‘The outstanding chambers for employment barristers in London‘, 11KBW consistently appears in heavyweight cases before the employment tribunals, High Court and appellate courts. Among the set’s several leading silks, Daniel Stilitz KC‘s employment practice focuses on the financial and professional services sectors. At the senior-junior end of chambers, Judy Stone acts (as sole counsel) for care home operator, Rampersad, in a landmark Supreme Court case heard in parallel with Mencap v Tomlinson-Blake concerning whether time spent sleeping in at work constitutes working time for the purposes of the national minimum wage. Amy Rogers (leading fellow junior Tom Ogg) represents international insurance broking firm Aon in a 2022-issued, team-poaching claim in the insurance broking sector, which alleges unlawful means conspiracy and the destruction of evidence. Recent growth for the set includes leading senior-junior Andrew Smith joining from Matrix Chambers.
Employment in
London Bar11KBW
Testimonials
Set
‘11KBW is the outstanding chambers for employment barristers in London – phenomenal strength in depth across the board.‘
‘11KBW is one of the strongest employment sets – probably the strongest. It has good strength in depth.‘
‘An excellent chambers with very competent employment law barristers.‘
‘11KBW is one of the very best employment sets, with top-tier individuals at all levels. Any client would be best advised to go there ahead of any of the other employment chambers.‘
‘11KBW is the number one set for employment barristers in London – without doubt the set with the greatest bunch of excellent barristers.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks will always try to find a barrister, and they are always available to support their instructing solicitors/clients.‘
Blackstone Chambers
‘A really strong set with a big range of employment litigators‘, Blackstone Chambers‘ recent track record covers whistleblowing, bonus disputes, and leading cases on the status of gig economy workers and the abolition of employment tribunal fees. Notable activity for employment group head Jane Mulcahy KC includes acting as investigator for several organisations, which are handling allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination and detrimental treatment. Elsewhere in chambers, Tom Croxford KC, leading senior junior Tom Mountford, is representing car maker Nissan in Passi v Nissan, a major whistleblowing case that is already reported in detail by the New York Times and expected to gain further substantial global coverage. Key growth for the set includes Victoria Windle KC, who has extensive experience in claims involving employee fraud, restrictive covenants, team moves and breach of confidence, taking silk in March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone has the brightest of the bright. Its expertise in employee competition matters is second to none.‘
‘Top-notch employment set.‘
‘Blackstone is a really strong set with a big range of employment litigators.‘
‘Huge employment law strength across the board and a great training programme.‘
‘Excellent set – the barristers are commercial and astute, and get on top of matters very quickly. Plus they are fun to work with!‘
Clerking
‘The clerking team is responsive and friendly.‘
Cloisters
The ‘best set in London for employment work‘, Cloisters‘ acts across the entire range of employment law, while being widely recognised as a leading discrimination chambers. Members from the set are routinely instructed to act at all levels of the judicial system, from the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal, to the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Recent highlights for chambers included Caspar Glyn KC and Chesca Lord‘s representation of an employee in Mencap v Tomlinson Blake, which considered the significant question of when care workers were entitled to pay while sleeping on-call in “sleep-in shifts”; and in National Union of Professional Foster Carers v Certification Office, Rachel Crasnow KC and senior-junior Rachel Barrett acted for foster care parents, who argued that they were workers under employment law and could form a trade union. Daniel Dyal departed chambers in late 2021 on his appointment as a salaried judge at the Employment Tribunal.
Testimonials
Set
‘Cloisters is a very strong set of barristers. It has very knowledgeable and skilled employment barristers. Highly recommended for all levels of experience.‘
‘The best set in London for employment work.‘
‘A go-to set with counsel across the range of expertise and call, and extremely positive to work with.‘
‘A first-rate set of chambers with an excellent range of specialist employment barristers.‘
‘Strength and depth at all levels of call, from silks to newly called.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are fantastic, very approachable, user friendly, and always happy to assist.‘
Littleton Chambers
‘A well-respected employment set with a strong bench of talent‘, Littleton Chambers consistently appears in the High Court, employment tribunals, the Employment Appeal Tribunal, and the higher appellate courts. In the leading authority on whether staff carrying out overnight sleep-in shifts in the care sector are entitled to the national minimum wage for such shifts’ entire duration (Mencap v Tomlinson–Blake), David Reade KC, leading 2021-elevated silk Niran De Silva and junior Georgina Leadbetter acted for Royal Mencap Society in the Supreme Court. Over in the High Court, Paul Gilroy KC was successful for USDAW in a watershed class action, obtaining an injunction to prevent Tesco from seeking to fire and re-hire employees, so as to impose changes to workforces’ terms and conditions. In a boost to chambers, TUPE, whistleblowing, injunctive relief and discrimination specialist Jeremy Lewis KC took silk in March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Littleton Chambers is at the forefront of the employment Bar.‘
‘A well respected employment set with a strong bench of talent – a go-to set for complex TUPE cases.‘
‘Littleton Chambers has the employment law market’s finest counsel.‘
‘Littleton Chambers has a good range of bright barristers, who are also very nice people and a pleasure to work with. Without exception, they go the extra mile for their clients.‘
‘A first-class set for employment/business protection, and widely regarded as a leader in its field. Excellent juniors at all levels, and can respond quickly when urgent applications are required.‘
Clerking
‘The set is very well clerked led by Jason Drakeford, and the clerks will go out of their way to provide additional support with court liaising.‘
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers‘ members routinely appear in first-instance High Court proceedings, the Employment Tribunal, and Supreme Court appeals. Recent Supreme Court work includes Brazel v Harpur Trust (UNISON intervening), in which Mathew Purchase KC and junior Nathan Roberts successfully acted for UNISON and the appellant, respectively, the case addressing the annual leave rights of part-year workers. Over in the Court of Appeal, James Laddie KC and rising star Mark Greaves represented the respondent in Al Qasimi v Robinson, which concerned both the defence of illegality in employment contexts and the statutory interim relief regime in alleged automatic unfair dismissal scenarios; and senior junior Claire Darwin KC was sole counsel for the successful claimants in Gwynedd Council v Barratt and another, which involved the unfair dismissal of two teachers when Gwynedd Council reorganised its schools. Senior junior Andrew Smith moved to 11KBW in May 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘A set with stellar quality and sheer brilliance across the spectrum of employment issues.‘
‘A really strong employment set that gives a wide choice of barristers across various levels.‘
‘Matrix is an excellent set, with barristers who are at the top of their fields.‘
‘The set is quick to respond and provides high-quality counsel – very much a go-to set.‘
‘Matrix has many of the best barristers – no other chambers offers the same range of knowledge, skills and experience.‘
Clerking
‘Very helpful clerks who are patient and accommodating.‘
Old Square Chambers
Old Square Chambers‘ members regularly appear in the appellate courts, test cases, and factually and legally complex trials; and the set is increasingly acting for more than one party in challenging cases, while also experiencing larger volumes of sensitive investigations. In the Court of Appeal, four silks and two juniors from chambers appeared for various parties and intervenors in a test case on whether foster carers have worker status (NUPFC v Certification Officer and others), namely: Lord Hendy KC, Ben Collins KC, Ben Cooper KC and Katharine Newton KC, along with senior junior Robert Moretto and Madeline Stanley. Betsan Criddle KC took silk in March 2022. Cooper KC also successfully represented both the claimant in Forstater v CGD Europe & others, a high-profile case concerning protection against discrimination in employment for holding gender-critical beliefs; and barrister Allison Bailey in her claim against her chambers for discrimination on similar grounds; however in that case the claim against co-respondent Stonewall, represented by Ijeoma Omambala KC and Robin White, was unsuccessful.
Testimonials
Set
‘Old Square Chambers is incredibly well respected generally, and in relation to Employment Tribunal matters.‘
‘Its depth of experience is excellent, and it is expert in representing clients in complex and nuanced litigation.‘
‘A strong cohort of junior counsel, meaning that the clerks are always able to recommend a trusted pair of hands for any instruction.‘
‘Old Square is a go-to set for employment barristers and its barristers are experts in their fields.‘
‘Old Square Chambers is a set of choice for employment law matters. It has strength in depth that means almost all cases and matters can be covered by a member of chambers.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks at Old Square are incredibly responsive and helpful. It is highly unusual not to receive a response to an email the same day!‘
Devereux
‘A top-class chambers with a stellar team‘, Devereux is sought out by blue-chip multinationals, leading trade unions and governments for major employment disputes; and the set’s members have enviable appellate practices, frequently appearing before both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Recent activity for chambers includes Covid-19 related employment cases, including the emerging area of furlough fraud, substantial industrial relations cases, and worker status-related instructions for which chambers is particularly well known. Members are also increasingly undertaking investigations, with Bruce Carr KC and senior junior Anna Greenley instructed in an internal investigation into culture at the Royal College of Nursing, which addresses concerns about decision making and accountability, including issues of sexual harassment, discrimination and senior staff terminations. Alice Mayhew KC is a 2022 silk appointment.
Testimonials
Set
‘Devereux has repeatedly demonstrated the depth of its employment offering, and a willingness and ability to provide counsel whenever and wherever called upon.‘
‘Able to be flexible and accommodating on short notice, and where matters need to be rearranged. They clearly have a client-first mentality and demonstrate this in practice.‘
‘A top-class chambers with a stellar team.‘
‘A great employment set – very good range, but particularly strong in the mid/senior junior range.‘
‘A wide range of highly trained barristers, who stand out in their respective fields and have a tremendous grasp of the issues involved in any particular case, as well as being friendly and approachable.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are always very helpful, and come back with quotes that are set out well and transparent.‘
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers‘ ‘high-quality employment practice‘ spans cross-border team moves, remuneration disputes, complex bonus issues, restrictive covenants and confidential information, as well as whistleblowing and discrimination claims. Recent highlights include Andrew Hochhauser KC‘s representation of claimant Nadja Swarovski-Adams, a general partner and managing director of the Swarovski crystal production business, against Daniel Swarovski Group, the matter concerning direct sex discrimination, equal pay, harassment and victimisation claims. Elsewhere in chambers, Daniel Oudkerk KC represented F1 engineer Ben Hodgkinson, who moved from a role as head of mechanical engineering at Mercedes-Benz High Performance Powertrains to a similar role at the powertrain arm of its rivals Red Bull Racing. In Richard Baker Harrison Ltd v Brooks and others, 2022 Silk appointment Edward Brown KC successfully acted for the claimant against serving and former senior employees, in relation to misuse of confidential information and breach of fiduciary duty.
Testimonials
Set
‘Essex Court has a high-quality employment practice.‘
‘Essex Court is an excellent set.‘
‘A strong set with highly intelligent people.‘
‘All of the set is impressive. Essex Court has always had a range of counsel (of varying experience) available for every instruction.‘
‘Essex Court is a top-notch set favouring quality over quantity.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks’ team is very well run, approachable and efficient.‘
Outer Temple Chambers
A ‘strong chambers with great breadth of employment experience‘, Outer Temple Chambers
’ members are routinely involved in significant employment work at the Bar, including in the Supreme Court. The set is also at the forefront of equal pay litigation, and has substantial expertise in cross-over work, leveraging the set’s experience in pensions, commercial disputes and personal injury. Keith Bryant KC, leading senior junior Naomi Cunningham and Stephen Butler, is representing over 5,000 Tesco retail employees in their equal pay claims, in which they compare themselves with distribution colleagues who receive significantly higher pay rates. Elsewhere in chambers, Andrew Short KC, leading senior juniors Naomi Ling and Lydia Seymour, was instructed by 204 judges and 6,000 firefighters in a challenge to public sector pension scheme changes that included allegations of age, sex and race discrimination.
Testimonials
Set
‘A leading employment chambers – friendly and collaborative barristers who are not hostile for the sake of it.‘
‘Strong chambers with great breadth of employment experience.‘
‘The set covers such a broad range of areas that there always seems to be someone who can help.‘
‘Outer Temple Chambers is a fantastic set and a go-to chambers.‘
‘A go-to set for employment. It has quality barristers with expertise in all of the key areas, and it always works hard to ensure that clients are looked after and get an excellent service.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks have always been very responsive and are willing to be flexible on costs and billing deadlines. They have also been understanding of last-minute delays and hold back incurring brief fees to a reasonable time period before a hearing.‘
42 Bedford Row
Housing ‘a great employment team with an excellent range of barristers‘, 42 Bedford Row‘s barristers regularly appear in Employment Tribunals, the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the High Court. In recent highlights, senior junior Jonathan Davies acted for over 400 claimants in a sizeable, multi-party pay claim in the High Court (Prior v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis), which concerned the payment of overtime, and away from home and hardship allowances; and at the more junior end of chambers, Eleanor Wheeler represented the respondent in in Walsh v Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd, comprising an EAT appeal hearing that involved a previously undecided issue of flexible working law and procedure.
Testimonials
Set
‘42BR has a number of counsel with excellent employment experience and expertise; and a common theme is the practical and helpful approach taken by counsel.‘
‘A great employment team with an excellent range of barristers who work really collaboratively, which helps to solve problems for different sorts of clients.‘
‘Provides a consistently high standard of service.‘
‘A great set, with good all-rounders.‘
‘A go-to set for employment work.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks at 42BR stand out. They could not be more helpful and accommodating, whether it be a last-minute hearing or a client on a budget – they always find a package to suit clients’ needs.‘
Doughty Street Chambers
Doughty Street Chambers‘ ‘employment, discrimination and equality team’s reputation for excellence is well deserved‘. Acting for both claimants and respondents, chambers’ members are particularly well known for their expertise in high-value and complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims. Among the set’s senior-level juniors, David Stephenson is regularly instructed in high-value, multi-day, whistleblowing, discrimination, employment status and holiday pay cases; and Amanda Hart‘s enviable track record includes successfully representing clients in the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeals Tribunal, and the Court of Appeal. In late 2021, former founding member of chambers, Heather Williams KC, was appointed a High Court Judge to the King's Bench Division.
Testimonials
Set
‘Doughty Street provides unwavering support to law firms, as well as valuable and specialist training programmes. It has a wide selection of relevant counsel, who can provide the service firms require.‘
‘A go-to set with great strength in its employment counsel, from the very seasoned and experienced, to the more junior but bright.‘
‘Barristers who are always willing to work with clients to find a solution to problems. Acutely alive to the commercial reality of instructing counsel, while the suite of training to clients is second to none, and always very topical and practical.‘
‘The chambers houses some of the most esteemed barristers in the field. It is an essential go-to chambers for issues involving equalities and human rights. ‘
‘Doughty Street’s employment, discrimination and equality team’s reputation for excellence is well deserved. It has strength in depth, and all members share a common ethos and commitment to helping individuals challenge discrimination and other injustices. Furthermore their fees are very reasonable and represent excellent value for money.‘
Clerking
‘All the clerks are most helpful and accommodating.‘
11KBW
Testimonials
Set
‘11KBW is the outstanding chambers for employment barristers in London – phenomenal strength in depth across the board.‘
‘11KBW is one of the strongest employment sets – probably the strongest. It has good strength in depth.‘
‘An excellent chambers with very competent employment law barristers.‘
‘11KBW is one of the very best employment sets, with top-tier individuals at all levels. Any client would be best advised to go there ahead of any of the other employment chambers.‘
‘11KBW is the number one set for employment barristers in London – without doubt the set with the greatest bunch of excellent barristers.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks will always try to find a barrister, and they are always available to support their instructing solicitors/clients.‘
Blackstone Chambers
‘A really strong set with a big range of employment litigators‘, Blackstone Chambers‘ recent track record covers whistleblowing, bonus disputes, and leading cases on the status of gig economy workers and the abolition of employment tribunal fees. Notable activity for employment group head Jane Mulcahy KC includes acting as investigator for several organisations, which are handling allegations of sexual misconduct, harassment, discrimination and detrimental treatment. Elsewhere in chambers, Tom Croxford KC, leading senior junior Tom Mountford, is representing car maker Nissan in Passi v Nissan, a major whistleblowing case that is already reported in detail by the New York Times and expected to gain further substantial global coverage. Key growth for the set includes Victoria Windle KC, who has extensive experience in claims involving employee fraud, restrictive covenants, team moves and breach of confidence, taking silk in March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone has the brightest of the bright. Its expertise in employee competition matters is second to none.‘
‘Top-notch employment set.‘
‘Blackstone is a really strong set with a big range of employment litigators.‘
‘Huge employment law strength across the board and a great training programme.‘
‘Excellent set – the barristers are commercial and astute, and get on top of matters very quickly. Plus they are fun to work with!‘
Clerking
‘The clerking team is responsive and friendly.‘
Cloisters
The ‘best set in London for employment work‘, Cloisters‘ acts across the entire range of employment law, while being widely recognised as a leading discrimination chambers. Members from the set are routinely instructed to act at all levels of the judicial system, from the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal, to the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Recent highlights for chambers included Caspar Glyn KC and Chesca Lord‘s representation of an employee in Mencap v Tomlinson Blake, which considered the significant question of when care workers were entitled to pay while sleeping on-call in “sleep-in shifts”; and in National Union of Professional Foster Carers v Certification Office, Rachel Crasnow KC and senior-junior Rachel Barrett acted for foster care parents, who argued that they were workers under employment law and could form a trade union. Daniel Dyal departed chambers in late 2021 on his appointment as a salaried judge at the Employment Tribunal.
Testimonials
Set
‘Cloisters is a very strong set of barristers. It has very knowledgeable and skilled employment barristers. Highly recommended for all levels of experience.‘
‘The best set in London for employment work.‘
‘A go-to set with counsel across the range of expertise and call, and extremely positive to work with.‘
‘A first-rate set of chambers with an excellent range of specialist employment barristers.‘
‘Strength and depth at all levels of call, from silks to newly called.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are fantastic, very approachable, user friendly, and always happy to assist.‘
Littleton Chambers
‘A well-respected employment set with a strong bench of talent‘, Littleton Chambers consistently appears in the High Court, employment tribunals, the Employment Appeal Tribunal, and the higher appellate courts. In the leading authority on whether staff carrying out overnight sleep-in shifts in the care sector are entitled to the national minimum wage for such shifts’ entire duration (Mencap v Tomlinson–Blake), David Reade KC, leading 2021-elevated silk Niran De Silva and junior Georgina Leadbetter acted for Royal Mencap Society in the Supreme Court. Over in the High Court, Paul Gilroy KC was successful for USDAW in a watershed class action, obtaining an injunction to prevent Tesco from seeking to fire and re-hire employees, so as to impose changes to workforces’ terms and conditions. In a boost to chambers, TUPE, whistleblowing, injunctive relief and discrimination specialist Jeremy Lewis KC took silk in March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Littleton Chambers is at the forefront of the employment Bar.‘
‘A well respected employment set with a strong bench of talent – a go-to set for complex TUPE cases.‘
‘Littleton Chambers has the employment law market’s finest counsel.‘
‘Littleton Chambers has a good range of bright barristers, who are also very nice people and a pleasure to work with. Without exception, they go the extra mile for their clients.‘
‘A first-class set for employment/business protection, and widely regarded as a leader in its field. Excellent juniors at all levels, and can respond quickly when urgent applications are required.‘
Clerking
‘The set is very well clerked led by Jason Drakeford, and the clerks will go out of their way to provide additional support with court liaising.‘
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers‘ members routinely appear in first-instance High Court proceedings, the Employment Tribunal, and Supreme Court appeals. Recent Supreme Court work includes Brazel v Harpur Trust (UNISON intervening), in which Mathew Purchase KC and junior Nathan Roberts successfully acted for UNISON and the appellant, respectively, the case addressing the annual leave rights of part-year workers. Over in the Court of Appeal, James Laddie KC and rising star Mark Greaves represented the respondent in Al Qasimi v Robinson, which concerned both the defence of illegality in employment contexts and the statutory interim relief regime in alleged automatic unfair dismissal scenarios; and senior junior Claire Darwin KC was sole counsel for the successful claimants in Gwynedd Council v Barratt and another, which involved the unfair dismissal of two teachers when Gwynedd Council reorganised its schools. Senior junior Andrew Smith moved to 11KBW in May 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘A set with stellar quality and sheer brilliance across the spectrum of employment issues.‘
‘A really strong employment set that gives a wide choice of barristers across various levels.‘
‘Matrix is an excellent set, with barristers who are at the top of their fields.‘
‘The set is quick to respond and provides high-quality counsel – very much a go-to set.‘
‘Matrix has many of the best barristers – no other chambers offers the same range of knowledge, skills and experience.‘
Clerking
‘Very helpful clerks who are patient and accommodating.‘
Old Square Chambers
Old Square Chambers‘ members regularly appear in the appellate courts, test cases, and factually and legally complex trials; and the set is increasingly acting for more than one party in challenging cases, while also experiencing larger volumes of sensitive investigations. In the Court of Appeal, four silks and two juniors from chambers appeared for various parties and intervenors in a test case on whether foster carers have worker status (NUPFC v Certification Officer and others), namely: Lord Hendy KC, Ben Collins KC, Ben Cooper KC and Katharine Newton KC, along with senior junior Robert Moretto and Madeline Stanley. Betsan Criddle KC took silk in March 2022. Cooper KC also successfully represented both the claimant in Forstater v CGD Europe & others, a high-profile case concerning protection against discrimination in employment for holding gender-critical beliefs; and barrister Allison Bailey in her claim against her chambers for discrimination on similar grounds; however in that case the claim against co-respondent Stonewall, represented by Ijeoma Omambala KC and Robin White, was unsuccessful.
Testimonials
Set
‘Old Square Chambers is incredibly well respected generally, and in relation to Employment Tribunal matters.‘
‘Its depth of experience is excellent, and it is expert in representing clients in complex and nuanced litigation.‘
‘A strong cohort of junior counsel, meaning that the clerks are always able to recommend a trusted pair of hands for any instruction.‘
‘Old Square is a go-to set for employment barristers and its barristers are experts in their fields.‘
‘Old Square Chambers is a set of choice for employment law matters. It has strength in depth that means almost all cases and matters can be covered by a member of chambers.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks at Old Square are incredibly responsive and helpful. It is highly unusual not to receive a response to an email the same day!‘
Devereux
‘A top-class chambers with a stellar team‘, Devereux is sought out by blue-chip multinationals, leading trade unions and governments for major employment disputes; and the set’s members have enviable appellate practices, frequently appearing before both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Recent activity for chambers includes Covid-19 related employment cases, including the emerging area of furlough fraud, substantial industrial relations cases, and worker status-related instructions for which chambers is particularly well known. Members are also increasingly undertaking investigations, with Bruce Carr KC and senior junior Anna Greenley instructed in an internal investigation into culture at the Royal College of Nursing, which addresses concerns about decision making and accountability, including issues of sexual harassment, discrimination and senior staff terminations. Alice Mayhew KC is a 2022 silk appointment.
Testimonials
Set
‘Devereux has repeatedly demonstrated the depth of its employment offering, and a willingness and ability to provide counsel whenever and wherever called upon.‘
‘Able to be flexible and accommodating on short notice, and where matters need to be rearranged. They clearly have a client-first mentality and demonstrate this in practice.‘
‘A top-class chambers with a stellar team.‘
‘A great employment set – very good range, but particularly strong in the mid/senior junior range.‘
‘A wide range of highly trained barristers, who stand out in their respective fields and have a tremendous grasp of the issues involved in any particular case, as well as being friendly and approachable.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are always very helpful, and come back with quotes that are set out well and transparent.‘
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers‘ ‘high-quality employment practice‘ spans cross-border team moves, remuneration disputes, complex bonus issues, restrictive covenants and confidential information, as well as whistleblowing and discrimination claims. Recent highlights include Andrew Hochhauser KC‘s representation of claimant Nadja Swarovski-Adams, a general partner and managing director of the Swarovski crystal production business, against Daniel Swarovski Group, the matter concerning direct sex discrimination, equal pay, harassment and victimisation claims. Elsewhere in chambers, Daniel Oudkerk KC represented F1 engineer Ben Hodgkinson, who moved from a role as head of mechanical engineering at Mercedes-Benz High Performance Powertrains to a similar role at the powertrain arm of its rivals Red Bull Racing. In Richard Baker Harrison Ltd v Brooks and others, 2022 Silk appointment Edward Brown KC successfully acted for the claimant against serving and former senior employees, in relation to misuse of confidential information and breach of fiduciary duty.
Testimonials
Set
‘Essex Court has a high-quality employment practice.‘
‘Essex Court is an excellent set.‘
‘A strong set with highly intelligent people.‘
‘All of the set is impressive. Essex Court has always had a range of counsel (of varying experience) available for every instruction.‘
‘Essex Court is a top-notch set favouring quality over quantity.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks’ team is very well run, approachable and efficient.‘
Outer Temple Chambers
A ‘strong chambers with great breadth of employment experience‘, Outer Temple Chambers’ members are routinely involved in significant employment work at the Bar, including in the Supreme Court. The set is also at the forefront of equal pay litigation, and has substantial expertise in cross-over work, leveraging the set’s experience in pensions, commercial disputes and personal injury. Keith Bryant KC, leading senior junior Naomi Cunningham and Stephen Butler, is representing over 5,000 Tesco retail employees in their equal pay claims, in which they compare themselves with distribution colleagues who receive significantly higher pay rates. Elsewhere in chambers, Andrew Short KC, leading senior juniors Naomi Ling and Lydia Seymour, was instructed by 204 judges and 6,000 firefighters in a challenge to public sector pension scheme changes that included allegations of age, sex and race discrimination.
Testimonials
Set
‘A leading employment chambers – friendly and collaborative barristers who are not hostile for the sake of it.‘
‘Strong chambers with great breadth of employment experience.‘
‘The set covers such a broad range of areas that there always seems to be someone who can help.‘
‘Outer Temple Chambers is a fantastic set and a go-to chambers.‘
‘A go-to set for employment. It has quality barristers with expertise in all of the key areas, and it always works hard to ensure that clients are looked after and get an excellent service.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks have always been very responsive and are willing to be flexible on costs and billing deadlines. They have also been understanding of last-minute delays and hold back incurring brief fees to a reasonable time period before a hearing.‘
42 Bedford Row
Housing ‘a great employment team with an excellent range of barristers‘, 42 Bedford Row‘s barristers regularly appear in Employment Tribunals, the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the High Court. In recent highlights, senior junior Jonathan Davies acted for over 400 claimants in a sizeable, multi-party pay claim in the High Court (Prior v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis), which concerned the payment of overtime, and away from home and hardship allowances; and at the more junior end of chambers, Eleanor Wheeler represented the respondent in in Walsh v Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd, comprising an EAT appeal hearing that involved a previously undecided issue of flexible working law and procedure.
Testimonials
Set
‘42BR has a number of counsel with excellent employment experience and expertise; and a common theme is the practical and helpful approach taken by counsel.‘
‘A great employment team with an excellent range of barristers who work really collaboratively, which helps to solve problems for different sorts of clients.‘
‘Provides a consistently high standard of service.‘
‘A great set, with good all-rounders.‘
‘A go-to set for employment work.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks at 42BR stand out. They could not be more helpful and accommodating, whether it be a last-minute hearing or a client on a budget – they always find a package to suit clients’ needs.‘
Doughty Street Chambers
Doughty Street Chambers‘ ‘employment, discrimination and equality team’s reputation for excellence is well deserved‘. Acting for both claimants and respondents, chambers’ members are particularly well known for their expertise in high-value and complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims. Among the set’s senior-level juniors, David Stephenson is regularly instructed in high-value, multi-day, whistleblowing, discrimination, employment status and holiday pay cases; and Amanda Hart‘s enviable track record includes successfully representing clients in the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeals Tribunal, and the Court of Appeal. In late 2021, former founding member of chambers, Heather Williams KC, was appointed a High Court Judge to the King's Bench Division.
Testimonials
Set
‘Doughty Street provides unwavering support to law firms, as well as valuable and specialist training programmes. It has a wide selection of relevant counsel, who can provide the service firms require.‘
‘A go-to set with great strength in its employment counsel, from the very seasoned and experienced, to the more junior but bright.‘
‘Barristers who are always willing to work with clients to find a solution to problems. Acutely alive to the commercial reality of instructing counsel, while the suite of training to clients is second to none, and always very topical and practical.‘
‘The chambers houses some of the most esteemed barristers in the field. It is an essential go-to chambers for issues involving equalities and human rights. ‘
‘Doughty Street’s employment, discrimination and equality team’s reputation for excellence is well deserved. It has strength in depth, and all members share a common ethos and commitment to helping individuals challenge discrimination and other injustices. Furthermore their fees are very reasonable and represent excellent value for money.‘
Clerking
‘All the clerks are most helpful and accommodating.‘