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United Kingdom > South East > Human resources > Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

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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.

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