Firms To Watch: Employees/unions

Receiving strong praise from clients, Mariel Irvine Solicitors is a popular choice for associations and their members, including the Prison Governors' Association and the Chief Police Officers' Staff Association, seeking assistance with discrimination claims, exit packages, pension matters and psychiatric injury cases.

Employees/unions in London

Leigh Day

Regarded as ‘a powerhouse in the claimant employment world’, Leigh Day often acts on high-profile precedent-setting cases on half of large groups of employees as well as individual workers. Most notably, the group has recently secured two major wins for a large number of Uber and ASDA employees in the Supreme Court. The practice is jointly led by ‘outstanding partner’ Emma Satyamurti, who is an expert in discrimination and equal pay matters, and Nigel Mackay, who has been particularly busy assisting gig workers in establishing new legal precedents regarding their employment status. Large multi-party group discrimination and pension claims are the area of expertise of Chris Benson and Kiran Daurka. Other key names in the group include barrister Elizabeth George, who often represent employees and trade unions in equal pay, bullying and sexual harassment cases, Paula Lee, Michael Newman, who has ‘exceptional knowledge of equal pay and discrimination’, and and associate Annie Powell.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Mackay; Emma Satyamurti

Other key lawyers:

Chris Benson; Michael Newman; Paula Lee; Kiran Daurka; Annie Powell; Nick Webster; Thomas Hewitt

Testimonials

‘They are at the forefront of major cases. The team are comprised of reliable and high-quality lawyers. They have an outstanding breadth of knowledge. Any client can have confidence in their ability to work hard to achieve the best result possible.’

‘Annie Powell is truly exceptional. She is incredibly sharp, will leave no stone unturned and her strategic choices wins cases well before they even get to the tribunal. She is always focused on ensuring that the best case is put forward.’

‘Michael Newman is a very talented lawyer, with exceptional knowledge of equal pay and discrimination.’

‘Nick Webster is my first-choice recommendation as an employment solicitor. He is tenacious, unflappable and supportive. His clients are in safe hands.’

‘I would also recommend Emma Satyamurti as an outstanding partner who brings on and supports her team brilliantly. I love working with her team because they work to a high standard and benefit from Emma’s input and advice whenever needed.’

‘Leigh Day is a powerhouse in the claimant employment world. They are involved in almost all the mass claims currently being pursued in employment tribunals, but they also do excellent work on an individual level.’

‘Paula Lee has huge enthusiasm for her work and clients, particularly in the field of equal pay. Jasmine Patel has a meticulous approach to litigation combined with real empathy for her clients, delivering excellent results. Michael Newman is unflappable when dealing with the biggest mass litigation cases. Emma Satyamurti is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, with excellent tactical skills. Thomas Hewitt really knows what he’s talking about when it comes to equal pay and mass litigation. Kiran Daurka is very experienced in dealing with discrimination and mass claims.’

‘Kiran Daurka is 100% committed to every case and has a great tactical mind and will fight every step of the way for her clients.’

Key clients

Asda workers

Uber Drivers

Morrisons workers

Circuit Judges

Amazon Delivery Drivers

Next workers

15,000 police officers

Victims of Modern Slavery

Tesco workers

The Fawcett Society

Work highlights

  • Acted for over 46,000 mostly female ASDA supermarket workers in claims for equal pay.
  • Represent over 5,200 drivers in a case against Uber, which confirmed that Uber drivers have the right to paid annual leave, the national minimum wage, a workplace pension and other additional benefits attached to the status of worker.
  • Assisted 13,500 police officer in achieving a settlement of over £40m for discriminatory changes to the police pension scheme.

Irwin Mitchell

The employment and professional discipline team at Irwin Mitchell acts for employees, senior professionals and executives on high-profile discrimination and whistleblowing cases as well as disciplinary actions, unfair dismissal claims and pay and bonus disputes. The group is particularly active in the healthcare, banking and finance, and legal services segments. Handling both contentious and non-contentious work, practice head Shah Qureshi  covers the full range of employment and discrimination law matters. Also recommended are Deborah Casale, who is ‘a senior executives lawyer par excellence’, and Danielle Parsons, who is specialised in acting for senior executives working in the creative industries.

Practice head(s):

Shah Qureshi

Other key lawyers:

Deborah Casale; Danielle Parsons

Testimonials

‘Irwin Mitchell has expanded its team in recent years and built up its expertise and knowledge in the sector.’

‘Shah Qureshi leads the team delivering expertise in a fantastically calm and unflappable manner. Clients want him on their side and appreciate his support and brilliant judgement in delivering cost / benefit legal solutions.’

‘Deborah Casale is a senior executives lawyer par excellence. She supports executives in their most difficult moments and looks to exit them or negotiate deals at the highest level. She is a very tough negotiator and achieves excellent results for her clients. Where necessary she is not scared to litigate and will do so both tactically and strategically for the best outcome.’

Work highlights

  • Represented a special educational needs teacher and mother of a child with Down’s Syndrome in Marie Hirst v Hampshire County Council & Others, an associative disability discrimination and whistleblowing claim against a local authority, school and head teacher.
  • Acted for Jason Payne-James and 30 other forensic medical examiners  in a group action against the Metropolitan Police Service to determine worker status and associated rights and benefits, such as holiday pay.
  • Successfully represented the former female managing director of a FTSE 100 in a £1.8m  whistleblowing and sex discrimination claim against the company.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Described as ‘unique in the breadth and width of its expertise’, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is geared to handle a broad range of employment matters on behalf of employees, trade unions and staff associations, including complex discrimination claims, collective redundancies, judicial reviews and whistleblowing cases. In addition to its notable strength in litigation at all levels of the judiciary, the group is frequently sought after to advise on industrial action, police injury pensions and large group claims. Practice head Binder Bansel is regarded as ‘one of the very best employment lawyers in the UK’. Other key practitioners in the team include Anthea Christie, who is especially sought after to represent employees in the High Court and the Employment Tribunal, and senior associate Clare Walsh, an expert in whistleblowing and discrimination cases.

Practice head(s):

Binder Bansel

Other key lawyers:

Anthea Christie; Clare Walsh

Testimonials

‘Anthea Christie is a stand-out practitioner. Anthea is widely known for her assiduous client care and excellent legal brain. She is 100% committed to her clients and creates and holds long-term relationships with unions and qua-union institutions in the UK due to the quality of her performance.’ 

‘Penningtons Manches Cooper is a fantastic firm doing some fantastic work. They are well known for their Police Federation work. Binder Bansel and Anthea Christie lead a formidable team.’

‘Anthea Christie is a diligent and well-respected lawyer amongst her peers. She has instructed me on several cases over the years. I have always found her to be extremely thorough, conscientious and knowledgeable. I am more than happy to recommend her.’

‘Anthea Christie is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, efficient and determined. Clients know their corner is being fought in the most effective way possible.’

‘Senior associate Clare Walsh is pragmatic, efficient and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Pennington Manches is our go to firm. Its ability to deal with voluminous and lengthy employment tribunal or civil cases is unparalleled. The team is large and covers a wide geographical area but still manages to maintain close ties with their clients such that they are able to give a very personal and individual service.’

‘The team is unique in the breadth and width of its expertise. It has wide knowledge across the whole field of employment law but also in areas where few dare to trespass such as pensions, industrial action and judicial review. The team is superbly efficient.’

‘Binder Bansel is one of the very best employment lawyers in the UK. His knowledge of police law is second to none. His ability to spot the key issues in a case is unrivalled and his legal analysis is always spot on. He is a modest but brilliant lawyer.’

Key clients

Police Federation of England and Wales

Communication Workers Union (CWU)

Civil Nuclear Police Federation

United Road Transport Union

First Division Association

Police Superintendents’ Association

Association of School and College Leaders

National Association of Schoolmasters

Union of Women Teachers

Work highlights

  • Represented hundreds of sub-postmasters in M Baker and Other v Post Office, seeking to establish worker status and holiday pay entitlements.
  • Acted for the claimant in Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset v Eckland at the Court of Appeal involving the preliminary question of who is liable for discrimination which occurs during a police misconduct hearing.
  • Assisted 40,000 members of the Police Federation of England and Wales and the Police Superintendents’ Association with discrimination claims arising from the transitional provisions of the Police Pension Regulations 2015.

Simpson Millar LLP

Simpson Millar LLP excels in a wide range of employment matters, including discrimination claims, unfair dismissals and settlement agreements. The group is noted for its expertise in handling claims on behalf of large groups of employees. Its longstanding relationship with trade unions, including the FDA, ISU, CWU and the Aircrew Officers Association Europe (AOEA) is another hallmark of the practice. Trade union specialist Joy Drummond, who is a popular choice for public sector employees and senior executives seeking assistance with disability discrimination and equal pay cases, is a key contact in London. From Manchester, Anita North leads the practice.

Practice head(s):

Anita North

Other key lawyers:

Joy Drummond

Testimonials

‘I was impressed with the availability and dedication of Joy Drummond, the lawyer in charge of my case.’

‘Joy Drummond is highly experienced, pragmatic and a street smart operator who finds every opportunity for a better outcome.’

‘Extremely competent client management. Joy Drummond went the extra mile. Joy called me on her own time to offer advice on a related matter she felt could cause challenges. Many lawyers would have seen the related issue as outside their duties and not seen the whole picture.’ 

Joy Drummond is an efficient, thorough lawyer. Joy’s depth of experience, efficiency and succinct communication lead to an overall lower fee.’

‘Excellent. Great pragmatic advice, very solid results.’

Key clients

FDA

ISU

Members of USDAW

AOAE

Communication Workers Union

Work highlights

  • Advised the FDA in connection with negotiations of a new complex pay deal for the whole of HMRC involving substantial changes in working hours and flexibility for a large number of different categories of staff.
  • Assisted Aircrew Officers Association Europe with its negotiation with Cathay Pacific Airways regarding the implications and redundancy terms for their members on the closure of Cathay Pacific’s London Heathrow and Frankfurt bases.
  • Acted for a ISU member in a tribunal claim brought against the Home Office for detriment on grounds relating to his trade union activities arising from his unjustified suspension.

Slater and Gordon

‘Well known to be one of the best teams for employee-side work’, Slater and Gordon regularly acts for senior executives, employees and trade union members in complex high-profile employment disputes. In addition to its specialism in discrimination cases, the group excels in unfair dismissal and whistleblowing matters, judicial reviews and pension issues. The practice has seen an increase in settlement agreements, with it establishing a sub-group focused on individual and collective settlements. Edward Cooper, who oversees the department’s organisation and member services (OMS) team, handles trade unions and staff associations relationships. Leading the employment team is Jo Mackie, who often represents private clients in mediation, arbitration and litigation. At the senior associate level, Doreen Reeves is noted for her expertise  in complex discrimination cases.

Practice head(s):

Jo Mackie; Edward Cooper

Other key lawyers:

Doreen Reeves

Testimonials

‘I would recommend Slater & Gordon to anyone that requires employment resolution with their employer. I found the practice very professional and easy to work with. I was listened to and given appropriate advice on what would best resolve my dispute. Their billing system was very helpful as I needed to manage my budget.’

‘I worked with Doreen Reeves, and I found her to be very professional with a clear strategy. She understood my situation and made it a priority to keep me updated throughout the whole process. I never had to chase up to know what was going on. I’m pleased that I worked with her as my situation wasn’t taken seriously enough with other law firms that I approached. I would recommend her without any hesitation whatsoever.’

‘The whole team was well informed about my case, easy to talk to and very supportive.’

‘Doreen Reeves was the solicitor for my case. She was knowledgeable on all aspects of my case, and supported me when I was very stressed with the situation. She was readily available when I needed to discuss anything.’

‘The employment team is well known to be one of the best teams for employee-side type of work. The individuals I have worked with have been proactive, hard-working, bright and thorough. I would have no hesitation recommending them.’

‘Jo Mackie picked up a case over the Christmas break that she had had no involvement with and ran it superbly, giving me clear and helpful instructions and managing the dispute well. We were able to work proactively as a team, which made a real difference to what could be and was achieved in a very short space of time on an urgent matter, which serious ramifications for the client.’

‘A leading team full of expertise at all levels. Very impressive.’

‘Doreen Reeves is a standout star in a team of top flight lawyers. Her knowledge of the law and client care are second to none.’

Key clients

Sir Philip Rutnam

FDA

Gemma Dobson

Labibun Nessa

Jane Levell

Nathan Thomas

Ayoade Adebayo

Peter Jackson

Dr Chris Day

Work highlights

  • Represented Sir Philip Rutnam in a claim for constructive dismissal following his resignation as permanent secretary at the Home Office.
  • Acted for Gemma Dobson in Gemma Dobson v North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust, which established that childcare disparity has to be taken into account if relevant in indirect sex discrimination claims without the need to adduce statistical evidence.
  • Assisted Mr Jackson, a retired superintendent of the Greater Manchester police, with a 14+ week hearing of a whistleblowing claim, regarding allegations relating to profile investigations, cronyism and serious mismanaging of claims.

Thompsons Solicitors LLP

With ‘unrivalled experience in union-based tribunal litigation’, Thompsons Solicitors LLP is uniquely placed to represent claimants in cases before the Employment Tribunal, personal injury matters and other employment-related claims.’ With notable expertise in industrial action matters, employment rights and discriminations claims, the group attracts a strong following from union members, staff associations, and trade unions, including Unite, UNISON, the University and College Union (UCU), and British Medical Association (BMA), among others. The practice is jointly led by Rakesh Patel, who often handles cases in appellate courts, and Richard Arthur, who is well regarded for his ‘excellent practical approach’.

Practice head(s):

Rakesh Patel; Richard Arthur

Other key lawyers:

Brian Wilson; Charlotte Moore; Emma Game

Testimonials

‘They deserve their reputation. They are the foremost trade union firm for claimants in the area. They really are number one. They have a wonderful base of knowledge built up over the decades that they are worked in the area.’

‘Charlotte Moore is absolutely 100% pragmatic and has excellant judgement. It is a pleasure to work with her.’

‘Thompsons is the largest firm of trade union solicitors in the UK. Their wealth of experience and long history of supporting trade union members means they are uniquely placed to represent claimants in cases before the Employment Tribunal, personal injury matters and other employment-related claims.’

‘Charlotte Moore is excellent, her cases are meticulously prepared and her client care approach is exemplary. Emma Game has excellent strategic skills in litigation, understanding the importance of identifying and addressing weak points in any case.’

‘The team has unrivalled experience in union-based tribunal litigation.’

‘Brian Wilson is always willing to go above and beyond, for example, by working at weekends where necessary.’

‘The preeminent firm in expertise and experience in trade union law.’

‘Richard Arthur is exceptional. He has immense legal knowledge, complete dedication to the client, and an excellent practical approach.’

Key clients

Unite the Union

UNISON

RMT

PCS

FBU

NUJ

RCM

POA

ASLEF

UCU

BMA

Bindmans LLP

The employment team at Bindmans LLP is equipped to handle both employer and employee-related matters. In the employee-side, the group often acts on discrimination and whistleblowing claims, unfair dismissal cases and allegations of sexual harassment. The practice is also recognised as ‘excellent at cases involving human rights and freedom of expression issues in the workplace.’ Leading the department is Krishna Santra, who joined the firm in November 2021 from Howat Avraam Solicitors. Another key name in the team is associate Tina Din, former practitioner at Markel Law LLP, who joined the practice in September 2021, bringing extensive experience in wage disputes, workplace discrimination and redundancy issues.

Practice head(s):

Krishna Santra

Other key lawyers:

Tina Din

Testimonials

‘Bindmans has great depth, brilliant technical knowledge and a genuine commitment to their clients and their clients’ cases.’

‘They are excellent at cases involving human rights and freedom of expression issues in the workplace. They are the best employee firm I have worked with for those issues.’

‘Tina Din is organised, reliable, committed and responsive. An excellent lawyer.’

‘Krishna Santra is personable and very easy to deal with.’

‘Krishna Santra is a well known employment specialist and has a long history within this sector, always getting results for her clients.’

Work highlights

  • Represented an agency worker recruited by Angard Staffing to work for Royal Mail in a case at the Court of Appeal relating to the interpretation of Reg 13 of the Agency Workers Regulations 2013.  
  • Acted for a client in an appeal before the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) against a remedy judgment from the Employment Tribunal that significantly limited our client’s compensatory award, granted in a successful claim for discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal.
  • Assisted the client in negotiating a settlement with his employer based on discrimination due to his being autistic and thus disabled under the Equality Act 2010.

Cole Khan Solicitors LLP

Founded in May 2021 by former Irwin Mitchell and Bindmans LLP duo Shazia Khan and Emilie Cole, employment boutique Cole Khan Solicitors LLP is noted for its strong expertise in high-profile discrimination claims and unfair dismissal cases, as well as crowd-funded work. The firm, which also works with senior executives and handles complex professional discipline matters, is known for 'focusing on leading edge equality cases'. The founding partners are regarded as 'leaders in their field', offering a 'really supportive team approach'.

Practice head(s):

Shazia Khan; Emilie Cole

Testimonials

‘This a new boutique firm focussing on leading edge equality cases. Emilie Cole and Shazia Khan are leaders in their field.’

‘Shazia Khan is particularly experienced in running factually and legally challenging discrimination cases. She is utterly devoted to her clients, is a pleasure to work with and is sure to drive Cole Khan to great success.’

‘Both Emilie Cole and Shazia Khan are amazing lawyers, truly dedicated to getting the best outcome for their clients. Working with them is a breath of fresh air. I thoroughly recommend them both.’

‘The two founding partners are outstanding practitioners who go the extra mile for their clients.’

‘Shazia Khan is one of the most impressively knowledgeable and tenacious lawyers I know. Emilie Cole is extremely adept to complex legal arguments and client management.’

‘Both the managing partners possess a rare combination of raw legal knowledge with a real desire to achieve just outcomes. They communicate with the clients clearly and frequently so that they feel empowered throughout the legal process.’

‘Shazia Khan – extensive experience and pragmatic client care.’

‘Cole Khan Solicitors is an up-and-coming firm of excellence. I say up-and-coming only because the name is new, but the talent and knowledge that the founding partners posses is well known.’

Curzon Green Solicitors

The team at Curzon Green Solicitors has established itself as a port of call for high-profile executives, senior employees and SMEs dealing with a wide range of employment matters, including disciplinary actions, investigations and severance package negotiations. The group stands out in the financial services, healthcare and education sectors, where it regularly handles discrimination claims and cases involving maternity leave, equal pay and disability on behalf of female employees. On the advisory front, the practice has been increasingly busy dealing with matters related to flexible working, health and safety concerns, and tax implications of cross-border employment. The team is led by Jennifer Sole, whose expertise spans HR and ER polices, employment contracts and whistleblowing cases. Also recommended are Jessica Bass and Lauren McLaughlin, who are especially sought after to assist with maternity and pregnancy discrimination claims.

Practice head(s):

Jennifer Sole

Other key lawyers:

Jessica Bass; Lauren McLaughlin; Jessie Mark; Uzair Zafar

Testimonials

‘Lauren Mclaughlin was so friendly, approachable, supportive and her knowledge of the legal issues were excellent. She supported me on an almost daily basis through the full process, securing an acceptable retirement offer. Lauren was so supportive and empathetic that I don’t think I could have coped with the stress and anxiety I was under without her.’

‘They explain complicated matters in simple language, allowing clients to understand their options. The practice is very focused on achieving the end result that clients want and are creative in how they achieved that.’

‘The two solicitors who worked on my case were Jessica Bass and Jessie Mark. They are dedicated and listen very carefully to what I said. They do what is asked in a prompt fashion.’

‘They dealt with my queries professionally and with full dedication from start to finish.’

‘The team is technically top-class, pragmatic, sympathetic to their clients, and pleasant to work with. They are responsive, efficient and focused on positive outcomes. They are also used to work for claimants and come up with flexible funding options.’

‘I worked with Jessica Bass and associate Uzair Zafar. Both are excellent. I would not hesitate in recommending them.’

‘Curzon Green have always show considerable professional empathy towards my situation. This has enabled the opportunity to speak openly about my unfair dismissal. They have helped me to focus clearly on relevant details whilst also supporting me. They have helped me to understand what needs to be done and when.’

‘Jessica Bass is very professional and quick to respond. She gives clear and precise advice and keeps us up to date with events. I have already recommended her to a friend, who also found her thorough and very professional.’

Key clients

The National Federation of Prostate Cancer Support Groups (TACKLE)

Lime Tree Court

Skilled Careers

Work highlights

  • Advised The National Federation of Prostate Cancer Support Groups on employment and commercial matters, including the election of directors, employee risk management and proceedings at general meetings.
  • Assisted Lime Tree Court, a residential care home specialised in the care of people with dementia, with HR and ER matters such as changing Covid-19 guidance issued by the Government.
  • Advised Skilled Careers, a UK recruitment consultancy for the construction, engineering, and property sectors, on all aspects of employment law and day-to-day HR matters.

didlaw

The employment team at didlaw is noted for its strong expertise in female employees’ issues, including sexual harassment, maternity and pregnancy matters, and sex discrimination cases. Other areas of particular strength of the practice are mental health matters in the workplace and disability claims, making it a popular choice for senior professionals from the education, banking and financial services industries. The practice leadership is split between Anita Vadgama, who is ‘brilliant with clients, understands their needs and is incredibly reassuring’, disability and discrimination expert Karen Jackson, and the ‘knowledgeable and tenacious Elizabeth McGlone, who joined the team from Harrison Clark Rickerbys in April 2022.

Practice head(s):

Karen Jackson; Anita Vadgama; Elizabeth McGlone

Testimonials

‘Didlaw was truly superb throughout the process. They were clear about all likely outcomes and offered advice every step of the way. I felt truly cared for and when the process concluded I can genuinely say that the team was just as pleased about the final outcome as I was.’

‘Karen Jackson is simply an incredible human being. She showed real care and made me realise that I didn’t have to simply accept being treated badly. She kept me in the loop all the time. She was in touch daily to keep me up to speed.’

‘An array of stars in a uniquely impressive firm of outstanding, innovative and cutting-edge employment and discrimination lawyers.’

‘Elizabeth McGlone is one of the most knowledgeable and tenacious lawyers that I know. It is a pleasure and privilege to work with her.’

‘Excellent client care, attention to detail, knowledge of the law.’

‘Didlaw is a great boutique firm, small in size, but really fantastic in terms of quality. They are very client-focused and willing to take on difficult cases, including pro-bono work. I would highly recommend them to family and friends if they had an employment dispute. Top notch.’

‘Karen Jackson leads the team. She is fantastic and very strong intellectually, with a practical approach to getting the right outcome for the client. Fearless, willing to take on difficult cases, and delivering brilliant results.’

Anita Vadgama is brilliant with clients, understands their needs and is incredibly reassuring. A real fighter as well, and will fight her client’s corner, whilst also giving a realistic appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of a claim. I’ve worked with her a lot and she is a pleasure to work with. An asset to any team.’

Work highlights

  • Represented the claimant in Barrow v Kellogg Brown & Root (UK) Limited, a disability discrimination case in excess of £2m.
  • Acted for the claimant in Ling Kong v Gulf International Bank, a claim for automatic unfair dismissal pursuant to Section 130A of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Hodge Jones & Allen

Hodge Jones & Allen is a popular choice for employees at the senior levels of management, who regularly turn to the practice for assistance with harassment and discrimination cases, whistleblowing claims and misconduct allegations. In addition to its notable strength in complex litigation and cases involving senor female and ethnic minority employees, the group is especially sought after to advise on settlement negotiations and severance terms. Another core area of the practice is criminal and disciplinary investigations, where it works in close collaboration with the firm’s financial crime and regulatory team. Former group head Susie Al-Qassab has now left the firm.

Testimonials

‘The firm provides a first rate service for both employers and employees tailoring their services to the clients business and needs.’

‘Susie-Al Qassib is a formidable employment lawyer who provides pragmatic advice to her clients based on detailed knowledge of employment law. If you are a respondent employer or a claimant employee with a complicated case, she’s the person you want in your corner.’

Work highlights

  • Acted for a NHS whistle-blower in internal disciplinary proceedings, defending the employee against allegations of gross misconduct.
  • Alongside the firm’s financial crime and regulatory team, assisted a senior employee of a major international financial services firm with an investigation for potential insider-dealing and disciplinary proceedings for misconduct.
  • Advised a senior manager of a major pharmaceuticals company on a number of issues with their employer such as consistent attempts to unilaterally change their role and responsibilities and failure to deliver on promised incentives and benefits.

Rahman Lowe Solicitors

Focusing on strategic and complex litigation, Rahman Lowe Solicitors is often retained to represent employees and senior executives in employment disputes before the employment tribunal, the Court of Appeal and the European Court of Human Rights. The team handles a varied caseload, which spans matters related to discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal and redundancies. In addition to its strength in litigation, the practice excels in advising on pre-litigation proceedings, settlement agreements and exit negotiations. Founding partner Jahad Rahman, who has ‘an established reputation for strongly fighting the employees’ corner’, leads the group. Another key name is Zillur Rahman, an expert in high-value settlements and complex defamation claims at the High Court.

Practice head(s):

Jahad Rahman

Other key lawyers:

Zillur Rahman

Testimonials

‘The team is relatively small which means that the client will get the focused attention of one partner rather than being passed around in a disjointed way. By specialising and becoming experts in their niche market they have a level of dedication, expertise and success which is unrivalled by bigger, less personal employment law firms.’

‘In my own experience the relationship between the client and solicitor must be built on trust, attentive and respectful. Being able to work closely with your solicitor to build a robust, substantive and impregnable case is essential for any employee or trade union member to be able to achieve success inside or outside the employment tribunal. This is what you will get if you instruct Rahman Lowe as your employment solicitors.’

‘I have an excellent relationship with Jahad Rahman who has represented me over the last four years. Jahad gave me the confidence to pursue my whistleblowing claim.’

‘In all my dealings with Rahman Lowe I have found all professionals easy to approach, polite, respectful, considerate and kind. I feel that when a person finds themselves in a difficult position at work, unable to have a grievance address, bullied, discriminated against or unfairly dismissed then this is the friendly, professional and supportive legal team that they need. I wholeheartedly recommend Rahman Lowe Solicitors.’

‘Zillur and Jahad Rahman are both strong practitioners across employment, trade unions and defamation law which set them apart. I always recommended this firm.’

‘I would not hesitate to recommend Jahad in the senior executive arena, where he has an established reputation for strongly fighting the employees’ corner.’

‘Very dedicated and unafraid to challenge the status quo.’

‘Jahad Rahman has excellent judgement and is good at spotting the strengths and weaknesses in his clients’ cases.’

Work highlights

  • Assisted one of the most senior BAME officers within Unison, with discrimination and victimisation claims involving the interpretation of the union rule book in relation to transparency, equality and its policy on the promotion of senior individuals.

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP houses a 'responsive, knowledgeable and experienced' team of employment lawyers, who often acts for employees in cases before the Employment Tribunal, the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The group has been particularly busy handling claims under the Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 and disputes related to gender and disability discrimination and whistleblowing. The practice is jointly led by 'excellent employment lawyer' Gerard Airey, an expert in litigation and trade union-related issues, and Rebecca Roberts. Another key name in the team is senior associate Michael Michaeloudis.

Practice head(s):

Gerard Airey; Rebecca Roberts

Other key lawyers:

Michael Michaeloudis

Testimonials

‘RFB offers personalised and tailored services to each client. The team goes the extra mile to achieve the best results for their clients.’

‘I received a first-class service from Michael Michaeloudis, who helped me with an employment matter. Michael was very helpful and very responsive. He explained everything to me in plain English and was honest and transparent about the cost. Also, I could count on him throughout the whole process to provide me with the best advice. I highly recommend him!’

‘They were very responsive throughout my whole case. I didn’t have to chase or worry, communication was clear, efficient, honest and polite. It was evident that they were knowledgeable and experienced, this made me feel confident that I was getting the best possible outcome.’

‘Michael Michaeloudis and Gerard Airey, two of the most competent and experienced lawyers you can find. They helped me with my settlement and produced an outstanding service. They weren’t judgemental, took everything I said on board and helped me feel at ease and comfortable. Professionals of the highest level. I can’t thank them enough. Anyone who has either of these two lawyers representing them should consider themselves very lucky.’

‘Gerard Airey is an indefatigable litigator. He analyses all angles of a case and is completely passionate about representing his clients. He’s a great employment lawyer who will fight for his clients.’

‘The team at RFB are made up of experienced lawyers who have many years of experience, predominantly in the employment tribunals. Their background in working with trade unions makes them an ideal choice for individual clients seeking robust and savvy representation in claims concerning discrimination of any sort along with more niche pockets of employment law such as holiday pay and TUPE.’

‘Gerard Airey is an excellent employment lawyer. He has a wide yet detailed knowledge of the subject area, from obscure legislation to how the tribunals operate. He adopts an incisive approach to matters under his control. He is able to get to the heart of an issue directly. He will formulate a plan depending on the client’s needs and wishes and will take clear practical steps to achieve strong results for his clients.’

‘Michael Michaeloudis has an extensive knowledge of case law. He is committed to his clients and offers a total package of client care.’

Work highlights

  • Acted for a group of 7 female pilots in an action challenging British Airways for being grounded from flying as soon as they declared that they were pregnant, despite the Civil Aviation Authority stating that they can fly for 26 weeks.
  • Represented a shift operations manager at a global food manufacturing in claims for unfair dismissal and health and detriment under Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
  • Assisted the client with a matter related to whether mask-wearing constitutes a day-to-day activity under disability legislation after our client was unable to work due to anxiety and OCD regarding mask-wearing.