Hall Of Fame

Leading Individuals

Employment in Guernsey

Carey Olsen

Carey Olsen's team, which is described as having 'a vast range of knowledge and experience in the field', advises corporate clients on a variety of matters, spanning employment issues in relation to M&A, contract and exit negotiations concerning senior employees, and the full spectrum of employment disputes, as well as regulatory issues. Leading the team is Elaine Gray, known for representing plaintiffs and defendants in professional negligence and breach of trust proceedings, in addition to handling the employment side of corporate reorganisations. Litigator Mark Dunster handles criminal and regulatory matters, while senior associate Lois Madden offers expertise on data protection.

Practice head(s):

Elaine Gray


Other key lawyers:

Mark Dunster; Lois Madden; Robin Gist


Testimonials

‘Carey Olsen has a strong employment team that is able to work across industries and sectors from financial services to the not-for-profit sector.’

‘I work with Elaine Gray and find her really easy to deal with. She provides clear and concise advice and has personal experience of virtually any scenario related to employment matters.’

‘The team is very responsive, technically strong and has a vast range of knowledge and experience in the field. Their advice is always clear, concise and reliable. The team also hold regular seminars, keeping their clients up to date on employment law and abreast of any changes.’

‘I have worked predominantly with Lois Madden, who is extremely knowledgeable. She is proactive and guiding in her approach and offers invaluable advice which is clear, concise and reliable.’

‘They know the law and make suggestions that suit commercial needs.’

‘The team composition was very knowledgeable about all areas of my particular case. They worked with me in a professional and sympathetic manner. Lois Madden and Robin Gist represented my case in the Royal Court and their team dynamic and presentation skills were admirable.’

‘The Carey Olsen team provides exceptional employment briefings, which are provided on relevant topics on a regular basis. The team makes the material engaging, and relevant to their audience. The team also provides cross-jurisdictional updates, which is very helpful as most employers are pan-Island.’

‘Lois Madden supported us on a complicated employee relations matter recently. Lois had an excellent understanding of employment law and understood the complexities of our unique business. She was clear and concise in her advice and approached the matter with empathy for all parties, leading to a positive outcome.’

Walkers

Working on a pan-Channel Island basis, Walkers handles the gamut of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including employee exits, grievances, misconduct and M&A-related issues, among others. The firm has also been tasked with providing training on Guernsey’s new Discrimination Ordinance in the lead up to its entry into force in October 2023. Heading the practice is Sarah Ash, whose work covers the full spectrum of employment matters. Senior counsel Victoria Pratt handles matters relating to data protection, while associate Jenny Brunton represents clients involved in tribunal hearings and advises on staff policies. The firm strengthened its employment team with the additions of Danielle Brouard from Collas Crill in April 2022, and Devon Jenkins from ENSafrica in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Ash


Other key lawyers:

Victoria Pratt; Jenny Brunton; Danielle Brouard; Devon Jenkins


Testimonials

‘Danielle Brouard is excellent: responsive, commercial, knowledgeable and pragmatic. I do not hesitate to recommend her.’

‘The team are highly engaged and forward-looking. They put energy into relationship building and go the extra mile to host events to share latest information. They accurately focus on the most important issue. On specific client engagements, they are always thoughtful and very supportive, providing clear advice.’

‘Sarah Ash is perhaps the most personable employment lawyer I have worked with. Sharp mind and highly professional.’

Key clients

States of Guernsey


Appleby

Appleby‘s employment team spans all three Crown Dependencies, representing financial services companies in disputes concerning directors and other senior employees, with further strengths in conducting investigations on behalf of clients and assisting with redundancies and data protection matters. Richard Sheldon leads the team, focusing in particular on contentious departures of senior employees. Niall MacDonald handles tribunal proceedings in addition to a range of non-contentious matters, from immigration and business licensing, to contracts and employment policies. Having joined from Simmons & Simmons in January 2023, associate James Gallimore handles both contentious and non-contentious employment issues.

Practice head(s):

Richard Sheldon


Other key lawyers:

Niall MacDonald; James Gallimore


Testimonials

‘Appleby has provided guidance and oversight on business-wide processes as well as specific support on individual cases. They make themselves available at any time and are responsive and precise with the contribution they make.’

‘We work with Richard Sheldon at Appleby. He can be relied on to be quick, responsive and accurate in his dealings with us. Where needed he provides clear direction on key employee engagement and where required takes responsibility for drafting specific communications.’

‘Once a file was opened, the speed of response to queries was exemplary. We are a small organisation and Niall MacDonald was mindful to keep us aware of costs and advise where and how we could take steps to minimise these.’

‘We were so lucky to be allocated Niall MacDonald. He was responsive to queries and explained everything in a clear, logical manner without the use of jargon. He absorbed the information we gave him rapidly and was empathetic to our concerns for staff members. He was knowledgable and professional but above all kind and calming in a very stressful situation. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.’

‘Professional, engaging and practical advice given. Billing is clear for services provided.’

‘Richard Sheldon – engaging, practical, solution focussed, responsive.’

Key clients

Barclays Group


Canaccord Genuity Wealth


CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang


Eversheds Sutherland


HSBC Group


PraxisIFM


Sanne Group


States of Guernsey


Suntera Global


Work highlights


  • Drafting the official statutory guidance on behalf of the States of Guernsey to accompany the new Discrimination Law following a tender process.
  • Undertaking a number of confidential investigations, including in relation to sanctions and a potential fraud by a director.
  • Advised on a major redundancy programme for one of the largest non-financial services companies on the island.

Mourant

Mourant offers 'tremendous industry-wide experience' in relation to an array of employment matters, including discrimination and unfair dismissal disputes before tribunals and, on the non-contentious front, immigration and remote working arrangements. Counsel Rachel Guthrie leads the team, her practice encompassing tribunal proceedings, data protection and immigration matters. Senior associate Hana Plsek specialises in immigration issues, including assisting with investor and entrepreneur visas.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Guthrie


Other key lawyers:

Hana Plsek


Testimonials

‘Senior people with tremendous industry-wide experience means a continuity of high quality service.’

‘Rachel Guthrie – cool head, analytical brain and vast experience. Hana Plsek – energetic, full of ideas and very experienced.’

‘The team at Mourant has an unmatched level of knowledge which provides excellent value for money. Their input is always professional, timely and effective. The team work extremely well together, and share their exceptional knowledge with clients by offering a number of CPD events.’

Key clients

The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited


SG Kleinwort Hambros Bank Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son on the purchase of Credit Suisse’s global trust business in Guernsey.
  • Advised SG Kleinwort Hambros Bank on a reorganisation whereby the client’s existing Guernsey branch was transferred from a branch of a Jersey company to a branch of an English company.

Ogier

Ogier‘s ‘pragmatic and knowledgeable’ employment practice handles the full range of contentious and non-contentious issues, ranging from M&A and restructuring-related matters such as contractual negotiations and redundancies, to discrimination and unfair dismissal proceedings before the tribunal and the Royal Court. Leading the team is counsel Rachel DeSanges, whose practice includes employee-linked due diligence tied to M&A, directors’ duties and data protection. Litigator Sandie Lyne handles disciplinary matters on behalf of employees, and hearings before the tribunals. Senior associate Fay Warrilow is well versed in the gamut of contentious and non-contentious issues.

Practice head(s):

Rachel DeSanges


Other key lawyers:

Sandie Lyne; Fay Warrilow


Testimonials

‘In a situation where it can be very easy to lose perspective, after having spoken to Rachel DeSanges she always makes me feel more grounded and balanced.’

‘Super responsive, practical and commercial in their advice.’

‘Rachel DeSanges is pragmatic, commercial and the kind of lawyer you want sitting alongside you when you are tackling really tricky employment issues.’

‘By far the most pragmatic and knowledgeable employment law practice on the island. Succinct and commercial advice, protecting both employer and employee interests.’

‘Rachel DeSanges provides comprehensive and accurate advice, allowing the client to tap in to her past experiences and extensive knowledge. Rachel recognises that employment cases require a quick turnaround, with pragmatic and accurate advice provided to enable the client to swiftly deal with any issue before it has a chance to escalate. Rachel’s knowledge, experience and client relationship skills are second to none.’

‘A very strong employment law team who provide timely and concise advice. Excellent management of time spent together with exceptional communication skills whilst maintaining a friendly, straightforward approach. I would not hesitate to recommend this team to colleagues and peers.’

‘Rachel DeSanges and Fay Warrilow have provided excellent advice and support on a number of legal matters. Excellent communicators, concise, relevant advice and information provided in a timely manner with excellent backup if required.’

‘Rachel DeSanges is excellent. Her thorough knowledge and standing in the market instils great confidence. She cuts through to the key issues and provides practical advice in a calm and authoritative manner, whilst at the same time being personable and sensitive to the facts. She would always be my first call.’

Work highlights


  • Conducted a full review of a client’s suite of policy and procedure manuals covering a variety of areas from anti-money laundering to anti-bribery and maternal and paternal leave.
  • Instructed in a general counsel capacity for a global financial services company, providing advice and assistance, including defending the client before an employment tribunal and defending claims of breach of contract before the Guernsey Royal Court.
  • Assisted a trust, fund and corporate service provider company with the employment aspects of the set-up of a new structure.

Bedell Cristin

Bedell Cristin‘s growing employment practice assists clients with a wide variety of matters, ranging from contentious and semi-contentious senior employee exits, to the defence of employers before tribunals, to the handling of redundancies and the employment aspects of corporate restructuring and M&As. Carly Parrott heads the team, representing both employers and senior figures, including directors, in the full spectrum of employment disputes, as well as advising on day-to-day employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Carly Parrott


Testimonials

‘Bedell Cristin take the time to understand our needs as a company. Understanding our history and the challenges we have faced helps the firm to provide tailored advice to us, our needs and our culture. Bedell Cristin help us get to the core of the issue which saves time, expense and gets us to our goals quicker.’

‘Carly Parrott surprised me with her real down-to-earth nature. She was extremely sharp at understanding the situation and asking relevant questions. She also helped me understand that my situation was nothing personal, just business. That helped me feel empowered to move forwards with my career. I felt she went above and beyond to get the best outcome for me – which she did achieve.’

‘Carly Parrott – strong technical skills applied in a professional and passionate manner. Gives clients confidence and the feeling that she has your back and best interests at heart.’

‘Bedell Cristin are very professional, approachable and efficient with all advice and expertise that they offer.’

‘Carly Parrott gives practical advice which gets presented in plain English. She is prepared to give an opinion and come off the fence, not something every lawyer will do. She feels engaged and genuinely “alongside” her clients.’

‘The team at Bedell Cristin were not only informative and supportive, but they took the time to listen to our needs and concerns and made every effort to put us at ease. They are dedicated, thorough, knowledgeable and always put the client first.’

‘Carly Parrott: very pragmatic and solution-oriented when dealing with an employee dispute. Acted with integrity and was able to remove the emotional elements from the situation. Acted swiftly and was able to draw matters to a quick conclusion which allowed both parties to move on. She was available at all times, no matter whether this was early in the morning, or in the evening.’

‘Carly Parrott is exceptional. Her expertise is in high demand, but still she remains available and approachable; a testament to how hard she works and the team that she has built around her. Her ability to apply complex law to human situations and communicate potential solutions is extraordinary. Also, her advice is always delivered with engaging charisma.’

Key clients

JT Group