Hall Of Fame

Leading Individuals

Next Generation Partners

Employment in Isle Of Man

Appleby

The employment and immigration team at Appleby covers the entire spectrum of employment matters in both a contentious and non-contentious setting. This includes in high profile tribunal cases, as well as sensitive restructuring matters and compliance with the 2020 Equality Act. Caren Pegg leads the practice, acting on a range of matters involving redundancy, unfair dismissal, discrimination and GDPR issues. Juan Thornley is an experienced corporate lawyer who also leads the firm’s pensions team. Keira Gore has a particular focus on equality law, equal pay and discrimination matters, while Kyle Mills provides support in tribunal claims other contentious matter.

Practice head(s):

Caren Pegg


Other key lawyers:

Juan Thornley; Keira Gore; Kyle Mills


Testimonials

‘Caren Pegg is exceptionally knowledgeable, professional and her employment expertise is extremely valuable to organisations.’

‘The team are very experienced legal professionals and it shows. They have a comprehensive knowledge of local employment and work well to match their knowledge and advice to this. The team take the time to get to know their clients and really work with you on cases as opposed to working for you.’

‘Caren Pegg is a powerhouse of legal practice. Her knowledge and experience always shines through, this coupled with her approach to relationship building is what makes her a fantastic advocate for Appleby. No question is trivial to her and she goes the extra mile to ensure you are fully informed on your legal position.’

Key clients

RL360/IFGL


Swagelok Ltd


Royal Bank of Scotland International/Natwest


NK Construction Limited


Annexio


Barclays Bank PLC


Crogga Limited


Derivco


Quilter


Champion Tech Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing RL360 (now IFGL) in relation to a high profile set of proceedings which involve novel points of law including examining the enforceability of a conciliated settlement agreement with the involvement of the Manx Industrial Relations Service under the Employment Act 2006.
  • Instructed to defend Employment Tribunal proceedings for one of the largest employers in the Isle of Man. The matter involves difficult considerations as to the procedural and general considerations of proceeding to dismiss when there are criminal investigations that are ongoing.
  • Acting as Isle of Man counsel for a large Isle of Man corporate in relation to a complex discrimination claim which is ongoing and due to be heard later this year.

DQ

DQ‘s employment department has significant experience in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law, with a particular focus on the e-gaming, governmental and financial services sectors. Recent focus areas for the team include senior level disputes, regulator sanctions and restrictive covenants, as well employment issues stemming from M&A. The team is led by ‘diligent, tenacious and tireless’ Leanne McKeown , who is regularly instructed by major e-gaming employers in a variety of disputes and regulatory enforcement matters. Joshua Quinn joined the firm from M&P Legal in 2023 with a focus on contentious employment matters. Jessica McManus handles a broad range employment law issues, including highly sensitive issues such as sexual harassment between colleagues. Mark Emery is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Leanne McKeown


Other key lawyers:

Mark Emery; Joshua Quinn; Jessica McManus


Testimonials

‘Leanne McKeown is the pre-eminent employment specialist on the Island. The team is dilligent, responsive, indsustrious and willing to roll up its sleeves to achieve the best outcome for its clients.’

‘ Leanne McKeown is diligent, tenacious and tireless in securing the right outcome for her clients.’

Key clients

Derivco


IQ-EQ (Isle of Man) Limited


Dandara


Flutter Entertainment Plc


Saint Gobain Building Distribution (t/a JP Corry)


Work highlights


  • Acting for and on behalf of a large local CSP on enforcing restrictive covenants against three former employees, issuing urgent proceedings for an interim injunction against one former employee and pursuing three former employees in the Isle of Man High Court for sizeable damages due to alleged breaches of their restrictive covenants in setting-up a competing business and allegedly poaching clients in the yachting and aviation industry.
  • Undertook a full employment due diligence review and reporting for the IOM branch of an international CSP as part of a multi-million pound proposed acquisition.

M&P Legal

M&P Legal has a strong track record of advising some of the Isle of Man’s largest employers, while also representing employees in contentious and non-contentious matters. The team is led by ‘approachable, knowledgeable and pragmatic’ John Aycock , who has deep experience supporting household names in labour law matters. Amelia Quinn is another key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

John Aycock


Other key lawyers:

Amelia Quinn


Testimonials

‘Excellent firm for dealing with employment issues. The advice from M&P Legal is without parallel.’

‘John Aycock is approachable, knowledgeable and pragmatic. His advice has been extremely useful, and very worthwhile.’

Cains

The employment team at Cains provides advice to employers on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including those surrounding disciplinary and performance matters, particularly for senior employees. Additionally, the firm regularly advises on the employment and data protection aspects of cross-jurisdictional acquisitions and restructuring. Katherine Sheerin has significant experience in both the Isle of Man and the UK, where she specialises in technically complex matters regarding senior terminations, restructuring and equality issues.  She is supported by recently-promoted senior associate Kirsten Porter, who acts for both employers and employees across a variety of contentious and non-contentious employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Katherine Sheerin


Other key lawyers:

Kirsten Porter


Testimonials

‘They were very helpful in resolving a particular and tricky issue including entering into discussions direct with the other party.’

‘The practice excels in understanding the needs of clients, especially those operating across multiple jurisdictions. We have experienced a commercial approach that is client-focused, and understands the balance between legal compliance and practical appplication.’

‘The team is very professional and most importantly spend time making sure they understand the client’s needs. We really feel we have consultants who are trustworthy, collaborative and provide practical solutions to our business needs.’

‘Katherine Sheerin and her team have been outstanding in providing legal consultancy services to our company. They are approachable, take time to understand the business needs which is very helpful as they provide the right and insightful solutions to our particular problems.’

‘Good availability and responsiveness. Enjoyable to work with. Very experienced practitioners’

‘The individuals in the employment team are experts in their field. They are very knowledgeable about employment law in various jurisdictions and are dual qualified in Isle of Man and UK, which are the areas I require advice in. They truly care about the service they provide their clients. They are direct, diligent and empathetic. Katherine Sheerin is a fantastic partner and a true asset to the team, driving the employment law services – excellent and knowledgeable support provided every time.’

‘Katherine Sheerin is our go to employment lawyer for Isle of Man employment queries.’

Humphrey & Helfrich

Humphrey & Helfrich offers a full range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, acting for major local clients in proceedings before the High Court and tribunals, while also providing general advice. Oliver Helfrich advises clients on a broad range of matters, including redundancies and breach of contract claims. Helen Helfrich joined the firm in July 2022 to establish the firm’s administrative and public law unit, which works closely with the employment team.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Helfrich


Other key lawyers:

Helen Helfrich


Testimonials

‘Both Oliver and Helen Helfrich are readily available, strong and sound in approach, supportive. Their strong and depth of advice eases sometimes difficult issues.’

‘Humphrey and Helfrich is a friendly and approachable firm of advocates who we would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.’

‘Oliver Helfrich is extremely efficient, quick to identify the heart of a problem and deal with it comprehensively. exactly what you require with the provision of a legal service.’

Key clients

Isle of Man Enterprises plc (including, Shoprite brand)


Burroughs Stewart Associates


Peel Town Commissioners


Funfair Holdings (IOM) Limited


Affinity Group


Manx Financial Group plc / Conister Bank / Edgewater Associates (IFA) Manx FX (foreign exchange).


Will Corrin (Former MD of Ravenscroft)


Work highlights


  • Advised Isle of Man Enterprises on various employment issues.
  • Advising Burroughs Stewart Associates in relation to employment law differences between England and Wales and the Isle of Man and reviewing and redrafting the client’s employment contracts and numerous policies accordingly.
  • Advising Manx Financial Group PLC in relation to a broad range of employment issues (both contentious and non-contentious).

Keystone Law

Keystone Law features a full service employment practice that handles a wide range of employment, pensions and incentives matters, including disciplinary procedures, tribunals, redundancy and restrictive covenants. Team head Gillian Christian handles a variety of domestic and international employment matters, while Andrew Marshall focuses on contentious employment matters, including those involving sex discrimination and unfair pay. Rachel Berry is another important member of the team.

Other key lawyers:

Gillian Christian; Andrew Marshall; Rachel Berry


Testimonials

‘Rachel Berry provided excellent advice on employment matters relating to acquisitions, was very pragmatic and her speed of response was greatly appreciated.’

Key clients

D4 Doors Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing D4 Doors Limited in a claim against its former director as a result of them acting in breach of her fiduciary duties by misappropriating and/or damaging the company’s assets and dismissing the company’s employees

MannBenham Advocates Limited

MannBenham Advocates Limited is experienced in all aspects of employment law, including in matters surrounding recruitment, retainment and discipline. The firm also has a strong track record representing individuals and trade unions in matters surrounding employment rights. Carly Stratton handles the non-contentious side of the practice, while also leading the firm’s business and e-gaming groups. Christopher Webb is the firm’s head of litigation, experienced in all aspects of contentious employment work. Chris Grimson is a litigation specialist with experience acting for trade unions and legal expenses insurers.

Practice head(s):

Carly Stratton; Christopher Webb


Other key lawyers:

Chris Grimson


Testimonials

‘Their experience ensures clear communication and this enables clients to have their expectations effectively managed.’

‘Chris Grimson is incredibly supportive and knowledgeable and has done everything he can to handle matters professionally and courteously from the outset. His guidance proved invaluable in reaching a satisfactory outcome.’

Key clients

Bidvest Noonan


Quayside Services Limited


Prospect Union


Communication Workers’ Union


The Professional Trades Union for Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers


Clarity Consulting


Contracting Circle Limited


Riverside Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing Bidvest Noonan in a response to an Employment & Equality Tribunal summons by one of their employees based on having suffered discrimination or bullying in the workplace.
  • Representing Riverside Limited tin two separate appeals against refusals, which came back without any reasoning or explanation, by the Isle of Man Government to grant the company Covid salary support payments.