The Legal 500

Allen & Overy LLP’s employment team attracts very high praise from clients and is noted as being ‘fantastically good at working with people’. Highlights included advising HBOS on its merger with Lloyds TSB, and the UK subsidiary of Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander Limited on the transfer of senior employees. The ‘absolutely fantastic’ Mark Mansell and Karen Seward are recommended, recently handling unfair dismissal claims for clients such as Bank of America and Lehman Brothers. Stefan Martin is praised as ‘knowing and understanding the law’.

Baker & McKenzie LLP delivers advice that 'bridges the gap between a pure legal view and one that can be interpreted, quantified and used in a business context'. It advised Peter Baker on a pro bono basis in his highly publicised age discrimination claim against National Air Traffic Services, challenging an age limit of 35 set for recruiting trainee air traffic controllers. The ‘extremely committed’ Daniel Ellis was promoted to partner in July 2008. He joins the ‘fiercely bright’ Monica Kurnatowska and recommended practice head Christine O’Brien. BA and Jones Lang LaSalle remain active clients.

Offering ‘thorough and technical knowledge’, Simmons & Simmons has seen recent instructions on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional restructurings. High-profile contentious work includes acting for Natixis Corporate & Investment Bank on a £3m whistleblowing claim, and Associated British Ports on multiple unfair dismissals claims. Clients single out Julian Taylor as ‘fantastic and user friendly’, and Philip Bartlett and Simon Watson are recommended for their ‘exhaustive technical knowledge’.

Herbert Smith LLP has ‘unrivalled experience of employment litigation’ coupled with ‘excellent communication and explanation skills’. Highlights for 2008 included acting for UBS in the widely reported case against Vestra and Transport for London on TUPE regulations in relation to the Metronet administration. The team includes ‘exceptional QC’ Ian Gatt; the ‘very thoughtful’ Andrew Brown; and the ‘tenacious and hard-working’ Peter Frost. Notable litigation includes representing Société Générale on a significant bonus claim in the High Court.

Lewis Silkin LLP parades a team of ‘real stars’ who are ‘truly exceptional on all counts’. The firm has built an impressive practice advising high-profile employer clients and senior individuals. It continues to advise Ford on issues arising from the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover in the UK in addition to receiving instructions from major City law firms and Viacom Group. Toni Lorenzo is singled out as ‘incredibly knowledgeable and highly strategic’, and Michael Burd and James Davies are noted for ‘terrific, tailored advice’.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP is praised as ‘very client focused and confident’, ‘delivering accurate advice’. The team is headed by Fraser Younson, who attracts high praise for his experience; ‘what Fraser doesn’t know about the law isn’t worth knowing’. Singled out as ‘one of the most reliable external lawyers to work with’, Rebecca Harding-Hill recently advised a multinational manufacturing company on a major restructuring and collective redundancy process. New client wins in 2008 included Thames Water and BskyB.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP fields a ‘strong and well-run team’ that was instructed by Ernst & Young to advise on the employment aspects of the administration of Icelandic banks Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander Ltd and Heritable Bank plc. Nicholas Squire is recommended for his grasp of ‘complex technical issues and ability to convey them back to those not legally trained or familiar with dealing with unusual aspects of employment law’. Clients single out Caroline Stroud and Kathleen Healy for their ‘calm and unflappable approach’.

Headed by Raymond Jeffers, the practice at Linklaters LLP was instructed on numerous high-profile transactions throughout 2008. It advised PwC as administrators on the Lehman Brothers administration, and Rio Tinto on its defence against the hostile takeover offer announced by BHP Billiton. Catrina Smith and Jean Lovett are also recommended.

Clients value Lovells LLP for its continuing delivery of ‘good, practical advice given in a commercial way’. Recent work includes advising Invesco on the outsourcing of several functions to Bank of New York Mellon in addition to instructions from financial institutions on a range of high-value claims brought by individuals. David Harper is ‘very experienced and commercial’, and Naomi Feinstein is singled out for her ‘speedy responses and quality advice’. The team also has ‘strong associates who interface well with clients’.

At Mayer Brown International LLP, Christopher Fisher and Bernadette Daley deliver ‘pragmatic solutions and real business advice’. In 2008 it advised EMI Group on a restructuring following its acquisition by Terra Firma, and also advised EMI/Terra Firma on the appointment of a new senior management team. Nicholas Robertson is recommended for his ‘sound, astute and practical advice, coupled with a great awareness of business drivers’. Julian Roskill stepped down as a partner at the end of 2008, although he remains with the group on a part-time advisory basis.

Pinsent Masons LLP has a ‘top-quality practice with great strength in depth’. It has received instructions on large-scale redundancy exercises in the financial sector, from a major investment bank and several retail banks, and also acted for a major insurer on departure negotiations with two senior board executives of acquired subsidiaries. Practice head Michael Ryley is recommended, and Tom Flanagan is an ‘extremely wise counsel and excellent strategist on industrial relations issues’.

‘Commercial and efficient’, Addleshaw Goddard LLP was appointed to the legal panel for Standard Chartered Bank. The ‘business-savvy’ Michael Leftley heads the practice, which received numerous instructions from clients in the IT and food sectors on large-scale reorganisation and redundancy projects. Alasdair Simpson remains active as a boardroom adviser, with extensive experience in handling the appointment and termination of senior executives.

Beachcroft LLP delivers ‘high-calibre’ advice to a broad spectrum of clients that include large NHS bodies, FTSE 100 companies and major US financial institutions. London practice head Stephen Gummer is ‘commercially very sound’ and has received recent instructions on a number of multimillion-pound discrimination claims, injunction applications and large-scale team moves. Zoë Wigan is recommended for her outsourcing expertise.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP recently advised Holdfast Limited (a joint venture between Carillion and Babcock) on its 30-year deal with the MoD to transfer training and accommodation at the Royal School of Military Engineering, a transaction valued at approximately £3bn, and the team continues to act for Royal Mail. Simon Jeffreys and Anthony Fincham give ‘advice that deals with and responds to real business issues’.

David Green leads the team at Charles Russell LLP, which advised Arqiva on its takeover of National Grid Wireless. High-profile City instructions for the practice include advising on the move of a former ABN Amro trading desk team to Exae, the trading arm of BNP Paribas. Michael Powner is also recommended.

Clients single out Chris Goodwill and Mike Crossan at the ‘top-flight’ Clifford Chance team, praising their ability to ‘temper a deep understanding of the law with commercial common sense and practicality’. It advised on a number of recent whistleblowing and unfair dismissal claims, for clients including Renault and a major financial institution. New client wins include Barclays Capital, Nomura and Carrefour.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s team has a ‘deep bench of expertise and experience’. Tim Marshall heads the practice, which acted for Verisign Inc on a global restructuring, and handled a high-profile age discrimination case for Kellogg Brown & Root (UK) Ltd. Vinita Arora is singled out as ‘commercially astute’; her advice has ‘superb clarity and is quick and to the point’. New clients for 2008 included Hampton Estates International, Clarin, and Hard Rock Café.

‘Always client orientated’, Farrer & Co delivers ‘truly effective, pedigree advice’. The team boasts an extremely well-respected practice advising high-net-worth individuals, with William Dawson and David Smellie recommended. David Hunt made partner in 2008, and is ‘exceptionally knowledgeable and extremely astute’. Clients include Telegraph Publishing Limited, London Business School and the British Medical Association.

Highlights for Fox Williams LLP included instructions from Vestra Wealth LLP on its hiring of 76 former UBS employees and subsequent injunctive proceedings. It continues to act for Chelsea FC, recently advising on proceedings brought by former director Paul Smith for unpaid bonus and salary, and delivers ‘top-end work’ for individuals. Jane Mann is praised for her ‘clever ideas’.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP remains involved in the widely reported Switalski case, acting for F&C Asset Management since 2006. The ‘supremely responsive’ team also advised Dresdner Kleinwort throughout its sale to Commerzbank and on the resulting wholesale restructuring of its business. The ‘fantastic’ Alison Wetherfield is recommended along with Vanessa Morgan, who delivers ‘pragmatic and appropriate’ advice.

Sue Ashtiany ‘brings quality and a solid reputation’ to the team at Nabarro LLP, which continues to ‘deliver results’. Pfizer remains a client; the team recently advised it on its US$195m acquisition of Encysive Pharmaceuticals Inc and its subsequent reorganisation. New clients include Rolls-Royce, Toronto-Dominion Bank and Mercedes-Benz. Julie Quinn and Catherine Richmond are also recommended.

Olswang’s ‘excellent’ practice head Sarah Keeble acted for RDF Media in its high-profile and successful claim in the High Court against Alan Clements. 2008 also saw the team advising on restructuring, redundancy and reorganisation programmes for clients including Channel 4, eBay and Rightmove plc. Clients praise Daniel Aherne as ‘pragmatic, knowledgeable and extremely professional’.

Clients value the ‘prompt and specific advice’ delivered by Taylor Wessing LLP. It advised Sun Chemical on the local and European-level implications of a restructuring and on industrial relations matters, and also acted for BA on the outsourcing of its catering. Sean Nesbitt is recommended (‘he considers and balances all aspects’), and clients also single out associate Vikki Wiberg for praise.

Travers Smith LLP is ‘simply outstanding at giving clear, helpful, responsive advice which is, above all else, commercially practical’. It advised international pharmaceutical company Teva on a race discrimination claim, and the Fulcrum Group on its US$295m merger with the funds services division of Butterfield Bank. Andrew Lilley is valued for his ‘seemingly curious ability to bend the space-time continuum in order to deal with urgent queries at the drop of a hat’. Siân Keall is also recommended, alongside ‘star associate’ Ed Mills.

Providing ‘excellent, proactive and well-thought-through advice’, Bird & Bird LLP has advised big-name clients in the financial services sector on large outsourcing projects, and has built a strong practice advising on the appointment of senior individuals. Clients include internet entrepreneur Tariq Kerim and several household name corporates. Ian Hunter heads the team, and 2008 saw the ‘extremely competent’ Elizabeth Lang promoted to partner.

2008 saw Dechert LLP instructed by an industrial employer on a complex restructuring of factory operations, including redundancies and pay reductions. It has a growing reputation in the media industry, acting for clients such as Independent News & Media, JC Decaux and Haymarket. Practice head Charles Wynn-Evans delivers ‘a quality service, efficiency and practical advice’, and commands significant respect among peers.

Denton Wilde Sapte LLP successfully defended new client Al Jazeera against the high-profile unfair dismissal, race, sex and religious discrimination claims brought by Jo Burgin. Other notable instructions included advising Sindicatum Carbon Capital, a developer of climate change projects, on the restructuring of its London, Hong Kong and Beijing offices. Guy Fifield is recommended.

Paul Fontes leads Eversheds LLP’s London practice, which was instructed by ABN Amro to advise on redundancies in Scandinavia. The team also defended several high-value discrimination claims for large financial services clients, while other clients include Virgin Atlantic, T-Mobile and Volkswagen.

Clients value the ‘very commercial view’ delivered by Hammonds LLP. It recently acted for Manchester City FC on changes to the management and executive team, including the departure of Sven Goran Eriksson and the appointment of Garry Cook. David Whincup is praised for his ability to ‘communicate complex ideas in a highly original and easily accessible manner’. New clients include Fulham FC and the Financial Times.

Macfarlanes LLP offers ‘advice that is always very commercial, delivered quickly, and empathetic’. The team advised E.ON on a highly complex, multinational restructuring involving a cross-border TUPE transfer. It also received a number of instructions from former employees and prospective employers following the collapse of Lehman Brothers. ‘Epitomising the firm’s “can-do” attitude’, Seán Lavin and Dan Lavender are recommended.

The ‘brilliant’ team at Mishcon de Reya was instructed by Tradition Group on the widely reported Fariad & Fariad v Tradition Securities and Futures SA case, involving race, sex and religious discrimination claims. Joanna Blackburn displays ‘excellent awareness, experience, common sense and quick thinking’, and the team is a ‘credit to her’. The NUS is also a client.

Norton Rose LLP, having been appointed as global HR legal adviser to NYSE Euronext in 2007, advised it in a number of jurisdictions in Europe in 2008, and also acted for a high street bank and FTSE 100 company on restructuring programmes and board-level employment issues. Clients rate the ‘pragmatic’ Peter Talibart for his ability to ‘keep his head and make sure those around him don’t lose theirs’. Paul Griffin is also recommended.

Osborne Clarke delivers ‘extremely practical advice in a commercial way’. Highlights for 2008 included advising Nomura on the UK employment aspects of its acquisition of Lehman Brothers, and the successful defence of a disability discrimination claim against the Institute of Directors. Facebook and Bacardi Martini are new clients. Practice head David Cubitt is recommended.

Clients are ‘highly satisfied’ with the ‘responsive, knowledgeable, common-sense advice’ offered by the team at SJ Berwin LLP. The ‘incredibly commercial’ Nicola Kerr heads the practice, with Hilary O’Connor also recommended for her ‘seamless service’. Instructions include collective redundancy advice for various plcs, banks, property companies and manufacturing companies.

Ashurst LLP advised the entire senior management and employees of Lehman Brothers’ investment banking division for Europe and the Middle East, at the outset of the collapse. Praised for its ‘responsiveness, solid business perspective and clarity of advice’, the team is headed by Caroline Carter. Crowley Woodford is also recommended.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP recently advised Banco Santander on integration planning following its acquisitions from RBS Consumer Finance, GE Money, Alliance & Leicester, and Bradford & Bingley, while new client wins include Ocado, Qantas and Estée Lauder. The team has ‘strength in depth, and is commercially aware and knowledgeable’. Robert Hill is recommended.

At Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP, Lucy McLynn acted in Coleman v Attridge Law, the widely reported case of associated discrimination; representing the claimant, it received favourable judgments from the ECJ and ET in 2008. Another highlight was advising International Contraceptive and SRH Marketing Limited on a whistle-blowing claim. William Garnett is also recommended.

2008 saw Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP win Wm Morrisons Supermarkets as a client, bolstering its stable of retail clients that also includes YSL Beauté Ltd and Lush. Clients praise ‘star partner’ Richard Kenyon and the team’s ‘great industry knowledge and commercial advice’. The practice continues to receive numerous instructions from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Highlights for the ‘excellent and extremely commercial’ team at Jones Day include advising Arthur J Gallagher (UK) Limited in its High Court injunctive claim against three teams of brokers and their new employer. Lisa Mayhew and Mark Taylor are developing a solid, standalone offering that is fast gaining recognition in the market.

‘Outstanding on all fronts’, LG delivers ‘technical advice and an understanding of broader management issues’ to clients that include Brewin Dolphin Plc and Turner Broadcasting Systems Europe Ltd. Helga Breen is recommended for her ‘tenacious approach and no-nonsense advice’, and Yvonne Gallagher is praised for her ‘strong awareness of business needs’. The practice has also seen High Court work for a large construction client.

McGrigors LLP ‘consistently delivers well-considered advice’. Gary Freer is singled out for his ‘first-class knowledge that is both legally robust and commercially sound and reasonable’. Stockbrokers JM Finn & Co instructed the practice on a high-value piece of litigation brought by a subsidiary of Barclays Bank, and it also advised new client FIAT on TUPE and other issues.

Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker (Europe) LLP boasts an impressive roster of major financial institution and global media clients. Chris Walter is an ‘invaluable source of solid legal advice and assistance’ and is supported by a ‘very able team that deliver a seamless client service’. Chris Bracebridge is also recommended.

Reed Smith’s impressive client base features PwC, Tiffany and RBS Group. Clients praise the team’s ‘quality work and understanding of business realities’, adding that team head Robin Jeffcott ‘knows the law backwards and is strategically very astute’. Highlights include advising FX MarketSpace on a redundancy exercise spanning 13 jurisdictions.

Salans’ team is headed by the ‘first-rate’ Michael Bronstein, who is ‘highly experienced and tenacious’. It continues to act for international literary and talent agency PFD, defending it in over 20 highly publicised claims, and also advised on a high-profile retail administration. Clients value the ‘tactically astute and commercially aware’ advice provided. Andrea Nicholls is also recommended.

Clients value Slaughter and May’s ability to ‘capture the pith of the issue’. It was instructed by HM Treasury on the move to temporary public ownership of Northern Rock, and also the transfer of Bradford & Bingley’s businesses to public ownership and the sale of its retail deposit book. Roland Doughty is praised for his ‘relevant knowledge’, and Lizzie Twigger is consistently singled out by clients; she is ‘creative’, “can-do” and very commercial’ - a ‘steel fist in a velvet glove’.

Highlights for Speechly Bircham LLP included representing the former managing director of Singer & Friedlander Investment Management in the High Court and Tribunal on numerous claims, while employer clients include Merchant Securities Limited and Pantera Capital Management LP. Richard Martin and Alan Julyan are recommended. The team is praised as ‘seeking to understand the HR function and the challenges it faces; it gets under the skin for a greater understanding’. The firm’s merger with Campbell Hooper in June 2009 boosted the team with the addition of the ‘sensible and commercial’ Richard Linskell, and William Granger, who is recommended; their experience includes high-profile work from senior individuals.

Stephenson Harwood continues to display ‘outstanding industry knowledge’. It advised LoveFilm International on its acquisition of Amazon Europe’s DVD rental business in the UK and Germany, while other clients include the London Development Agency. ‘Strong performer’ Paul Reeves and the ‘extremely commercial’ Kate Brearley are recommended for their ‘very dependable advice’.

Oliver Brettle heads the offering at White & Case LLP, which gives ‘timely and robust advice’ and commands respect among peers. It handles work for a range of large global clients, advising on tribunal claims, senior executive moves and restructurings.

Meriel Schindler heads a ‘faultless practice’ at Withers LLP. It was instructed on several team moves in 2008, including a 13-person move from Dresdner to Collins Stewart and a five-person move from Lehman to Nomura. Elaine Aarons is recommended for her flourishing senior executive practice.

Valued for its ‘excellent level of service’, Wragge & Co LLP was recently instructed by a pre-eminent asset management company on a large-scale redundancy programme. It acted for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust on a joint venture with Serco, a project affecting around 550 NHS staff. Andrew Hodge and Patrick Brodie are recommended.

Archon Solicitors LLP recently advised a large regulatory body on age discrimination issues. It has also advised a number of bankers on a team move and the enforceability of contractual restrictions and fiduciary duties. Clients include Prada and the Economist Group. Rob McCreath is recommended.

Bevan Brittan LLP maintains its strong presence in the healthcare sector. Highlights for 2008 included advising an NHS Foundation Trust on internal disciplinary processes and in the Employment Tribunal and High Court. David Widdowson is recommended along with Jodie Sinclair, who is now a partner.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP boasts an impressive stable of large transport clients. In 2008 it received instructions on several large corporate restructurings and acted for nine separate London bus companies on successful challenges to proposed strike action by UNITE in late 2008. Jesper Christensen and Marc Meryon are recommended.

Max Craft now heads the team at Blake Lapthorn following the departure of Howard Hymanson to Harbottle & Lewis LLP. Recent instructions include advising Harvey Nash Group plc on a major outsourcing project. Advice is ‘top of the tree’.

Boutique firm CM Murray LLP has built a notable practice advising senior individuals and large international clients. The ‘absolutely superb’ Clare Murray delivers ‘very detailed and professional advice’ and is well respected by peers.

Capsticks boasts ‘an excellent understanding of the healthcare sector from both the NHS and independent sector aspects’. Key clients include the Department of Health and the Healthcare Commission. Martin Hamilton is particularly valued for his ‘understanding of the intricacies of working with medical professionals in third party relationships’, and Gary Hay is also recommended.

Highlights for Clyde & Co LLP included advising Sony Ericsson on global restructuring issues and their impact on its UK operation. Chris Duffy and Paul Newdick offer an ‘excellent business understanding’. New clients include Royal Brunei and Aegean Airlines.

Marie van der Zyl leads the team at Davenport Lyons and is praised as providing ‘flawless advice and an excellent service’. It advised steel manufacturer The Oneida Group on a reorganisation, and was also instructed by the employer in Atkins v Coyle Personnel plc; this was the first paternity case to reach the EAT.

Christopher Syder heads a ‘first-class’ team at Davies Arnold Cooper LLP. Valued for its ‘sound commercial approach’ and ‘top-end service’, it successfully defended Edwardian Hotels International against claims of unfair dismissal and race discrimination. Clients single out Christine Jenner for praise.

The well-respected practice at Dawsons LLP had an impressive year, advising City law firms and a number of senior individuals. Practice head Jo Keddie is praised as ‘knowledgeable, professional and approachable’.

Fox ‘puts a high value on client care and finding a commercial solution; it excels in both respects, in addition to having sound legal judgement’. It continues to advise on high-profile cases for senior individuals, and is also growing a reputation with financial institutions. Firm head Ronnie Fox is a ‘master strategist and tactician, bringing experience and gravitas’.

H2O Law LLP has an ‘unstuffy approach to the law’, ‘a speedy turnaround and punchy, hands-on attitude’; it ‘makes the effort to understand clients’ goals’. David Greenhalgh leads a practice, whose key clients include Alexander Mann Solutions and Ferrero.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP boosted partner numbers in early 2009 with the appointment of the ‘supremely able’ Howard Hymanson, former head of employment at Blake Lapthorn. Marian Derham leads the practice, which has ‘good industry knowledge and a solid range of individuals’. Key client Visit London instructed the team on a diverse range of matters in 2008, while new client wins include Cadbury plc.

Clients of Kemp Little LLP single out the ‘excellent standard of customer service’ along with outstanding response times. It continues to act for bmi on all employment issues arising out of London Heathrow, and won Royal Brompton NHS Trust as a new client in 2008. David Williams is recommended.

The ‘very knowledgeable’ Tom Walker now heads the practice at Manches LLP following the departure of Jonathan Maude and Stephen Levinson in 2008. It continues to receive a steady flow of employer and employee work from clients who praise its ‘first-class business acumen and ability to cut to the core issues’.

Merrill April heads a ‘first-rate’ practice at Memery Crystal LLP, which clients praise as ‘technically able and commercially assured’. Clients include the British Museum Company and EIM (UK) Ltd.

Cath Thorpe leads the team at Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP, which has ‘great industry knowledge’. It successfully defended a major trade union in a multi-party race discrimination claim, and advised HMV on the transfer of Zavvi stores from the administrator. Geraldine Elliott is also recommended.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP advised Southwark Council on the TUPE and employment implications of its £200m BSF scheme, involving 13 schools over six years. The three-partner offering, led by Emma Burrows, ‘works hard at building relationships and understanding the business and key drivers’.

Highlights for Watson, Farley & Williams LLP include acting for a global facilities management company on a large outsourcing, and representing a female director of a global private bank on claims for constructive unfair dismissal and sex discrimination. Elizabeth Buchan leads a ‘strong team with a good range of expertise’.

Wedlake Bell’s advice is ‘always thorough, relevant and commercial’; the team has a ‘robust knowledge of the law’. Clients value ‘excellent business partner’ Ravinder Mahal and the ‘responsive’ Richard Isham. Clients include a global HR provider, major charities and fashion labels.

Bristows delivers ‘open, client focused and commercial advice’ to clients that include global IT companies.

Split between Bristol and London, Burges Salmon LLP is noted for its ‘robust and commercial’ practice and ‘excellent advice at all levels’.

Clarkslegal LLP’s is ‘very responsive and boasts a sophisticated knowledge of tribunal work’.

DMH Stallard LLP’s client base includes Fox International Channels (UK) Ltd, National Geographic Channel UK Partnership and global law firms.

The ‘very knowledgeable’ team at Dundas & Wilson LLP gives ‘strong, pragmatic advice’ and has ‘excellent depth of experience’.

Edwin Coe LLP is noted as providing an ‘independent, reliable view, excellent knowledge and a pragmatic approach’, with Rachel Harrap singled out.

Finers Stephens Innocent LLP continues to advise a large newspaper group.

Fladgate LLP has a ‘knowledgeable and commercial approach’.

Glovers Solicitors LLP provides ‘efficient, commercially aware advice and excellent restaurant sector knowledge’.

At Goodman Derrick LLP, the ‘brilliant’ Alison Downie worked on the first, landmark sexual orientation discrimination case brought against the Church of England.

Hempsons is recommended for its ‘faultless service’ to health sector clients.

The ‘first-class’ team at Kennedys is both ‘service and client focused’.

The ‘insightful and practical’ team at Kingsley Napley advised Shabir Hussain on his high-profile race discrimination claim against the Metropolitan police.

Latham & Watkins, notably Stephen Brown, is recommended for complex international work.

The ‘supportive and responsive’ team at Laytons boasts luxury cosmetics brands and City law firms as clients.

Magrath LLP has an impressive track record on contentious cases, with Adele Martins singled out.

Morgan Lewis is noted for its international work, and recently hired Christopher Hitchins.

Penningtons Solicitors LLP delivers ‘very impressive’ advice that ‘combines common sense and a dose of commercial reality’.

RadcliffesLeBrasseur has a ‘very strong client-focused approach’; Michael Elks is recommended.

Anthony Sakrouge and the team at Russell-Cooke LLP ‘continuously deliver an outstanding level of service’.

Simons Muirhead & Burton has a strong reputation for discrimination work, including defending the Metropolitan Police against the race and religious discrimination claims brought by Shabir Hussain.

Thomas Eggar LLP gives ‘supportive, knowledgeable and professional’ advice.

Boutique offering Thomas Mansfield is noted for its involvement in numerous reported cases.

We also recommend the London employment practices of the following US firms:

Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP has a good ‘good grasp of commercial needs and the ability to incorporate the necessary legal requirements’; Henry Clinton-Davis is recommended.

Dewey & LeBoeuf’s Matthew Howse is praised for his ‘pragmatism and commerciality of advice’.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP acts for some impressive international clients.

Hogan & Hartson is building a ‘good reputation’ under ‘great all-rounder’ Jonathan Maude.

K&L Gates has some household name clients such as Microsoft and McAfee.

Ann Bevitt heads the practice at Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe’s team includes of counsel Nicola Whiteley.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges is recommended for its high-end dismissal work.

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is recommended for its tribunal work.