Firms To Watch: Employment

Lawson-West specialises almost exclusively in claimant-focused employment work, and is particularly sought after for unfair dismissal, complex discrimination claims, whistleblowing and redundencies. Leicester-based Vaishali Thakerar heads the department, and is supported by Sejal Patel.

Employment in East Midlands

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

A heavyweight in the Midlands, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s practice is led out of Birmingham by Audrey Elliott, with the support of Nottingham-based partner Mark Fletcher, who heads the employment litigation team and is noted for his expertise in the retail and consumer sectors. Focusing on employment issues in the education sector, litigator Nicola Bennison is the go-to counsel for senior management issues, equality and diversity, including dealing with complex grievances and strategic human resources matters. Clare Ward is an expert in labour relations and supports restructuring and TUPE exercises.

Practice head(s):

Audrey Elliott


Other key lawyers:

Mark Fletcher; Nicola Bennison; Clare Ward


Key clients

BMI Group


NEXT PLC


Skanska UK PLC


DFDS Seaways Limited


Carpetright Limited


Pendragon Plc


Specsavers Optical Group Limited


Sandwell College


Work highlights


  • Supporting BMI Group in all of its employment and HR-related issues in the UK, which has included advice in relation to workforce restructuring projects, complex grievances and investigations.
  • Advising Skanska UK on various employment, labour relations and immigration matters, as well as handling the entirety of the client’s employment litigation.
  • Supporting Danish shipping and logistics group DFDS Seaways (and group) on all employment (strategic and day-to-day) immigration and labour relations issues.

Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP‘s Midlands practice has a solid reputation for handling employment tribunal cases, and has recently seen a significant increase in claims. Rena Magdani leads the firm's national head of employment, pensions and immigration; she works with  David Potter and firm chair Julian Middleton, supporting clients with restructures, strategic employment advice and TUPE, with additional expertise in relation to the ‘gig economy’ and employment status issues. Magdani also has extensive experience representing employers in claims involving equal pay, discrimination, whistleblowing and unfair dismissal. Matt McBride and legal director Fiona Powell also specialise in TUPE and all aspects of disciplinary and grievance processes.

Practice head(s):

Rena Magdani


Other key lawyers:

Julian Middleton; David Potter; Matt McBride; Fiona Powell


Testimonials

‘The team at Freeths LLP is amazing, very knowledgeable and always available to satisfy our internal needs in terms of policies or administration.’

‘All individuals contacted have excellent skills and knowledge. I have worked with the Partner Rena Magdani for many years and I never had any problems with her advice. Always available to answer queries!’

‘We have been consistently pleased with the quality of advice and service from Freeths’ Employment team, whether in relation to Employment Tribunal work or ADR. We would highlight their collaboration skills and responsiveness as particular strengths.’

‘David Potter has a wealth of experience.’

‘I have used the services of the team at Freeths for many years and recommend them.  The team are always able to provide pragmatic advice and support and are highly responsive. Their expertise and experience is very much valued.’

‘The expertise and support on usually complex employment issues has been of the best quality. Their advice is practical, and they have a clear understanding of the needs of employers and local government.’

‘The team are totally client focussed working collaboratively and with full line of sight to the client, taking time to understand both the claim/case and the background/context. A thorough understanding of the law with up to date caselaw knowledge and respect from the local courts helps the processes immensely.’

‘Rena Magdani has been an excellent person to work with – her knowledge, experience and expertise, along with being extremely responsive, is really appreciated.’

Key clients

ALDI Stores Limited


DPD Group UK Limited


Sofidel Group


Nuffield Health


Paul Smith Limited


Shoe Zone Retail Limited


Center Parcs


National Express Limited


ERIKS Industrial Services Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised longstanding client DPD Group UK on a range of day-to-day employment issues and successfully defended it in a number of tribunal claims and appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
  • Provided all employment law and HR-related advice to a national retailer in respect of a workforce of approximately 30,000 people.
  • Provided employment advice and HR support to a national employer with 16,000 employees, operating 40 hospitals, 114 fitness and wellbeing centres, medical centres and workplace wellbeing facilities.

Gateley Legal

Gateley Legal is sought after by large corporates, including several global household names, on the full range of employment law issues, with a niche in advising on the cross-over between employment law and insolvency, which is Andrew Macmillan‘s area of expertise. The former head of employment at Shoosmiths LLP‘s Nottingham office, Helen Burgess joined the team in May 2022, expanding the practice’s offering in collective issues and consultations involving trade unions, c-suite and senior executive exits, TUPE transfers, as well as complex disciplinary and grievance processes. For tribunals and High Court litigation, Chris Kisby is the key contact, and senior associate Helen Webster is recommended for executive terminations and projects.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Macmillan


Other key lawyers:

Helen Burgess; Chris Kisby; Helen Webster


Testimonials

‘Solid advice well delivered, easy and effective communications that a non-legal expert can understand.’

‘Andrew Macmillan: In my view, the best employment lawyer in the East Midlands. Combines high technical expertise with great people skills. Very client and commercially focussed, and a superb negotiator without ever being aggressive.’

‘The team at Gateley Legal can be relied on to provide sound legal advice on complex matters in a timely manner. We have particularly valued the team’s ability to translate complex legal advice in a way which lay people can understand.’

‘Helen Burgess has helped our organisation navigate through some complex and challenging employment law cases and has provided extensive support to myself and colleagues at my organisation.’

‘Very knowledgeable team, excellent customer service, very collaborative and easy to deal with.’

‘Chris Kisby is one of the most conscientious solicitors I work with. Goes the extra mile. Always keen to ensure that every detail is covered off. An excellent instructing solicitor for counsel – knows what counsel like and dislike in terms of the presentation of instructions, documents, etc. Clients would be keen to know how important these qualities are in a solicitor handling their case.’

‘Broad knowledge of employment law, coupled with specific expertise in ancillary areas, such as immigration and employment tax, means they can provide a one-stop solution to all employment law problems. Flexible fee structures.’

‘We bring our most complicated challenges to Gateley. The team here always have good solid legal advice, balanced with the necessary commercial view to help make difficult decisions.’

Key clients

Aquavista Watersides and Marinas


Bibby Financial Services


BOC


Catalent Pharma Solutions


Commonwealth Games England


Coveris


Deloitte (NI)


Deutsche Bahn


Grupo Bimbo (New York Bakery)


Ideagen


Work highlights


  • Advising Clowes Developments on the employment law aspects of its acquisition of Derby County Football Club.
  • Advising Premier Tech on the closure of its UK premises and moving retained staff to a homeworking model.
  • Continuing to act on behalf of administrators such as Teneo, Deloitte, FRP and Alverez & Marsal on a range of employment issues, and related litigation, arising out of administrations.

Howes Percival LLP

Howes Percival LLP‘s East Midlands employment group is led by Paula Bailey out of the Leicester office and Graham Irons in Northampton, with the support of Alex Payton and Hannah Pryce. The firm stands out for its particular expertise in dealing with complex tribunal claims, TUPE, restructuring, enforcement of restrictive covenants and senior executive exits. Employment-related data protection and confidentiality issues are also within the experienced team’s scope.

Practice head(s):

Paula Bailey; Graham Irons


Other key lawyers:

Alex Payton; Hannah Pryce


Testimonials

‘Nothing is ever too much trouble, and this firm really prides itself in its relationship management with their clients. Even when you drop issues on them at short notice, they are able to help and support. The advice we get is clear and well thought through and has helped me to develop in my own learning and experience of employment law.’

‘Graham Irons and Hannah Pryce in particular stand out for me. The team are really friendly and approachable – I never feel daunted having to pick up the phone to them.’

‘The people truly make interactions with Howes Percival around some of the most complex employment issues so much easier!’

‘They take the time to truly understand the organisation and the culture of the organisation and provide information and advice appropriate to all situations.’

‘You get a very personal touch when dealing with Howes Percival. Always seem to be up-to-date with the latest legislation and always easy to deal with. Billing is clear, with no “hidden extras”.’

‘Partners are usually available but will always get back to you if a message is left. Hannah Pryce and Graham Irons are particularly excellent. Hannah is exceptional in her advice and the way she can explain the current legislation and how it covers my particular issues.’

‘Strength – training and investment in their Associates. Staff wellbeing – I know this is important to them as an organisation.’

Key clients

All3Media Group


Children’s Investment Fund Foundation


De Montfort University


First Circle Packaging Limited


Getronics Services UK Limited


GraceKennedy Limited


Hunter Douglas UK Retail Limited t/a Hillary’s Blinds


Marston’s PLC


RS Components Limited


Terex Corporation


The Gym Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for an employer in the manufacturing space regarding a claim in which an employee alleged she had been dismissed for blowing the whistle on alleged unlawful practice in relation to VAT.
  • Advised specialist Dutch recycling business RetourMatras on its investment into, including various emplyment law matters, The Furniture Recycling Group.
  • Acted for the UK arm of a global crane manufacturer in a restructure of its business.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Operating from its Leicester, Nottingham and Lincoln offices, Shakespeare Martineau LLP is highly regarded for providing employment advisory services, HR support and representation in tribunal proceedings. Philip Pepper in Leicester is noted for his expertise in the food and beverages sector, and in claims before the High Court and Employment Appeal Tribunal. Director Sandeep Leighs is another key contact in the same office. Rhys Wyborn in Nottingham assists clients with redundancy and business reorganisations, TUPE transfers, and drafting contracts and HR policies. Lincoln-based partner Helen Molloy is an expert in HR and employment-related commercial matters. Danielle Lister joined the team in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Philip Pepper


Other key lawyers:

Rhys Wyborn; Helen Molloy; Sandeep Leighs; Danielle Lister


Testimonials

‘The practice in Lincoln has a very strong team in terms of legal knowledge but equally so in terms of the application of emotional intelligence when engaging with our team. The benefit from their engagement means that appropriate advice and solutions are discussed and the final route is not only correct but also meets our requirements.’

‘Helen Molloy is an exceptionally talented lawyer, whose judgement, speed of thought, yet personable approach is quite superb.’

‘The team always balance risk and pragmatism, demonstrating great commercial awareness alongside their legal expertise.’

‘Philip Pepper – great leadership of the team, pragmatic advice, excellent with complex and sensitive issues.’

‘The team is very responsive, pragmatic, innovative and commercial. They know our business well and understand the nuances of it.  They are solution focused and look at achieving the best outcome.’

‘Sandeep Leighs: Cannot praise her highly enough. She’s brilliant.’

‘2 years ago Shakespeare’s introduced an on-line portal that my HR team use on a regular basis: up-to-date information and guidance that enables us to resolve/deal with a range of legal questions. I particularly like the fact that they are not risk averse; they provide and explain in detail what options we should consider, point out the pros and cons, and then we make a decision.’

‘I particularly enjoy their seminars, great speakers, well attended by clients, which is a positive sign that clients are engaged with the company.’

Key clients

Spaldings Limited


CarChem Limited


Distinct Recruitment


South West Trains Limited


Rock Fish Restaurants


Field Lane Foundation


Iceland Foods Limited


Individual Restaurants (IRC) Limited


MTR Crossrail t/a MTR Elizabeth Line


HAE Group Ltd


Karcher


Work highlights


  • Advising Iceland Foods on its defence of complex constructive unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.
  • Advising Field Lane Foundation on its defence of a claim arising from a class action of claimants pursuing “no jab, no job” unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.
  • Advising MTR Corporation on its ongoing defence of a Tribunal claim brought by a former employee who is pursuing claims for religious belief discrimination.

Browne Jacobson LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP‘s team includes both experienced lawyers and non-lawyer fee earners specialising in HR consultancy, as well as an in-house insurance claims handling group. Sarah Hooton leads the practice in Nottingham and undertakes instructions related to unfair dismissal, redundancy, restructuring, contractual issues and all areas of discrimination. Kerren Daly has an interest in executive terminations, collective issues including restructuring and trade unions, and other high-profile and sensitive employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Hooton


Other key lawyers:

Kerren Daly


Testimonials

‘They have sector specific knowledge in education that is very important. Dependent on the situation, they offer a range of advice ranging from low to high risk, which allows us to identify the best way to manage any given situation. They are also hugely responsive, from associate to partner level, they always respond swiftly. They provide excellent resources and support the education sector with webinars, resources and updates. They are very much a trusted partner.’

‘Always responsive, give clear and concise advice specific to my sector.’

‘We value the multi-disciplinary support we receive from Browne Jacobson. The firm is able to turn resource to an issue very quickly, with the correct skills and correct level of support, seamlessly.’

‘In a nutshell, the personal touch; We have developed strong working relationships with the team, including Kerren Daly. This gives us confidence to ‘reach out’ in the moment and as required. On a personal level, Kerren has been a great support through a difficult case, and has been hugely appreciated and valued.’

‘The quality of the team provision provided for the case was amazing. From the transition from one main contact to another, when required, was seamless. There was always one of the team available who could provide information or support when needed. Team meetings worked well and the feeling of working in partnership and respect and trust developed between the main leads and ourselves was especially important. The expertise and understanding of the team regarding employment law and specifically in the education sector was invaluable.’

‘Each of the team showed honesty, compassion, patience, care, understanding, professionalism and dedication in supporting our case and ensuring the excellent outcome that was achieved. They quickly built our trust in them, ensuring that they listened carefully and shared their thinking in an honest manner. The way in which they ensured their understanding of the complexities of the case was exceptional. They were proactive in recognising the need to alleviate concerns and protect the well-being of each individual involved in the case. I have no hesitation in unreservedly recommending them and their service.’

‘The employment team provides excellent technical advice which is also tailored to fit our company, our size and the type of company we are.  We find the employment team to be empathetic, seeking out the relevant details of a particular matter.  They are always very responsive and available to meet in a convenient way and at a good time.’

‘Stand out partner Kerren Daly has supported us throughout some lengthy and difficult employment matters.  We have valued her expertise, advice, responsiveness and support when facing tricky situations.’

Key clients

Hiscox


Crown Commercial Services


EM Lawshare


East Midlands Ambulance NHS Trust


London Borough of Croydon


E-ACT


The Pensions Regulator


Kerry Logistics


Vue Entertainment Limited


Iconic London (Holdings) Limited


Work highlights


  • Delivered a significant and dedicated outsourced claims handling service on behalf of Hiscox relating to management liability claims.
  • Advised the Chair of the Board of combined companies Digital UK and Freeview and Freesat on the restructure of the senior executive team.
  • Advised on a reorganisation following the acquisition of a UK company by a Chinese logistics company.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited

Led by Laura Kearsley, Nelsons Solicitors Limited’s full-service employment team has carved out a specialism in complex claimant and respondent employment law disputes, with a particular emphasis on breach of contract, discrimination, whistleblowing and restrictive covenant cases. Peter Nicholson, who made partner in June 2023, is noted for his support in restructuring projects and Employment Tribunal claims.

Practice head(s):

Laura Kearsley


Other key lawyers:

Peter Nicholson


Testimonials

‘We found the Nelson’s team to be approachable, understanding, professional and concise at a time of great stress and anxiety. Their approach to our employment issue was exactly what we needed when dealing with a matter for which we had no prior experience.’

‘Laura Kearsley – compelling advocacy and clear decision-making.’

‘The team’s willingness to assist and collaborate between departments to deliver the outcome I needed was above and beyond what I could have expected.’

‘Particular stand-out is Peter Nicholson. He not only provides sound legal advice, but he really understands our company and provides advice, giving significant thought to the commercial impact on our business.’

‘The team are versatile and responsive to the range of situations we experience.  Teamwork and availability are a real strength.’

‘The individuals we engage regularly with take the time to know us and our organisation well. They are focused on solving problems in their context and make the effort to personalise their advice and recommendations as a result. There is a good sense of emotional support and reassurance for staff when engaging in sometimes challenging matters.’

‘Good, sensible and business-focussed advice and cost-effective too. Commitment to client satisfaction is clearly a priority for Nelsons. Always calm and always available to help.’

‘Good, down to earth and easy to understand advice. Always responsive. Laura Kearsley is on top of her game, is very at home working with senior execs. 100% happy with her service.’

Key clients

AC13 Premier Limited


AllTruck PLC


Badgemaster Limited


CORE Education Trust


Cucamara Limited


Derbyshire County Cricket Club


Distinctive Inns Limited


Fabrikat (Nottingham) Limited


Kanes Foods Limited


Lionbridge UK Limited


Moorcroft Group PLC


Nigel Ricks & Co


Nexor Limited


Nottingham Industrial Cleaners Limited


Work highlights


  • Continuing to provide a retainer service to Sixth Form College, Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College and Regent College,  providing day-to-day employment and HR advice.
  • Advising Kanes Foods on changing shift patterns in production, affecting over 1,000 staff, including producing documentation and communications and advising on individual cases.
  • Representing a client in his appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal on a point of law connected to whistleblowing following his Employment Tribunal claim.

Shoosmiths LLP

Highly regarded in the Midlands market, Shoosmiths LLP is well equipped to advise charities and public and private sector employers, particularly those in the financial services sector, on sensitive and complex employment cases ranging from TUPE transfers to disciplinary procedures to general HR matters. Michael Briggs advises on absence and performance issues, whistleblowing matters, the gig economy, and also on HR-related data protection. Rachel Harvey is an immigration specialist. Helen Burgess left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Michael Briggs


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Harvey


Testimonials

‘Shoosmiths are real partners – they take time to understand the business to ensure their advice is relevant and practical given the size/scale/scope of our business. They spend time getting to know you as the client to tailor their advice and understand the business appetite to risk as well as being very realistic about the law, its application and any relevant considerations. They can act as an extension of the internal HR team and also present effectively to line management to support the HR team in explaining risk/potential costs/claims as well as good and best practice.’

‘Michael Briggs is an absolute stand-out partner. He clearly works exceptionally hard to coach and develop his team but also his client relationships. His work and passion for inclusion stands out and that tells you something of his authenticity which is clear in all his dealings – a real relationship builder, he is genuinely interested in his clients as people which makes him relatable and easy to work with.’

‘The team always has a commercial and pragmatic approach and not one just by the book so that we can get the outcome the organisation wants in a fair and legal way.’

‘Michael Briggs is not only knowledgeable but creative in his approach. I cannot recommend him highly enough.’

‘The team at Shoosmiths are helpful, down to earth and so approachable; I always feel comfortable speaking to any member of the team. The diversity of Shoosmiths as well as the opportunities that it provides to trainees is fantastic. The billing is always detailed and transparent.’

‘Michael Briggs: he is such a good listener and provides practical guidance on employment law matters with such sensitivity and professionalism.’

‘Available and accessible. Responsive.’

‘They are exceptional in their practical application of employment law rather than just providing advice on what the law says. I also value the monthly updates via email and the face to face sessions that are available to maintain employment law knowledge as well as those run on specialist topics.’

Key clients

ATS Euromaster Limited


Tructyre Fleet Management Limited


John Deere Group of Companies


Coloplast Limited


Cityfibre Holdings Limited


Leonard Design Limited


Novozymes UK Limited


Novozymes AS


SC Johnson Professional Limited


Albumedix Limited


Boots Management Services Limited


Work highlights


  • Continues to defend Coloplast in relation to employment claims brought by a former employee who left the organisation in 2019.
  • Advised a well-known charity in relation to complex and serious whistleblowing complaints made by a consultant and a wide-ranging data subject access request (DSAR).
  • Advised a European building materials manufacturing company in relation to a large-scale restructure and redundancy project due to the relocation of part of its manufacturing process.

Wilkin Chapman LLP

Oliver Tasker took over the role of head of practice at Wilkin Chapman LLP from Teresa Thomas in April 2022 and continues to support regional employers on TUPE, collective redundancies and reorganisations, as well as representing businesses and senior executives before the Employment Tribunal. The firm is recognised for its food sector expertise and reputation, and counts household names in this industry among its clients.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Tasker


Other key lawyers:

Teresa Thomas


Testimonials

‘The team is excellent. We are always able to get hold of someone immediately. The ability, if one person is away, for someone else to pick up the questions with consistency, is very good.’

‘Oliver Tasker understands our business and has helped navigate us through some challenging times. Oliver responds quickly to our needs, appraising the relevant facts before providing practical, succinct advice. He’s readily available for any follow-up support where needed. Other firms have not been able to provide such a consistent high level of service with such a personal touch.’

‘Everyone is approachable and friendly. They break down legal terms into something we can understand and continue to give us excellent advice.’

Key clients

Green’s Desserts


Mizkan Euro Limited


Pilgrim Foodservice


Woodford Medical Practice


Infinite Care (Lincs) Ltd


Care Plus Group (North East Lincs) Limited


City of Lincoln Council


West Berkshire Council


Work highlights


  • Instructed by worldwide client Worley Europe in the TUPE transfer of a significant numbers of employees to the client at the Woodsmith Mine in Whitby, Yorkshire from Anglo American.
  • Provided employment support for the corporate and commercial team for client Darabeto Holdings in the simultaneous corporate sale of both Wise Robotics (UK) and Wise Software (UK) to Forterro UK.
  • Advised a large transport and logistics business on the breach of restrictive covenants of a former employee who signed a Settlement Agreement to reaffirm the restrictions on leaving.

Actons

Specialising in providing TUPE, absence management and tribunal representation for local and national employers, owner-managed businesses and SMEs, Actons‘ team is led by litigators James Symons and Nic Elliott. Associate Laura Robinson advises on data protection and GDPR issues relating to the employment relationship.

Practice head(s):

James Symons


Other key lawyers:

Nic Elliott; Laura Robinson


Testimonials

‘An approachable, commercial team who take time to understand the organisation, the culture, your needs as a client and the direction of travel you require. They are open with billing expectation, share risk and confirm outputs.’

‘Nic Elliott is a truly inspirational leader and lawyer. He is current not only in law but in business, he brings together stakeholders to share best practice and collaborates across sectors.’

‘Actons is a team which punches above its weight. Briefs are always well-prepared and provide optimum opportunity for reaching a successful outcome.’

Key clients

Iceland Foods Ltd


Staffline Recruitment Limited


J Tomlinson Limited


Loomis UK Ltd


Commify Ltd


Waterstones


KRCS


Johnsons Cars


Work highlights


  • Acted for Iceland Foods in the Employment Appeal Tribunal, successfully resisting an appeal by an individual claiming unfair dismissal.
  • Successfully represented Staffline Recruitment in a claim for multiple types of discrimination, unfair dismissal and various monetary claims, resulting in the dismissal of all claims.
  • Ran equality, diversity and inclusion, and disciplinary and grievance training for Nottingham City Transport, Johnsons Cars and Rab/Lowe Alpine.

Flint Bishop LLP

Flint Bishop LLP has significant experience in assisting clients in contract and policy writing, TUPE, disciplinary processes, redundancies and restructures, and litigating in employment tribunals, specifically in unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. Based in Derby, Louise Easthope leads the practice and has developed a following among local educational institutions for employment-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Louise Easthope


Testimonials

‘The team we work with are exactly that – a team.  Although we have an identified contact who we work with for the majority of time, if the need arises we can work with anyone in the team and receive the same level of support and guidance. Our contacts have wide-ranging experience and knowledge from recruitment to complicated tribunals and everything in between.’

‘Louise Easthope is excellent. Louise’s clear communication style inspired confidence from our client; she was able to explain complex legal matters in plain English. It was apparent that Louise had a sound understanding of the client’s business needs. I would have no hesitation in recommending Louise to a friend in need of employment law advice.’

‘The advice and service provided is without exception timely, up to date and is considerate of our sector specific nuances. It is both practical but ensures compliance. A recent training session with a barrister was engaging, insightful and an excellent add-on provision for employers.’

Geldards LLP

Geldards LLP‘s employment offering is led by senior associate Rachel Mills, who manages a busy advisory and contentious caseload, covering TUPE, investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes, and representing respondents in tribunal claims. She is also frequently instructed on exit packages for senior executives, and acts on behalf of religious institutions and charities on all aspects of employment law, including discrimination based on religion.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Mills


BHW Solicitors

Amanda Badley leads the Enderby-based employment department at BHW Solicitors, which demonstrates breadth of expertise assisting with TUPE transfers, managing large restructuring projects and employment disputes. Badley is the main figure regarding the exit of senior employees, employment status matters and holiday pay issues. Associate Aimée Johns advises clients on the implementation of multiple salary sacrifice schemes and on trade union striking issues.

Practice head(s):

Amanda Badley


Other key lawyers:

Aimée Johns


Testimonials

‘The communication from this team is excellent. There is always somebody available to assist with queries even when your usual contact is away or unavailable.’

‘Amanda Badley is exceptional. An astute tactician, her advice is straight to the point and gets results.’

‘Aimée Johns takes a very pragmatic approach to employment matters.  She is extremely patient and always happy to answer questions, providing full and clear explanations.’

‘The team has a fantastic range of experience across employment matters in all types of sectors. The client can have confidence that their matter is being dealt with by an experienced team with an understanding of the field.’

‘Aimée Johns’ calm professional manner with an outstanding level of knowledge of her practice area leaves you reassured your matter is being dealt with by one of the leading employment solicitors in her field.

‘Top quality team giving out straightforward, no-nonsense advice. Most firms claim to give it, this team actually does.’

‘Amanda Badley cares about clients and cares about providing a good quality of service tailored to the client’s individual needs.’

‘Amanda Badley focuses on providing clients with an excellent service tailored to their requirements.’

Key clients

Gardner Group Limited


RG & P Limited


Correlation Risk Partners Limited


Thurne Middleby Limited


Delta Global Source Holdings Limited


Hamilton Adhesive Labels Limited


Arkay Group


S&B Clothing Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the shareholders of Henry Gaze Holdings on the employment aspects of the sale of the company (a specialist fibre optic networks engineering business) to Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios.
  • Provided employment support to Canis in the City on its purchase of the assets of Canis in London, a dog walking/day care business in London.
  • Provided employment support to BPX Group in respect of the purchase of the entire issued share capital of Control Components (Anglia).

Chattertons

Chattertons‘ employment group is led by the highly regarded Grant Shackleston, who has 28 years of experience in corporate and HR support work, particularly in relation to collective redundancy consultations, alongside a background in employment litigation. He has a particular specialism in the enforcement of post-termination restrictions, including breaches of confidential information. Litigator Annette Wood and senior associate Martin Cornforth are also key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Grant Shackleston


Other key lawyers:

Annette Wood; Martin Cornforth


Testimonials

‘We used Chattertons to deal with a difficult employment issue, and had excellent service.’

‘Grant Shackleton: very professional, approachable, helpful and accessible.’

Key clients

Russell’s (Kirbymoorside) Limited


Wykeham Staff Services Limited


Pearson Packages Limited


MJL Skipmaster Limited


Grimme (UK) Limited


Smith Construction (Heckington) Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Russell’s (Kirbymoorside) in defending a threatened Springboard Injunction.
  • Advised Pearson Packages in respect of concluding a Settlement Agreement with an employee who had been absent on long-term sick leave due to an accident at work.
  • Advising MJL Skipmaster regarding the implementation of a new bonus scheme to incentivise its staff regarding productivity.

Premier Legal LLP

Premier Legal LLP is a boutique employment practice leveraging the expertise of managing director and founder Sarah Robinson, who specialises in restrictive covenants, TUPE and advising in relation to discrimination, together with in-house barrister Adrian Barnes.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Robinson


Other key lawyers:

Adrian Barnes


Testimonials

‘Sarah Robinson is a very experienced and highly regarded employment lawyer. She is great with clients.’

‘Availability, reliability, quality of advice.’

Key clients

SSG Haulage


Premier Electrical Services


SMBS Healthcare


White Rose


Milltek Sport


The Salop Sand & Gravel Group


Mortar & Screed Company Ltd


Belvior Lettings


Kings Carpets


Whitehouse Cox


Nicholls Brimble Bhol


Verpora


The McKenna Group


C&S Steel


Work highlights


  • Advising Medicom Healthpro on large-scale redudancies and restructuring.
  • Advising Whitehouse Cox and Co, a long-established manufacturer of small, luxury leather goods based in the West Midlands, in relation to a large-scale redundancy.
  • Advising ACE Sports Coaching in connection with a TUPE matter involving the transfer to the client of a service provided by a local authority.

Sills & Betteridge LLP

Working in conjunction with its commercial and litigation practices, Sills & Betteridge LLP‘s employment department advises a wide range of private sector clients on TUPE, senior director exits, large-scale restructuring, and disciplinary and grievance procedures. Stephen Britton is the lead partner and is instructed on unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing claims, and unionised and non-unionised workforces.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Britton


Testimonials

‘The practice is very responsive and provides clear guidance, ensuring they explain the ins and outs of cases. Availability is always very quick, no matter what the issue, and the quotes provided for work are very accurate. They have a huge amount of experience.’

‘Stephen Britton – Always outstanding advice, with the advantage of having worked as a tribunal judge.’

‘Professional, pragmatic solutions; focussed on knowing our business and guiding us to a solution which meets our needs.’

‘Steve Britton provides us with a very personalised, pragmatic and thorough advice or guidance. We are a complicated business, and Steve is very knowledgeable about how we operate. Therefore, the solutions are always relevant to us and the outcome we are trying to achieve.’

‘The advice and guidance has been accurate and made understandable, including practical applications. This often very complex area has been made much more straightforward by the working methods employed by Sills and Betteridge. Communication has always been excellent and extremely prompt, either by email and or by telephone.’

‘Stephen Britton has a great way of highlighting the legal position on matters we raise with him and then breaks this down to help us with practical application of the legislation. Stephen has a lovely approach – always friendly, calm, patient and extremely knowledgeable.’

‘Very responsive, professional and friendly team.’

‘Steve Britton totally understands our business and adapts his style to suit our particular challenges. He is very much like an extended member of our team.’

Smith Partnership

At Smith Partnership, practice head James Johnson acts for SMEs through to large corporate enterprises, charities and public sector employers across the full span of employment law, including undertaking his own advocacy. He also acts for senior employees in relation to contracts, exits, settlement agreements and post-employment obligations.

Practice head(s):

James Johnson


Testimonials

‘The things I think about when I think of this firm are: expertise knowledge, commercial sense, immediate and quality service.’

‘James Johnson is a problem solver and is alive to all relevant issues.’