongside new gains Groupon, Nomura and L’Oréal. The practice ranges from corporate restructurings to senior board appointments and litigation, including whistleblowing and group actions. The ‘outstanding’ Siân Keall is ‘very commercial and balanced’. The ‘impressive’ Ed Mills was promoted to partner in 2010.

A significant majority of Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP’s instructions are on contentious matters. Volunteer sector specialist and ‘safe pair of hands’ Lucy McLynn acted in volunteer discrimination case X v Mid-Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau, following success in Coleman v Attridge. The ‘formidable’ William Garnett applies ‘great clarity of thought and strategy’ on behalf of employers and senior executives, recently advising eight traders on their move from Merrill Lynch to Schroders. Promoted to partner in 2010, Paul Seath is ‘absolutely excellent in terms of his knowledge of the law and user friendliness’.

The ‘versatile’ team at Bird & Bird, headed by Ian Hunter, was instructed by new clients in the technology, public services and air travel sectors on operational and strategic HR issues; and handled litigation relating to boardroom bust-ups and fallout from administration proceedings. Clients rate highly the team’s ‘strategic approach’ and ‘professionalism’, singling out the ‘incredibly understanding and knowledgeable’ Elizabeth Lang and ‘safe pair of hands’ Warren Wayne.

At Dechert LLP, the ‘realistic’ Charles Wynn-Evans has a strong reputation in contentious matters for both employers and employees, acting for several senior executives on severance negotiations in 2010. The ‘first-class’ Jason Butwick has expertise in incentive planning, spin offs and reorganisations, and defended a High Court claim against RWC Asset Management entailing novel aspects of partnership law.

Eversheds LLP’s large national resource is complemented by international capacity; it recently advised a leading investment bank on changes to its European bonus scheme, and a global HR consultancy on an international acquisition. Fiona Bolton and Paul Fontes lead on contentious matters, achieving settlements for financial services and energy sector clients in whistleblowing and bonus-clawback claims in 2010. Martin Hopkins ‘brings experience and fresh thinking to complex issues’.

Macfarlanes LLP is known for its work in the financial services, retail and media sectors on matters of reputational risk, and assists Lotus Formula 1 with day-to-day advice. Daniel Lavender and Séan Lavin are recommended for complex contentious matters.

New practice head Paul Griffin at Norton Rose LLP replaced Peter Talibart, who joined Seyfarth Shaw in 2011. The team acted for Tube Lines in resisting strikes by the RMT and TGWU; and was instructed by HSBC on the departure of CEO Michael Geoghegan and chairman Stephen Green in 2010. The team has added Citibank to its roster of financial services clients.

Olswang continues to support household names in the media and technology sectors on restructurings and litigation. The ‘extremely proactive and commercially astute’ Melanie Lane advised on several major outsourcings in 2010, for clients such as BBC Worldwide and Sony. Recent work for practice head Daniel Aherne includes assisting a national finance house in Court of Appeal litigation involving constructive dismissal claims. Sarah Keeble moved to Mishcon de Reya.

The partners at SJ Berwin LLP are ‘thorough, patient and go the extra mile’. Carl Richards advised Lloyds Banking Group on the transfer and spin-off of Bank of Scotland Integrated Finance’s business assets and management function; and Hilary O’Connor assisted a financial services giant on a recent acquisition. Nicola Kerr is experienced in defending tribunal claims in the financial services sector.

The team at SNR Denton advises financial, retail, TMT, energy and infrastructure sector clients on corporate HR matters and disputes. Notable instructions in 2010 included advising EDF Energy on two major IT outsourcing projects, and an investment bank on several tribunal claims. The ‘user-friendly’ team, headed by Pauline McArdle, also advised on the Jarvis insolvency.

Squire Sanders Hammonds gained new clients including Cath Kidston, Coats and Gucci in 2010. The team provides transactional assistance, tribunal representation and strategic advice to clients from financial and professional services to manufacturing and leisure. Delivering ‘joined-up thinking and not just a silo response to specific questions’, Caroline Noblet, David Whincup, Alison Treliving and Jane Bullen are ‘commercial, and sensitive to the issues ’. Janette Lucas has ‘excellent technical legal knowledge’.

Withers LLP is strong in the senior executive field; headline instructions included Antonio Horta-Osario’s move from Santander to Lloyds Banking Group; and Sir Stuart Rose’s departure from Marks & Spencer. Elaine Aarons is singled out for her ‘tenacity, dedication in the pursuit of her clients ’ interests, and sheer hard work and ability’. The ‘amazingly shrewd’ Meriel Schindler has ‘a wealth of practical and tactical strategies up her sleeve’. Clients include Tate and Lotus Renault GP.

At Ashurst LLP, Caroline Carter is an adviser of choice for sensitive boardroom moves, recently assisting Morrisons on succession planning and new client Mecom on the departure of CEO David Montgomery. Crowley Woodford resolved issues over equal pay, strike action and the use of temporary workers on Serco’s £650m waste improvement partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s team has ‘in-depth understanding of financial services’. The team is headed by the ‘go-to’ Robert Hill, and is noted for its advisory role on forthcoming public sector pay changes. The ‘responsive and proactive’ Chris Holme is ‘very good at translating complex legal issues into practical actions’.

CM Murray LLP stands out for its work on senior City executive exits and appointments; high-value discrimination claims; and team moves and restrictive covenants. Clare Murray and Bettina Bender are ‘highly responsive and professional’, and provide ‘calm, measured advice combined with persistence when needed’.

At Dundas & Wilson LLP, ‘response times are quite incredible; and business acumen and industry knowledge second to none’. Graham Paul is ‘incredibly responsive, totally reliable and highly knowledgeable’. The firm recently defended Candy & Candy in the Court of Appeal, in relation to a bonus claim.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP drafted the employment and equal pay code for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and gained new instructions from organisations including the Bar Council in this area. In addition to public sector clients, the group advises Manpower, TNT and Accenture on TUPE and outsourcing matters. Richard Kenyon and Margaret Davis are ‘excellent’; James Warren provides ‘great customer service and has vast knowledge of employment law’; and newly promoted partner Nick Thorpe is an ‘outstanding lawyer’.

Lawrence Graham LLP has expertise in public sector reorganisations. Recent instructions include defending a claim for bonuses by a dismissed broker; and assisting in retrieving confidential information misappropriated by a senior employee. Helga Breen acted successfully for the OLC in the groundbreaking Law Society of England and Wales v Secretary of State for Justice and the OLC. The ‘confident, understanding and professional’ Yvonne Gallagher is ‘full of common sense’.

Clients are impressed by the ‘responsiveness’ of Gary Freer at McGrigors LLP. The group won a place on the panels of Balfour Beatty and Steria in 2010, and assisted on a number of tribunal claims and a reorganisation. The ‘enthusiastic’ team is ‘willing to step outside the box’.

Morgan Lewis assists clients such as Morgan Stanley, Lazard and EDF Energy on disputes, contractual issues, and HR arrangements arising in transactions. Matthew Howse advised CBS Outdoor on the reorganisation of its London Underground operations; and assisted Argo International Holdings on the recruitment of an underwriting team.

Reed Smith is notable for its international capabilities, and acts for clients such as the BBC, BT and RBS. The team has recently assisted with global bonus payment issues, and dismissals relating to industrial action, and advised Channel 4 on an outsourcing project. Robin Jeffcott is ‘outstanding in his technical ability, as well as providing a commercial view’.

Michael Bronstein now heads Salans’ team, following the move of the ‘experienced, knowledgeable’ Barry Mordsley to a consultancy role with the firm. Bronstein presided over two reported cases relating to breaches of employment contracts, and also advised on the employment aspects of Sahaviriya Steel Industries’ acquisition of Tata Steel’s Redcar plant.

Slaughter and May’s team has almost returned to pre-credit crunch levels of transactional activity, recently advising British Airways on director and senior executive issues in relation to its proposed merger with Iberia; and Punch on TUPE-related implications of asset transfers. Roland Doughty is the key partner; and Lizzie Twigger is ‘extremely hardworking and tactically astute, and has particularly good commercial sense’.

At Speechly Bircham LLP, Alan Julyan and William Granger are noted for their assistance to corporates and individuals in relation to boardroom issues. Emma Bartlett provides ‘clear-headed and forensic analysis of the facts’. The ‘exceptional’ Robert Thomas successfully acted for Yell in the Court of Appeal, in Donna Norman v Yellow Pages Sales, a case relating to the taxability of a compromise agreement. Senior associate Juliet Carp and the ‘supremely qualified and experienced’ Richard Linskell impress on international and UK matters.

Stephenson Harwood handles a full range of employment matters for commercial, financial, and public sector entities. It notably advised pharmaceutical company Eisai Europe on senior-level departures, and Heli-One Canada on a proposed partnership with the UK military services. Restrictive covenants expert Kate Brearley is ‘highly responsive, pragmatic and thorough’.

Oliver Brettle and Stephen Ravenscroft at White & Case LLP assist in relation to senior executive remuneration packages, redundancies and disputes, many arising in transactions. In 2010 they advised Acergy on HR plans for the merger and integration process with Subsea 7.

Jane Fielding now heads the team at Wragge & Co LLP. Clients include the Department of Health, Dyson and HSBC. Trevor Gibson has assisted in relation to investigations of employee fraud for financial services, consumer product and local government clients. The team also handles litigation and reorganisations.

The five partners at niche employment firm Archon Solicitors are instructed by large-scale employers and individuals, with sector strengths including education, air transport and leisure. Rob McCreath and Jill Scott recently advised the trustees of Becta on its closure, including TUPE issues, potential redundancies, and senior management and trustee issues.

The experienced team at Bevan Brittan LLP assists large multinationals such as Hochtief, as well as NHS trusts and local authorities, with strategic advice and representation in contentious matters.

Jesper Christensen heads Bircham Dyson Bell LLP’s team, whose credentials in public and private sector industrial action make it a strong choice for employers seeking to prevent business disruption.

Specialist healthcare firm Capsticks advises the Department of Health, NHS entities and PCTs in high-profile litigation, and is assisting in developing the legal framework for the NHS reforms. Recent cases include Woodcock v Cumbria PCT; Sarkar v West London Mental Health NHS Trust (relating to dismissal procedures); and Tapere v SLAM (relating to TUPE). Peter Edwards is ‘very knowledgeable’;Martin Hamilton and Tina Elliott are ‘absolutely top rate’; and Andrew Rowland is ‘measured and knowledgeable’.

Insurance sector specialist Clyde & Co LLP recently assisted an Islamic insurance provider in a boardroom dispute, and defended a union claim against an overseas operation of a UK plc. Guildford-based Stephen Blunt is ‘down to earth, practical, accessible at all times, and highly commercial’.

Covington & Burling LLP regained the ‘calm and measured’ Chris Walter and his team from Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker (Europe) LLP in 2010. Clients include Merck/Schering-Plough; Marsh & McClennan Group; and Microsoft.

At Davenport Lyons, practice head Marie van der Zyl and Nic Hart (a ‘very supportive, proactive adviser’) assist clients including Mott MacDonald and Penguin Books on contentious issues. The team recently acted for Stringfellows in a case concerning the employment status of lapdancers.

Davies Arnold Cooper LLP is instructed by senior individuals, global brand names and major professional services players on contract negotiations and disputes, and transaction-related matters. Chris Syder ‘applies his first-rate mind to international employment policy and legal challenges’; Nick Hine is ‘very practical’; and Wendy Trehy ‘understands commercial needs’.

Predominantly a respondent firm, Doyle Clayton Solicitors also acts for senior-level claimants. The five-partner team recently added Paddy Power and Prudential Health to its varied mix of clients. Senior partner Darren Clayton is ‘a seasoned and extremely professional lawyer who has the gravitas and acumen to work at board level’; and Jessica Corsi ‘gets to the issues quickly and pragmatically’. The firm has opened a Canary Wharf office.

At boutique firm Fox, the ‘peerless’ Ronnie Fox brings ‘outstanding experience, judgement and service levels’ to senior executives and corporates in relation to departures and strategic hires.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP has experience advising well-known figures in the media and broadcasting industries. Howard Hymanson is praised for his ‘calmness, tenacity, and attention to detail’; and Marian Derham is ‘highly diligent’.

Mark Taylor at Jones Day advises premium corporates such as Alsthom Power Services on HR aspects of their business. Recent matters include advising L&G on IT outsourcing to IBM, and on the administration of Connaught. Lisa Mayhew has joined Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.

Kemp Little LLP’s ‘very responsive, practical, decisive, and flexible’ team has a wealth of experience in restructurings, outsourcing and claims, across a wide range of sectors. David Williams is ‘extremely commercial and has a great grasp of the relevant law’.

Kennedys’ ‘impressive team’ is a strong choice for heavily unionised industries. The ‘tenacious and sensible’ Allan Finlay, and Fiona Morgan have ‘great depth of knowledge’; and Matthew Leake is ‘a fantastic lawyer’.

Latham & Watkins LLP assists leading corporate clients such as Yahoo! and Diageo on global HR integration and organisational issues.

Magrath LLP is ‘top of the class for quality, speed, and value for money’, and provides partner-led advice to claimants and respondents in reputation-critical cases. Adele Martins ‘sees the commercial aspects’, and Susan Thompson ‘facilitates highly successful outcomes’.

Manches LLP has recently secured favourable outcomes in strike action negotiations and in tribunals for large organisations and individuals. Sarah Johnson provides ‘practical advice on options and solutions’. The team’s retail sector knowledge is a key feature for clients.

Memery Crystal LLP’s ‘exceptional team’ assists companies such as NordLB, and also private clients. Stephen Milne is ‘very astute and commercial’.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers Legal LLP has strength in employee rewards and pensions, and has advised a major global bank on international incentive regulation.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP strengthened its offering in 2010 with the addition of former Wragge & Co LLP partners Andrew Hodge and Partick Brodie, who specialise in public and financial sector reorganisations. Cath Thorpe is ‘a go-to person for legal knowledge and commercially sensible advice’.

Simons Muirhead & Burton receives instructions from a wide range of household names, and in 2010 took a working time claim to the Court of Appeal. Makbool Javaid is ‘an exceptional lawyer with an eye for business needs’; and Ewan Keen is ‘extremely efficient, engaging and practical’.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has significant experience in the housing, charity and health sectors on dismissal claims and contractual disputes, particularly in relation to transfers of personnel. Emma Burrows and Tania Tandon are both ‘excellent in terms of customer focus and legal knowledge’.

Watson, Farley & Williams LLP’s recent caseload includes advice to an individual on dismissal from EDF Energy, and to businesses in the shipping, education and property sectors. Elizabeth Buchan and Angharad Harris ‘offer workable solutions within a prompt timeframe’.

Wedlake Bell LLP’s three-partner team advises the likes of Aquascutum, Diageo and Hyatt on UK employee matters. It assisted Convergys Corporation on the sale of its HR management division to Northgate Arinso in 2010. ‘Advice is simple and practical, and translatable into the work place’.

At Blake Lapthorn, practice head Alexandra Bonner and the ‘highly efficient’ Bridget Wood offer ‘direct, clear, and to-the-point’ advice on team moves, restrictive covenants, outsourcing and public tenders, particularly in the recruitment sector.

Linda Farrell and her team at Bristows are rated as ‘extremely responsive, very savvy, and very practical’, and act for employers such as C5 and Capgemini Group.

Burges Salmon LLP is notable for its ‘innovative’ approach to client management; the quality of its client-base; and the strength of its team, which ‘brings business acumen to the advice provided’.

Clarkslegal LLP handles tribunal defence and advisory work for Carillion, Lafarge Cement, and News International. The team includes the ‘outstanding’ Michael Sippitt; Helen Beech; and the ‘pragmatic and precise’ Simon Lapthorne.

DMH Stallard LLP gained Blair Adams from Shepherd and Wedderburn, expanding the group’s capability on the transactional side. The team handles tribunal matters for clients such as Moss Bros.

A highlight for DWF LLP was the successful defence of a £33m race and disability discrimination claim brought by a barrister against Four New Square.

Devonshires stands out for its ‘unrivalled knowledge of high-end employment issues in social housing’. Amanda Harvey is ‘charismatic and full of drive’; and Nicola Philp ‘has proven a steely negotiator’.

Edwin Coe LLP achieved a major success for City financier Mark Lowe in the complex £4.1m case brought by Jordan Wimmer in 2010: one of a raft of actions successfully handled by the team. Rachel Harrap is ‘everything that a client would want: astute, realistic, and analytical’; and the ‘very talented’ Linky Trott is ‘particularly good with sensitive discrimination issues’.

Cerys Williams at Fasken Martineau LLP provides ‘forthright advice and quick execution, and is very strategic in her thinking’.

Media sector specialist Finers Stephens Innocent LLP saw a growing workload in remuneration, redundancy, and discrimination matters in 2010. Practice head Carolyn Brown ‘devises workable strategies for moving forward’.

A highlight for Fladgate LLP was advising German manufacturer Palm Paper on its acquisition of Cheshire Recycling Limited from administrators, led by Brian Palmer.

Hempsons advises the NHS nationally on matters including consultants’ and directors’ employment; equal pay; tribunals; and restructuring.

The team at Irwin Mitchell LLP was boosted by the arrival of works council specialist Tom Flanagan from Pinsent Masons LLP, joining the ‘dogged’ John Hayes.

Kingsley Napley LLP’s four-partner team brings significant experience to bear on contentious and advisory matters for employers and senior personnel in the accountancy, legal, and commercial sectors.

James Davies at Laytons attracts high praise from clients, and acted for Patrick Evershed in his high-profile claim against New Star Asset Management, involving alleged constructive unfair dismissal and whistleblowing.

Levenes Employment provides ‘outstanding’ advice at a lower cost than City firms. Audrey Onwukwe ‘fights hard for her clients’; and Victoria Willson is ‘very strong, technically and tactically’.

Penningtons Solicitors LLP was joined by Paul Mander from Dawsons LLP, and hotel and leisure specialist Julian Yew from Wedlake Bell LLP.

RadcliffesLeBrasseur has been active advising charities, healthcare providers, care homes and senior executives.

Russell-Cooke LLP’s team acts for individuals, SMEs and charities. Jane Klauber ‘deals with difficult situations in a sensitive manner’; and associate Fudia Smartt is ‘going to be a real star’.

Sheridans’ team advises employers and senior executives in the entertainment sector to great effect. Ray Wann and Neisha Glynternick are ‘the best in the music space’.

Thomas Eggar LLP ‘puts employment law and best practice into real terms’.

Thomas Mansfield LLP provides a ‘personalised service’ to a wide range of businesses and individuals. Jonathan Mansfield and Neill Thomas are highly rated by clients.

At Twenty Twenty Law Limited, the ‘service-oriented’ David Greenhalgh assists corporates and individuals in relation to high-risk dismissals and strategic decision-making. Adecco is a new client.

The arrival of Jo Keddie and Susan Kelly at Winckworth Sherwood has seen the practice expand to include advice to individuals and SMEs, as well as educational bodies. The team is ‘willing to go the extra mile to deliver a high standard of service’.

The following US firms all have high-level practices, but generally smaller teams than their City counterparts: Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP, where the ‘commercial and professional’ Henry Clinton-Davis advises clients such as SpaceNK; Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, which has notable employment and pensions capability; Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge UK LLP, where Neil Adams specialises in team moves in the financial services sector; Faegre & Benson LLP, which acts for 3M, GE and Hearst publishing; Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where James Cox advises a number of global players; Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP, where Naomi Feinstein is recommended; K&L Gates, where Paul Callegari is valued for his ‘direct and pragmatic approach’; McGuireWoods London LLP, which took on Jonathan Maude from Hogan Lovells International LLP in 2011; Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP, recommended for its outsourcing, privatisation, and data protection expertise; Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker (Europe) LLP, which hired Suzanne Horne from Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP, where ‘great communicator’ Nicola Whiteley has experience ranging from grievances to acquisition issues; Weil, Gotshal & Manges, notable for its insolvency-related experience; and WilmerHale, where David Andrews impresses.

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