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Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

Boyes Turner’s ‘knowledge is superb and delivered with a commercial eye’. In 2011, ‘very efficient and flexible’ practice head Barry Stanton advised Historic Royal Palaces in a number of disciplinary investigations, as well as dismissal and tribunal proceedings involving the governor of the Tower of London. The department, which includes Michael Farrier, David Blomfield and Helen Goss, also represents Panasonic, Porsche and Total UK.

Michael Sippitt’s team at Clarkslegal LLP recently advised on the TUPE implications of Reading University’s restructuring of its residential estates; and successfully represented Eden (GM) in an eight-day tribunal relating to alleged disability discrimination. Monica Atwal specialises in discrimination cases, particularly disability claims; and Helen Beech has significant experience in handling large-scale restructuring and redundancy programmes.

With ‘excellent knowledge of employment law’, Lewis Silkin LLP advises high-calibre clients such as Nokia UK, Aston Martin, MTV and Oxford University Press. Practice head Russell Brimelow is noted for his media sector expertise and ability to handle cross-border matters. Jonathan Carr is also highly regarded, and has developed a focus on the financial services industry. In 2011, the team expanded at junior level and promoted Hannah Price to partner.

Olswang’s ‘absolutely outstanding’ lawyers are ‘responsive, pragmatic and always ahead of the game’. ‘Star performer’ Gary Henderson leads the team, which is the sole UK employment adviser to household brands such as Microsoft and Timberland. The firm also handles all the UK employment work for new client Nationwide Building Society.

Osborne Clarke’s employment department is led by Danielle Kingdon, who has almost 20 years’ experience in the field and particular expertise in discrimination matters. The firm is recognised for its cross-border capabilities; senior associate Lloyd Davey recently advised a global telecoms company on the rollout of a whistleblowing hotline across selected European territories. Clients include Silicon Valley Bank, Nominet and Amadeus.

Kevin McCavish heads the ‘excellent’ employment team at Shoosmiths, which acts for Hewlett-Packard, The National Trust and ING Direct. In 2011, senior associate Paula Rome successfully defended Calor Gas in a number of employment tribunal cases, including a claim for unfair dismissal and age discrimination. The ‘particularly good’ Jonathan Naylor leads the Thames Valley team.

Darbys Solicitors LLP merged with Cheshire Employment Law in 2011, bringing on board Natasha Jones, who founded the niche firm in 2009. Practice head David Parry ‘combines pragmatism, expertise and excellent interpersonal skills’.

‘The lawyers you always want on your side’, Doyle Clayton Solicitors’ team is ‘professional, always available and good value for money’. Practice head Tina Wisener is ‘a strong and determined negotiator as well as a good team player’. Clients include Sara Lee, Sony Ericsson and Greene King.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP is highlighted for its ‘excellent service, fast response times and strong industry knowledge’. ‘Impressive’ practice head Jacqueline McDermott represents respondents in High Court and tribunal claims, and also handles a range of non-contentious employment issues. Rachel Tozer is also recommended as ‘a sound, practical adviser’.

Manches LLP has a ‘good understanding of its clients’ needs, pressures and industry dynamics’. Daff Richardson is ‘very pragmatic and commercial in her outlook’; Eugene Wojciechowski delivers ‘a prompt service’; and senior associate Sally Nesbitt is ‘a practical adviser’. Clients include Blackwell UK, Travelodge Hotels and RUSH Hair.

‘Excellent in every respect’, Morgan Cole added a number of housing associations and health-sector clients to its roster in 2011, including NHS Direct, InHealth, Advance Housing & Support and GreenSquare Housing Group. Matt Jenkin is ‘able to communicate practically and commercially’, and Rebecca Ireland and William Downing are also recommended.

Recognised for its strong technology-sector expertise, Pitmans LLP recently assisted Toshiba TEC Europe Retail Information Systems in relation to an application for union recognition by Unite. Mark Symons leads the team, which includes the recommended Richard Devall. The firm also stands out for its niche practice in business immigration.

Thomas Eggar LLP delivers ‘highly professional, well-informed advice’, and acts for clients such as Micheldever Tyre Services, Newbury College and new gain Novell UK. Simon Fenton leads the team, and has an ‘open and honest approach; his guidance is a breath of fresh air’.

Providing ‘consistently good advice’, Blake Lapthorn’s Jim Whiter has over 20 years’ experience in the manufacturing, construction and charitable sectors. ‘Very sure-footed’ senior solicitor Alexandra Robinson is also recommended. Mike Wilson recently joined from Clarke Willmott LLP.

Praised for its fast response times, Blandy & Blandy LLP’s ‘strong’ employment team is ‘always approachable and courteous’, and well known for its expertise in unlawful discrimination and TUPE matters. Sue Dowling and Tim Clark are recommended, as is associate Sukhpal Matharoo, for his ‘first-class advice’.

Cater Leydon Millard successfully defended Chelsea & Westminster Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in high-value claims involving race discrimination, victimisation and unfair dismissal. Wendy Leydon and Nathan Millard provide ‘clear advice on complex issues’. Sheila Cater is also recommended.

At Employment Law Plus, Jill Kelly handles the full gamut of employment law issues (including advocacy in tribunals) for large corporations, smaller businesses and individuals. Clients include Dean & Wood and Boswells Coffee Co.

Henmans LLP delivers ‘sound advice’ to companies, directors and entrepreneurs. James Simpson has ‘an excellent breadth of knowledge and gives straightforward commercial advice which can be easily implemented in the workplace’.

Clients rate Spratt Endicott’s level of service ‘very highly’ in terms of response times and accessibility. Carol Shaw provides ‘excellent advice’ on TUPE matters, working time regulations and disability discrimination claims.

Recent team changes at Withy King LLP saw Richard White return to the firm’s Bath office and part-time employment judge Mark Emery join from Bindmans LLP. Now heading the department, Emery is ‘determined, enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile’.

Brethertons LLP gives ‘very responsive, industry-appropriate advice’, and is recommended ‘without hesitation for small or large projects’. David Hodge and Brian Auld divide their time between Banbury and Rugby.

The ‘always proactive’ Clifton Ingram LLP predominantly acts for employers, in both contentious and non-contentious matters. James Dyson is recommended for his ‘sensible and pragmatic attitude’.

Horsey Lightly’s ‘excellent’ employment team delivers ‘sound and prompt advice’. Consultant Barry Jameson is a ‘pleasure to work with’, and has 27 years of experience in the field.

Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

asb law LLP provides ‘pragmatic, business-focused and clear’ advice to major companies in the aviation, travel, education and public sectors. Gregory Burgess’s ‘high levels of credibility’ make him ‘very well respected’.

Clyde & Co has a large team that handles employment work for a number of locally based clients, such as G4S, Chubb, Novartis, and Vello Systems. In the past year, it defended software company TDH-EDM in relation to allegations of industrial espionage by its employees against Siemens.

The ‘responsive’ and ‘practical’ team at Cripps Harries Hall LLP recently won new clients Omnicom Media Group and WFCA. Department head Gavin Tyler is recommended.

The ‘very approachable’ and ‘down-to-earth’ team at DMH Stallard LLP represents a large number of charities and public sector organisations, including many London local authorities and county councils. Jenny Thorp is recommended.

In 2011, Stevens & Bolton LLP assisted the BOC Group in a discrimination and unfair dismissal case, and Kia Motors in relation to TUPE and advisory matters. Stephanie Dale leads the three-partner team.

Thomas Eggar LLP advised on the employment aspects of a multimillion-pound acquisition of 17 gyms. It also has strong links to the higher education sector. Catherine Wilson is ‘extremely knowledgeable’, ‘innovative’ and ‘highly strategic’.

Thomson Snell & Passmore’s service is ‘exemplary value for money’. It recently secured a settlement package in excess of £480,000 for a senior director.

Barlow Robbins LLP’s employment practice is largely based in the firm’s Woking office, and has particular experience working with independent schools. Solicitor Ben Collingwood is ‘thorough’ and ‘accommodating’.

Brachers ‘punches above its weight’ in the employment sector, and has a strong presence in healthcare and education. Catherine Daw is recommended for her ‘good judgement’.

The ‘hands-on’ team at Charles Russell LLP recently assisted in a claim against the Citizens Advice Bureau, scheduled to be heard before the Supreme Court. Ben Smith ‘inspires confidence and loyalty’.

The two-partner team at Mundays LLP deals with all aspects of employment law for a varied client base including TM Lewin & Sons, TDK Electronics and Kewill plc.

The ‘very responsive’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP acts for clients such as Wurth UK and Make-A-Wish Foundation UK. Michael Cole, now based in Guildford, is the lead partner for employment matters in Surrey.

Rawlison Butler LLP is noted for its ‘personal service’. It successfully defended Alsford Timber Ltd in an unfair dismissal claim brought by five former employees. Tony Hyams-Parish is ‘truly at the top of his game’.

The ‘strong team’ at Scully Twiss handles employment matters for major clients including Rockstar Games, Liverpool Victoria, ATP Media, Talkback Thames, and Virgin Hotels. Joanne Twiss is ‘superb, calm and thorough’.

Thomas Mansfield LLP’s boutique practice includes six partners who work solely on employment matters for professionals in the healthcare, security, recruitment and sport sectors.

Employment: Hampshire

Blake Lapthorn delivers a ‘first-class service’ that is ‘wholly professional and pragmatic’. The firm advises Wightlink on all aspects of employment law, including handling tribunal claims. Recommended individuals include ‘superb employment specialist’ Max Craft, who ‘offers realistic advice and solutions to difficult issues’; the ‘down-to-earth’ Sarah Peacock; and the ‘extremely reliable’ Marianne Pieterse.

Bond Pearce LLP recently advised on the employment implications of Kingfisher and B&Q’s acquisition of 28 Focus DIY stores, and represented Ordinance Survey in an unfair dismissal claim. Christina Tolvas-Vincent leads the team, which recently gained Royal Mail as a client. Jon Hales is also recommended.

Clients of the ‘always fantastic’ Paris Smith LLP include Southampton FC, New Look and BAT. The team handles the full gamut of employment issues, and has recently been particularly active in complex discrimination claims and senior employee exits. Clive Dobbin and David Roath are ‘commercially orientated and never sit on the fence’.

Delivering ‘relevant, commercial advice and prompt responses’, Shoosmiths’ employment offering is led by Helena Derbyshire, who is particularly experienced in business reorganisation and TUPE matters, and provides ‘a balanced legal position and practical advice’.

Trethowans LLP’s clients include Barcardi-Martini, Associated Newspapers and The Wrigley Company. Jon Loney and Simon Rhodes are recommended.

Clarke Willmott LLP’s communication is ‘among the best’; clients ‘never have to chase for anything’. ‘Nothing is too much trouble’ for Marc Long, who recently provided employment law training to Liverpool Victoria. Mike Wilson left for Blake Lapthorn in May 2012.

Dorlee Monschau leads the team at Coffin Mew LLP, which saw an increase in healthcare, technology, education and charity matters. The firm handles both contentious and non-contentious mandates.

Lamport Bassitt’s employment group is led by Jonathan Gray, who is recognised for his advocacy skills at employment tribunals. The team maintains a strong reputation for union work.

The ‘proactive’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP recently gained The Fire Fighters Charity and Lanson International as new clients. The ‘very commercial’ David Bickford is an active figure on the tribunal side.

Thomas Eggar LLP’s clients include Kenwood, Southern Water and Chichester University. The ‘very professional’ Esther Smith ‘gets to the point very quickly, and is clearly very experienced in the field’.

Employment: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

B P Collins LLP handles the full range of employment work for multinational corporations, SMEs, charities and senior executives. Jo Davis leads the team, and is an expert in whistleblowing claims.

Dentons’s team is led by experienced partners Simon Whysall and Richard Nicolle, and recently represented Virgin Atlantic Airways, Ralph Lauren, and Esprit GB on employment matters. It also saw an increase in corporate immigration cases.

EMW counts Santander UK, General Motors, and Electrolux plc among its clients. The firm is experienced in handling large restructurings, office moves and employment issues relating to corporate transactions.

IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) provides ‘a gold-star service’ and has a ‘user-friendly and approachable style’, and advises clients such as Hertz, Hasbro and Adventis Group plc. Justin Govier is ‘an expert in his field’.

Shoosmiths is noted for its efficiency and ‘very fast’ response times. The ‘realistic, easy-to-talk-to and tough’ Gwynneth Tan heads the department, following Helen Jess’ departure in 2011.

Kimbells LLP’s merger with Nottingham-based Freeth Cartwright LLP – to form Kimbells Freeth LLP – increased the Milton Keynes firm’s presence in the licensed trade sector. The team is ‘practical and pragmatic’.

Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP fields a team of ‘excellent professionals’ acting for a fast-growing client base. The firm recently closed its Milton Keynes office, and partners now operate from Watford and London.

Moorcrofts LLP’s three-partner team, which is led by Craig Havard, acted on a range of share scheme related matters in 2011. Clients include My Aesthetics and Shelby Jennings.

SA Law LLP has a ‘strong employment law team’ which delivers ‘a great service’. Its client base covers a wide range of sectors, notably education, not-for-profit and manufacturing.

Taylor Walton LLP’s Luton office covers the full range of commercial employment services, and recently worked on dispute resolution, share options and discrimination issues. Heather Cowley leads a two-partner team.

Turbervilles ‘consistently punches above its weight’. Its department is co-led by the ‘very professional’ Marc Jones and the ‘reassuring’ Robert Dixon.

Employment: Essex

At Birkett Long LLP, Tim Ogle’s team represents clients in contentious and non-contentious matters, and recently acted for a housing company in the defence of a multi-party equal pay claim. Martin Hopkins has been developing the employment law capability in the firm’s recently opened Basildon office.

Kevin Palmer’s team at Birketts LLP has been particularly active in TUPE matters, particularly in the area of private-to-public sector outsourcing. Highlights included advising Alstons on a 90-day redundancy consultation, and successfully defending Colchester United FC in a claim for unfair dismissal. Other clients include Pitney Bowes, Countryside Properties and Essex Auto Group.

James Burkett’s team at QualitySolicitors FJG provides ‘first-class, practical and clear’ advice to both claimants and respondents, and handles high-value claims, non-contentious regulatory work and immigration cases. Beth Baird is also recommended.

In 2011, Thompson Smith & Puxon acted for clients in the food and care home sectors in relation to reorganisations, redundancies and tribunal proceedings. Team head Richard Porter has a particular focus on discrimination law.

Ellisons succeeded in striking out claims for whistleblowing, breach of contract and sex discrimination brought against Sir Bob Russell MP by a former employee. Jayne Scott heads the team.

Palmers advised on the employment aspects of a multimillion-pound acquisition, and is acting for several claimants in matters ranging from unfair dismissal to pregnancy-related sex discrimination. Jeremy Sirrell heads the team.

Highlights for Stephen Eccles’ team at Pinney Talfourd LLP included advising a charity on disciplinary action against an executive.

Tees Solicitors’ cross-office team is led by Anne Coles and Rob Whitaker, who is recommended for his TUPE expertise.

Wendy Beach heads the employment unit at Wortley Byers, which acted for clients including Océ Ltd and Hamelin Trust on claims for constructive and unfair dismissal.

Health and safety

Blake Lapthorn advises a variety of major private and public sector clients on HSE investigations, large-scale building projects and regulations. John Mitchell leads the team.

Tracy Head and Kathy Dwyer at Kennedys advise employers’ liability insurers and the HSE on prosecutions. Head has experience in major cases involving vicarious liability.

The ‘professional and knowledgeable’ Andrew Clarke leads the team at Brachers, which advises public sector organisations subject to investigation by the HSE and CPS.

Clarkslegal LLP is acting for Lafarge Cement in noise-induced hearing loss and asbestos-related claims. Other industrial clients include Carillion and Imerys Minerals. David Rintoul leads the team.

Michael Veal leads Lester Aldridge LLP’s southern England team from the firm’s Bournemouth office. Prosecution highlights included the asbestos-related case R v Marks & Spencer plc and others. The team also handles defence work for commercial clients.

David Thompson’s well-respected team at Moore Blatch LLP defends commercial clients in fatal and serious injury cases, with a particular emphasis on transport.

Morgan Cole’s team conducts prosecution work for the HSE, and is known for its defence of clients in the healthcare, construction and agricultural sectors.

Shoosmiths’ cross-office team was very active in defence work for clients subject to HSE investigation. Philip Ryan leads the team in the South East.

Andrew Jackson’s team at Thomas Eggar LLP provides regulatory advice, in addition to prosecuting and defending HSE investigations. Steven Eldred is notable for his experience in noise-induced hearing loss claims.

Pensions

Headed by Adrian Lamb, Blake Lapthorn’s team ‘provides a quality service’. It is well known for its trusteeship practice but also handles non-trustee matters, and recently advised Goddard Perry on the creation of a defined contribution master plan. The highly regarded John Hamilton is a ‘skilled, pragmatic and thorough pensions lawyer’.

The ‘responsive and helpful’ Pitmans LLP advises defined benefit schemes on issues such as scheme appointments and the switch from RPI to CPI. Recent work includes advising the trustees of CitiFinancial Europe on the merger of its occupational schemes into a larger parent scheme. ‘Clear, analytical’ department head David Hosford leads a team that includes two solicitors dedicated solely to pensions-related litigation.

Shoosmiths’ ‘strong, well-trained team’ acted for the trustees of a group pension on a high-value acquisition, and advised on a bulk transfer into a defined benefits scheme. David Thompson heads the practice; he and Suzanne Burrell have ‘detailed technical knowledge’, and advise clients such as Hewlett-Packard and Thomas Cook.

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