Leading the department, Sarah Henchoz at Allen & Overy LLP applies her breadth of expertise in all facets of employment law to represent employers in employer-related litigation, particularly on whistleblowing and discrimination cases, in addition to transactional support and strategic advisory. Robbie Sinclair is another partner to note for TUPE issues, contractual work and redundancy programmes. Vicky Wickremeratne is recommended for investigations and contentious work, with a focus on whistleblowing, harassment and discrimination, as well as business protection matters. Another key member of the team is global litigation co-head Karen Seward, who specialises in contentious employment matters; she recently relocated to the west coast of the US to work out of the firm's growing San Francisco and Silicon Valley bases.
Employers in London
Allen & Overy LLP
Practice head(s):
Sarah Henchoz
Other key lawyers:
Robbie Sinclair; Vicky Wickremeratne
Key clients
Barclays
BNP Paribas
Swansea University
McCarthy & Stone
Work highlights
- Representing BNP Paribas on two significant Employment Tribunal claims.
- Advising on a very high-profile investigation into bribery, corruption and fraud allegations involving four senior employees of Swansea University.
- Defending McCarthy & Stone in a complex High Court claim (Chancery Division) brought by a competitor for alleged misuse of confidential information, trade secrets and breach of database rights.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie is a heavyweight across the whole spectrum of employment law. Renowned for its international transactional capabilities, the firm routinely acts on multi-jurisdictional restructuring processes, often for household names in the financial sector. It also has strong capabilities in industrial relations and European Works Councils. Leading the team, John Evason is the figure to note for investigations, boardroom disputes and senior executive terminations, injunctions and complex litigation including equal pay. Regulatory specialist Monica Kurnatowska works alongside transactional employment lawyer Carl Richards on cross-border TUPE and M&A mandates. Stephen Ratcliffe is sought after for his expertise on employee benefits, immigration and mobility issues. Counsels Lily Collyer and Annabel Mackay are the other integral members.
Practice head(s):
John Evason
Other key lawyers:
Monica Kurnatowska; Carl Richards; Stephen Ratcliffe; Lily Collyer; Annabel Mackay
Testimonials
‘The strength in depth of this team and the diversity of its practice across industries is unmatched in the market’.
‘Strong partners that combine client-friendly and commercial approaches with technical excellence and breadth of experience’.
‘Monica Kurnatowska is one of the leading individuals in the market. She is very bright, technically excellent and a very able litigator’.
Key clients
Alliance Boots PLC
British Land
Colt
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
Hitachi
Informa PLC
Prudential PLC
Sony Music Entertainment
Symphony Technology Group (STG)
Tapestry Inc (formerly known as Coach Inc)
Walgreens Boots Alliance
Work highlights
- Advising GlaxoSmithKline on the strategic separation of that combined Consumer Healthcare business from the “New” GSK pharmaceutical business.
- Continue to advise Colt on all their employment matters globally.
- Assisted Walgreen Boots Alliance, in the employment aspects of its sale of its Alliance Healthcare wholesale pharmacy business to AmerisourceBergen.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has ‘superb strength in depth’ with a formidable reputation for handling the most complex and important contentious matters, such as its continued defence of Tesco against a class equal pay action. Christine Young heads the data privacy and data subjects rights practice, supported by Siân McKinley. Practice head Andrew Taggart is a leading figure in complex employment disputes, equal pay claims and regulatory matters. ‘Intellectually and technically strong with exceptional judgement’ Tim Leaver handles contentious and transactional matters, and is the firms’ mental health and wellbeing mentor on the Ability Network Committee. Peter Frost is a ‘superb strategist’ in complex, high-profile disputes. Jennifer Andrews is another key transactional and regulatory lawyer.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Taggart
Other key lawyers:
Christine Young; Siân McKinley; Tim Leaver; Peter Frost; Jennifer Andrews
Testimonials
‘Superb strength in depth over a whole variety of legal areas.’
‘Peter Frost is a superb strategist, a remarkable hard worker and very responsive.’
‘Andrew Taggart, is head of dept; he is deeply knowledgeable, thinks through all the angles and to boot is a lovely human being’.
Key clients
Tesco
Post Office
Jefferies
JLT
Engie
Stagecoach
Church of England
Work highlights
- Advising Post Office in relation to the defence to proceedings issued in the Employment Tribunal by 120 postmasters seeking accrued holiday pay on the basis that they claim to be “workers” under UK employment protection law.
- Advising Stagecoach on its proposed merger with National Express to create a £1.9 billion transport group, the proposed disposal of its Megabus and CitiLink businesses to ComfortdelGro and the subsequent alternative merger with DWS Infrastructure for £585 million.
- Representing JLT Specialty Limited, Marsh Limited and Marsh Services Limited in relation to a claim against the former CEO of Marsh-JLT’s Fine Art, Jewellery and Specie team, Ed Broking LLP and BGC Partners, Inc..
Lewis Silkin
Richard Miskella spearheads Lewis Silkin‘s sizeable top-tier team of employment and litigation specialists covering investigations, trade unions, discrimination and international transactional and restructuring support. Clients hail from the financial services, tech, retail and the creative industries. ‘Standout‘ litigator Toni Lorenzo is considered an expert on restrictive covenants and team moves, while Miskella is a partner of note for investigations and culture change programmes. Michael Burd
likewise supports many leading employer clients on high-value disputes, senior terminations and strategic projects. Also notable are the experienced employment practitioner James Davies
, Colin Leckey for worker status and equal pay, High Court litigator Michael Anderson, and head of workplace investigations Karen Baxter. Shalina Crossley is recommended for socio-economic discrimination and health and safety issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Toni Lorenzo; Michael Burd; James Davies; Michael Anderson; Karen Baxter; Colin Leckey; Shalina Crossley; Sean Dempsey; David Hopper; David Samuels; Tarun Tawakley; Lee Nair
Testimonials
‘Incredibly broad strength in depth with a great team approach – always very switched on and strategic from the outset’.
‘Lewis Silkin have grown from strength to strength in recent years and there is not one area of employment law that they are unable to cover’.
‘Their Employment Litigation team have a formidable reputation. They are all over High Court Employment cases and have a wealth of talent at their disposal. The firm are rapidly becoming the go-to for Employers and are one of the firms that we would wholeheartedly recommend’.
‘Toni Lorenzo is the stand out partner among many excellent ones. At home in both the Tribunal and High Court litigation. He is a top choice for the most high profile cases’.
‘Colin Leckey – Fantastically knowledgeable and insightful. Colin is always fast to respond with practical advice. He is a trusted adviser, able to recognise when I need quick, off the cuff advice, rather than in depth analysis’.
‘One of the most impressive employment teams in the London market for strength and depth. Highly skilled and experienced litigators’.
‘Michael Anderson is one of the most skilled and impressive lawyers specialising in commercial employment litigation both in the High Court and in arbitration. Michael is probably involved in more cases than entire departments at other firms.’
‘Michael Burd – a brilliant strategist. He has seen it all and done it all before. Unflappable. ‘
Key clients
Deliveroo
Airbnb
Verizon
Bridgepoint
ASOS
Accenture
WSH (Baxter Storey, Benugo, Caterlink, Portico)
McCann Worldgroup
Work highlights
- Advised a global tech platform in the on-demand economy on strategic changes to their operating model, their contracts and arrangements with drivers and ET proceedings.
- Advised Bridgepoint on the employment aspects of its IPO.
- Advised a hedge fund on securing injunctions before the High Court against a former employee and their new employer to prevent the misuse of confidential information.
Linklaters LLP
Lauded for its track record in big-ticket tribunal and High Court cases, Linklaters LLP‘s practice head and key litigator Nicola Rabson has ‘unparalleled experience’ acting on behalf of financial sector clients and PLC’s in investigations, restrictive covenants and board and management level issues. It is also increasingly instructed on mandates relating to workplace culture, approaches to flexible working and workplace activism. Jean Lovett leads the transactional employment practice, and Sinead Casey is a solid choice of counsel for investigations and crisis management mandates.
Practice head(s):
Nicola Rabson
Other key lawyers:
Jean Lovett; Sinead Casey
Testimonials
‘The strength of this team is their ability to work with all areas of the organisation, explain issues in ways that can be understood and also tackle issues and give practical and pragmatic solutions. All the while being professional, clam and technically correct.’
‘Deep knowledge of the law across numerous jurisdictions and excellent collaboration among the firms’ offices in various countries.’
‘Nicola Rabson picks up at any time, works through all the issues and also manages to smile and make you feel part of the solution. ‘
‘Stand out practitioner in Nicola Rabson who is super smart, with great judgment, providing excellent strategic oversight and great with clients – a joy to work with.’
‘Having Nicola Rabson makes this practice unique. She has unparalleled experience across investigations, litigation, crisis mandates, whistleblowing and discrimination.’
‘Nicola Rabson is the ultimate adviser – always calm in a crisis and with sound strategic commercial judgment. She is unbelievably responsive and considered and the best there is.’
‘Sinead Casey in particular is a stand-out. She has an excellent take charge ability, to go along with excellent judgment and poise.’
‘The Linklaters employment team is superb. The lawyers are all very hard working and provide excellent advice and their written work is of the highest quality.’
Key clients
Unilever
Nomura
Glencore International
Endeavour
Reckitt Benckiser Group
The Linklaters Diversity Faculty
Work highlights
- Advised Reckitt Benckiser Group on its successful defence to a multi-million pound Employment Tribunal claim by a former senior employee and member of Reckitt’s Executive Committee.
- Advised Endeavour Mining PLC on the employment aspects of its IPO on the London Stock Exchange.
- Established The Linklaters Diversity Faculty – a dedicated offering for clients within the Employment & Incentives group, bringing together lawyers alongside dedicated diversity and inclusion (D&I) business advisors.
Mishcon de Reya LLP
A go-to for global brands through to mid-size UK companies in the financial and professional services, media and entertainment, sport and fashion, Mishcon de Reya LLP's practice is highly regarded for its breadth of expertise in employment law, particularly its knowledge of diversity and gender pay, the implications of the gig economy and the interplay between data, transparency and privacy. Daniel Naftalin‘s practice spans both advisory and litigious work. Sharon Tan and Joanna Blackburn
often support blue-chip clients in senior exits, discrimination claims, international employment support and workforce restructuring. For Tribunal work, Sarah Keeble, Susannah Kintish and Emily Knight, are recommended.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Naftalin
Other key lawyers:
Sharon Tan; Joanna Blackburn; Sarah Keeble; Susannah Kintish; Emily Knight
Testimonials
‘Joanna Blackburn – very accessible, completely understands the clients needs and meets them, goes over and above on client care. Simply the best employment lawyer out there’.
‘Good knowledge of the area at issue’.
‘Well-disposed to handle resolution of significant employer/team move matters’.
‘They are very accessible, understand the clients needs and give you exactly the kind of advice you need at a very reasonable cost’.
‘I have loved their webinars in lockdown – really interesting speakers and they were short and friendly’.
Key clients
Howden Broking Group
Bonnier Group
Canaccord Genuity Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Howden Broking Group in its defence to a High Court claim arising out of its recruitment of 31 reinsurance executives from a competitor, involving allegations of unlawful means conspiracy, breach of contract and theft of confidential information.
- Helped the Bonnier Group obtain a without notice interim injunction to prevent their former Chief Executive Officer from disclosing highly sensitive and confidential information to the press and other third parties.
- Advised Canaccord Genuity Limited (a global investment banking firm) on a complex, high-value claim brought by a former employee.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is ‘exceptionally strong’ in cross-border transactional work and has a strong background representing investment banks, hedge funds and asset managers in bet-the-company litigation. The practice has seen an increase in instructions related to ESG issues, conduct risk and diversity mandates. The firm has also growing its portfolio of TMT, asset management and sporting sector clients, bolstered by the arrival of Mandy Perry and Dan Ornstein in 2021. Focusing on the financial sector, Andrea Finn's practice covers whistleblowing claims, investigations and advice on the SMRC. Julian Taylor is another key senior partner for restrictive covenants and implications of corporate transactions.
Practice head(s):
Andrea Finn
Other key lawyers:
Mandy Perry; Dan Ornstein; Julian Taylor
Testimonials
‘Exceptionally strong on cross-border work, where their excellent overseas network really shines.’
‘We use Simmons as a full service firm across multiple practices, so they understand our business very well.’
‘Clear market leader with depth of staff and expertise. For many law firms this is a niche area but Simmons view this as a core strength and dedicate the resources appropriately.’
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard has a close collaboration with major employers in the financial services, retail and consumer space and works alongside HR teams to advise on strategic issues, such as business protection, boardroom issues, investigations, global mobility, major projects and compliance. HR issues relating to inbound investment from the US is a specialisation of the firm. Though Michael Leftley‘s practice covers contentious and non-contentious aspects, he is best known for his representation in whistle-blowing and discrimination claims. Richard Yeomans and Sarah Harrop handle senior executive appointments and terminations, TUPE, large-scale reorganisations/redundancy programmes and tribunal claims.
Practice head(s):
Michael Leftley
Other key lawyers:
Richard Yeomans; Sarah Harrop
Testimonials
‘Great access to partner led strategic advice with enough depth and bandwidth at a more junior level to support on transactional work.’
‘Solutions driven and user friendly.’
‘Michael Leftly is very knowledgeable of challenging and sensitive employment law issues. He provided very calm, sound and business-friendly advise. ‘
‘Sarah Harrop is knowledgeable and happy to provide pragmatic commercial advice drawing upon real-life experiences. The advice provided is relevant to and valuable to our business.’
Key clients
Primark
British Airways
FreeNow/Kapten
Urenco
Schindler
PZ Cussons
River & Mercantile Group plc
The Commonwealth Games Federation
British Land
William Hill and its owner Caesars Entertainment Inc
Global
Royal Mail Group
Co-op
M&C Saatchi
MSR Partners LLP
Deutsche Leasing
PGL
Just Ask
Impact Foods
Work highlights
- Successfully defending Co-op in relation to a high profile senior executive equal pay claim, which has been running for over five years.
- Acted for a US HQd global business in connection with claims in the High Court for injunctive relief, delivery up of confidential information and conspiracy relating to the actions of a group of former employees and a competitor business.
- Leading the employment advice for a global bank on a nine jurisdiction outsourcing of IT services.
Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance LLP‘s full-service employment practice has seen a significant rise in instructions relating to Covid-19 related issues, such as vaccination status and data protection issues, as well as in the implementation of the new remuneration regime under the MIFIDPRU Remuneration Code. Other areas of involvement include regulatory changes affecting financial services, regulatory investigations, #metoo investigations and in governance and boardroom advice. Alistair Woodland has a well-earned reputation acting for major corporate and financial sector clients on remuneration, data security and regulatory investigations. Mike Crossan supports clients on outsourcings, the Acquired Rights Directive (TUPE) and international projects. Chinwe Odimba-Chapman and Alastair Windass are the other key figures.
Practice head(s):
Alistair Woodland; Mike Crossan
Other key lawyers:
Chinwe Odimba-Chapman; Alastair Windass
Testimonials
‘Michael and Alastair both very capable. Michael is at his best strategising on potentially contentious matters. Alastair is pragmatic and dogged, works well with corporate and wider teams.’
‘The team quickly understood the complex issues we were facing and partnered with us to develop a strategic plan to address it.’
‘They used all the resource and experience they had from working with similarly sized businesses who had similarly complex issues to deal with, and used this to help us achieve our goal.’
Key clients
Permira
Blackstone
Telefonica Tech
Actis
EQT
Vanguard
The Hut Group
Mondelez
DK Partners
Work highlights
- Defended a major international bank in relation to a claim alleging discrimination, equal pay breaches and harassment, and brokered a settlement allowing for a clean break for all parties.
- Acted as lead investigator in an ethics investigation for a major international bank following allegations about retaliation against a potential whistleblower, straddling employment and regulatory considerations.
- Acting for a leading international bank in relation to claims brought by a former employee, who had been dismissed for gross misconduct on the grounds that he had misled clients.
CMS
Leveraging full-service employment law capabilities, CMS continues to develop its contentious offering, with new instructions in industrial disputes, and tribunal cases involving disability and sex discrimination, particularly those brought by unrepresented claimants with mental health challenges. Co-heading the team, Melanie Lane focuses on cross-border matters, business reorganisations and outsourcings. Catherine Taylor is the go-to counsel for employers on employee competition and contractual disputes, while 'exceptional' Hannah Netherton has a following among clients in the life sciences, tech and financial services space. Anna Cope is likewise a trusted employment advisor to insurance, TMT and consumer goods sector clients.
Practice head(s):
Melanie Lane
Other key lawyers:
Catherine Taylor; Hannah Netherton; Anna Cope
Testimonials
‘This is a very professional and capable firm with longstanding experience of the insurance sector.’
‘Hannah Netherton is exceptional, often making herself available at short notice and providing pragmatic, practically focused advice.’
‘Catherine Taylor is very responsive, approachable and thorough.’
Key clients
Berenberg Bank
Birkenstock
Bread Holdings Limited
Del Monte Fresh Produce
Hewlett Packard plc
Lacoste
Laing O’Rourke
Lendlease
M&G
Marks and Spencer
Metlife
National Maritime Museum
Legal & General plc
Royal Mail Group Limited
SAP
The Savoy
Wellcome Trust
Work highlights
- Supporting the in-house legal team of a French multinational information technology services and consulting company and primary service provider to HMRC on complex, high value and sensitive matters.
- Supporting MetLife on a key strategic global M&A transaction, as well as providing the full range of day-to-day employment advice.
- Advising an international flag carrier airline on all employment issues in the UK and Europe, and coordinating and overseeing employment advice across over 60 jurisdictions.
DAC Beachcroft LLP
Financial services and healthcare sectors are the bedrock of DAC Beachcroft LLP employment practice, which is instructed on industrial relations and internal investigations, regulatory employment matters and data privacy issues, the latter of which practice head Khurram Shamsee is considered an expert in. Shamsee works with financial sector clients in their defence to discrimination claims, whistle-blowing and senior-level exits. Udara Ranasinghe is similarly considered an expert in healthcare employment. Georgina Rowley leads the cross-border advisory matters, often working with EMEA and US headquartered clients.
Practice head(s):
Khurram Shamsee
Other key lawyers:
Udara Ranasinghe; Georgina Rowley
Testimonials
‘The team have excellent attention to detail, even in the most complex matters. ‘
‘Khurram Shamsee is a fantastic person to work with. He is always calm, pragmatic and engaged. He takes the stress out of the situation, ensures you feel fully supported and is rarely surprised by anything. His advice is always excellent. ‘
‘Udara Ranasinghe is a star partner. He is very responsive, intelligent and the right amount of sassy. ‘
Key clients
Circle Health (formerly BMI Healthcare Limited)
Quilter
McAfee
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Bvlgari Hotels
Petropavlovsk Plc
Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts
Bellway plc
Unilever plc
HCA Healthcare
Guy’s & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
University College Hospitals London, NHS Foundation Trust
Caprice Group (owners of The Ivy)
Work highlights
- Provided cross-border employment law advice to McAfee on a complex global divestment involving more than 500 employees across 18 countries.
- Defended a leading investment bank on a high profile claim involving the dismissal of a trader and dealing with complex regulatory issues arising from an order to re-engage.
- Represented a leading private healthcare provider with a successful appeal before the Employment Appeal Tribunal against the award of career long losses.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Best known for its stellar portfolio of clients in the financial services, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises PLC's and City employers on the SMCR regime, pandemic related issues, and alongside its financial services disputes team, dealing with complex investigations and reviews. It also houses a busy industrial relations practice, headed by Marc Meryon. 'Impressive' Paul Fontes has earned a solid reputation as defence counsel in tribunals and High Court bet-the-company disputes. He also routinely advises on remuneration, restrictive covenants, business reorganisations and restructurings. Also in the financial space, Sophie White is experienced in complex TUPE issues arising out of outsourcing, corporate and insolvency. Joining in June from GQ | LITTLER, litigator Hannah Mahon is a specialist in unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistle-blowing claims.
Practice head(s):
Paul Fontes
Other key lawyers:
Marc Meryon; Sophie White; Hannah Mahon
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable, committed and practical lawyers who work exceptionally well with counsel and clients.’
‘Eversheds are a strong practice with good experience in dealing with the financial services sector.’
‘Paul Fontes makes the team. A really impressive individual. Ticks all the boxes. Extremely good on the law, all over the detail, great on strategy, unflappable, a real fighter, great with clients. A reassuring presence on any case.’
‘Marc Meryon has outstanding technical ability, insight and great commitment to the client.’
Key clients
Open Banking
Expedia
NTT
Aon
Russell Investments
Dimensional Fund Advisors
NBC Universal
Cyrus One
ProCook
Work highlights
- Advising on European HR aspects of the agreement by US-based CyrusOne Inc., a global data centre real estate investment trust, to be acquired by KKR and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).
- Designed and implemented a public redress process for complainants in light of the findings by Mischon de Reya in relation allegations of bullying harassment, discrimination and victimisation.
- Provided employment support to ProCook in preparation for its listing to the Premium Segment of the Main Market at the LSE.
GQ | LITTLER
Providing ‘boutique employment advice with global coverage’ GQ | LITTLER has a deep bench of advisory expertise coupled with a history of success representing employers in litigation. As part of the Littler Global network, the firm undertakes a significant amount of cross-border mandates, and has seen an increase in instructions from US based law firms seeking UK employment advice on large scale global transactions. It also recently launched a new service offering English employment law advice in French. Early 2022 saw the arrival of partners Laura Lobb and Nicola James, both specialising in employment aspects of international transactions. Senior litigator Paul Quain launched the Littler Pride network for Europe, aiming to foster and maintain an inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ lawyers and non-lawyers alike. For transactional support, Cerys Williams, Darren Isaacs and Daniel Pollard are the go-to lawyers. Raoul Parekh and Richard Harvey co-lead the international employment offering.
Practice head(s):
Cerys Williams; Paul Quain; Daniel Pollard; Darren Isaacs; Richard Harvey
Other key lawyers:
Laura Lobb; Nicola James; Raoul Parekh
Testimonials
‘Undoubtedly the best boutique firm specialising in employment law for employers in London. They are creative, tenacious, and really user-friendly. They have an unbelievable following among some of the biggest corporate clients, and are involved in enormously important litigation.’
‘GQ Littler is an exceptional boutique employment practice specialising in disputes involving top executives and high earners. The quality of their legal skills and strategic thinking really is first-rate.’
‘A boutique firm that has the expertise and coverage of a city firm and is equally adept at employment tribunal and high court litigation as well as non-contentious advisory work. GQ Littler has recently increased its capacity in the M&A sphere and is excellent on cross-border matters.’
‘Boutique employment advice with global coverage.’
‘Paul Quain is an excellent performer – complete integrity and tactically astute.’
‘Dan Pollard is particularly impressive on the transactional employment side. He is a great project manager with an impressive grasp of international employment issues and can get the key points quickly.’
‘Cerys William in particular is superb – an experienced practitioner who is a great pleasure to work with.’
‘Raoul Parekh is a superstar. One of the best solicitors in employment law around. His meteoric rise to partnership is well-deserved. ‘
Key clients
ArgoGlobal
Commerzbank AG
CSM Bakery Solutions
Cytel
E. A. Gibson Shipbrokers
Elo Touch Solutions
Epiq Systems
Enverus
Morgan Sindall Group Plc
Mimecast
Olympus Corporation
Omnipresent Group
Overbury
Uber
ZOLL Medical Corporation
Work highlights
- Representing Elo Touch Solutions in defending a high value Employment Tribunal claim.
- Defending a high value Employment Tribunal claim (whistleblowing, sex, and pregnancy and maternity discrimination, harassment and victimisation) for Commerzbank AG.
- Advising the asset management division of a FTSE listed banking group in a complex redundancy situation where the potentially redundant employee has alleged race, disability and sex discrimination and bullying against her line manager.
Taylor Wessing LLP
Taylor Wessing LLP‘s employment practice has extensive expertise advising US based and UK household names in the technology, financial services and life sciences sectors on both corporate transactions and litigation in the tribunal and High Court. The practice also has a busy regulatory practice, and has seen an increase in instructions relating to the SMCR regime, employee data privacy issues and diversity. Paul Callaghan ‘understands his US clients and markets like no other employment lawyer’ and as a New York qualified lawyer, leads on all international employment projects. Helen Farr, Sean Nesbitt and Anna Carey lend complementary expertise with their handling of workplace discrimination, outsourcings, team moves, boardroom disputes and employment cases involving financial services regulatory issues.
Practice head(s):
Paul Callaghan
Other key lawyers:
Helen Farr; Sean Nesbitt; Anna Carey
Testimonials
‘Taylor Wessing’s employment team knows the US market like no other firm in the UK.’
‘They have extensive expertise in the technology sector, placing them on the forefront of technology and people.’
‘It is their can do mentality that strikes me the most – they get the job done, and go further than any other employment law firm would, thinking in solutions and opportunities instead of only risks.’
‘The team at Taylor Wessing are extremely resourceful and are always ready to go the extra mile.’
‘We have reached out to them for their opinion on varied issues and they have always been happy to support, even when there were some last minute requests. Their bills are reasonable and detailed.’
‘Paul Callaghan understands his US clients and markets like no other employment lawyer in the UK. He is a brilliant lawyer, thought leader, and a pleasure to work with. Responsive, practical, commercial. Hands down my go to lawyer in the UK.’
‘Sean Nesbitt is a top notch adviser and a great ally. He has tackled many complex issues for us.’
‘The reason we use Helen Farr and her team is because of their excellent client focused approach. I know that we can contact them at any time and get an immediate response. We have used them for all our employment and other HR related matters and we always receive consistently excellent service and advice.’
Key clients
The Roald Dahl Story
Interactive Investor Limited
Smarter Grid Solutions Limited
Bottlepay Limited
Amobee
Dataminr UK Limited
Zoopla
British Airways Pension Services Limited and British Airways Investment Management Limited
Trigo
Curve OS
Consensys Systems UK Limited
Swiss Post Solutions Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on the employment aspects of the sale of the Roald Dahl Story Company to Netflix including in relation to the ongoing employment of several key senior individuals and compensation matters.
- Advising Israel-based, Trigo Vision on employment of Trigo executives in UK as they roll out their product launch with Tesco plc and elsewhere in Europe with other retailers.
- Acted for Consenys on a claim by a former HR manager that she had been discriminated against on the grounds of sex and for having made protective disclosures.
Travers Smith LLP
Travers Smith LLP‘s ‘unflappable, very experienced top-drawer team‘ is equally at home advising on employment matters of cross-border corporate transactions as it is representing multinationals and smaller companies in employment tribunals. Practice head Ed Mills is ‘one of the best practitioners in the field‘; he focuses on board level disputes, the SMCR regime, team moves, TUPE and trade union issues. Sian Keall represents financial sector clients, while Tim Gilbert is an expert in TUPE and outsourcing. Adam Wyman and Alex Fisher are both names to note for tribunal work, executive dismissals and corporate disposals and acquisitions.
Practice head(s):
Ed Mills
Other key lawyers:
Siân Keall; Tim Gilbert; Adam Wyman; Alex Fisher
Testimonials
‘The Travers Smith team has unparalleled depth of expertise, as well as extremely commercially-minded and professional attorneys at all levels.’
‘The Travers Smith team’s responsiveness is exceptional.’
‘Top drawer team. Very experienced. Unflappable.’
‘Travers Smith are a true trusted partner. We work very closely with them and they have a deep understanding of our business. This means they always provide excellent advice that fits our preferred way of working and achieves our objectives.’
‘Adam Wyman is very pragmatic and commercially aware, understands what’s important to us as a matter of principle but also economically astute.’
‘Ed Mills consistently demonstrates sound judgment and high level strategic thinking.’
‘Ed Mills is one of the best practitioners in the field – he combines a wide breath of knowledge with how to apply the law strategically and pragmatically. He is a true support to general counsel and someone you absolutely want on your team and not your opponents.’
‘Alex Fisher is a standout for me. He is responsive, thorough and is realistic in terms of his legal advice. He always has an appreciation of our context. He is balanced and thoughtful in his approach and appears to foster this approach in his team.’
Key clients
3Shape A/S
8×8 UK Limited
Aceragen GmbH
AIG
Allocate Software Limited
All Seas Capital Partners Ltd
Artiq Limited
Arctic Securities AS
Atelier Capital Partners
Bidvest
BioGaia AB
Brandwarch
Carmignac Asset Management
Charger Acquisition Co., d/b/a Emburse
Checkout Limited
Chemidex Pharma Limited
Clarion Partners Europe (U.K.) Limited
DF Capital
Dixa Limited
Elan Capital
Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change
Quantessence Financial Ltd
Rede Partners LLP
RLC Engineering Group Limited
Royal Bank of Canada
Saba Capital Management L.P.
Sanzone & McCarthy LLP
Saxon Bidco Limited
Work highlights
- Defended AIG Asset Management (Europe) from claims brought by a former investment analyst employee of race and disability discrimination, victimisation, unlawful deduction from wages and wrongful dismissal.
- Advised on the employment aspects of the set-up of Phoebe Philo’s new venture and the minority investment by LVMH into that venture.
- Advised on confidential investigation in relation to sexual harassment allegations raised against a senior executive of a UK listed global technology business.
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP continues to service multi-national corporations operating in its specialist sectors of technology, life sciences, retail and aviation. Ian Hunter draws on his 30 year experience to advise employers on the full range of non-contentious matters, international employment mandates and litigation. He and Elizabeth Lang have been particularly busy supporting clients on job retention schemes, cross-border restructuring, vaccine roll-out and union matters. Tim Spillane routinely advises on senior-level terminations and restrictive covenant/trade secrets cases, alongside whistleblowing and discrimination disputes. Alison Dixon is noted for her deep expertise on employment aspects of commercial transactions.
Practice head(s):
Ian Hunter
Other key lawyers:
Elizabeth Lang; Tim Spillane; Alison Dixon
Testimonials
‘The employment team has been excellent and all of our matters are appropriately staffed with the right level of seniority.’
‘The strengths of the team are their availability and very good tactical advice which helps with sensitive employment matters.’
‘Tim Spillane is clearly very experienced in the tactical issues of employment law and gives us very good practical advice.’
‘Very dedicated and great service – excellent sectoral knowledge, particularly with unions.’
‘Liz Lang – exceptional support and very effective.’
‘Tim Spillane is clearly very experienced in the tactical issues of employment law and gives us very good practical advice. Rob Collier-Wright has very good attention to detail on drafting issues and has re-drafted a number of our model employment documents.’
Key clients
Jet2.com
SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
Inmarsat
British & Irish Lions
Gulf International Bank
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Adam Lambert chairs the UK wide employment department at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, which is a reputable choice for complex litigation, internal investigations and day-to-day employment advice. Owing to its global footprint, it is also well-equipped to handle multijurisdictional restructuring and corporate mandates. In TUPE matters, Lambert takes the lead, and is supported by Rebecca Harding-Hill on the contentious side. She specialises in sensitive and reputational litigation in the financial sector, such as injunctions, team moves, discrimination and whistleblowing. Catherine Turner made partner in early 2022 and is also a top litigator. Regulatory partner Lisa Mayhew is noted for gender discrimination cases. Senior associate Jackie Thomas is another name recommended for global restructuring exercises and disciplinary, grievance and data protection issues.
Practice head(s):
Adam Lambert
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Harding-Hill; Lisa Mayhew; Catherine Turner; Jackie Thomas
Testimonials
‘Working with BCLP is very effective.’
‘The fact that they are able to use their employment and regulatory specialists to help us navigate complex issues with both employment legislation and regulation in mind is invaluable.’
‘I find BCLP to be clear in their advice, very practical and pragmatic.’
‘I appreciate that BCLP have a partner dedicated to diversity and we have benefited from her insights as a client through the provision of complimentary Board training.’
‘Very approachable, helpful and friendly. Very experienced in their field.’
‘Adam Lambert is always available when I call. His knowledge of employment law is excellent.’
Key clients
Mueller Water Products Inc
Agilitas Private Equity LLP
City Chic Collective UK Limited
Fiserv, Inc
Playtech PLC and U and I PLC
Work highlights
- Advised Agilitas Private Equity LLP on the buyout of Prodieco Advanced Engineering Solutions. The deal involved a large cross-disciplinary team throughout the firm, as well as local counsel, both in Ireland (where Prodieco was based) and 7 other jurisdictions.
- Advised Fiserv, Inc on co-ordinating a global report throughout 2021 on COVID-19 orders and mandates in 33 jurisdictions in EMEA, APAC and LATAM.
- Advising the Australia parent company of City Chic Collective UK Limited on the post-completion employment issues following its purchase of UK-based women’s plus-sized Evans brand, eCommerce and wholesale business from Arcadia’s administrators.
Dechert LLP
Jason Butwick heads the employment practice at Dechert LLP, which is particularly sought after for its capabilities in employee restructuring, furlough and COVID-19 related matters, regulatory compliance and contentious mandates. Former practice head Charles Wynn-Evans
has taken on the position of international general counsel.
Practice head(s):
Jason Butwick
Other key lawyers:
Charles Wynn-Evans
Testimonials
‘Deep understanding of the complexities of our business and ability to focus on the key issues.’
‘Always an excellent service from Jason Butwick, highly recommended.’
DLA Piper
Tim Marshall is the main contact at DLA Piper’s employment practice, where he primarily advises on boardroom disputes and restrictive covenants, and has built up a reputation representing clients in the financial sector, owing to his membership of the firms’ financial services group. Elsewhere, Jonathan Exten-Wright has built up a niche advising cross-border mandates at the intersection of business, employment and human rights, which includes use of contingent labour, issues of trade union action and NGO campaigns. He is also increasingly instructed on transparency and reporting requirements in the area of non-financial risk, and the social aspects of ESG frameworks.
Practice head(s):
Tim Marshall
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Exten-Wright
Testimonials
‘Very responsive, commercial and pragmatic.’
Key clients
The UK Ministry of Defence
National Grid Gas Plc
Skanska UK Plc
GT Gettaxi (UK) Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising Ministry of Defence in detail on all aspects of procurement, contract drafting, competitive dialogue, negotiation, ministerial advice, and consultation with all relevant stakeholders in regards to their Armed Forces Recruiting Programme (AFRP).
- Advised the National Grid team on the total revamp and re-letting of their outsource contract, to receive contingent labour to support the UK’s grid infrastructure.
- Appointed by GT Gettaxi (UK) Ltd to defend an Employment Tribunal claim brought by a former driver user of the Gett platform.
Farrer & Co
Demonstrating a ‘balance of understanding and empathy whilst offering robust and clear advice’, Farrer & Co continues to grow its specialist contentious practice, with new instructions in internal investigations, discrimination, whistleblowing and dismissal-related claims. In the non-contentious space, the firm assists employers with design and implementation of appropriate safeguarding policies, large-scale redundancy and collective consultation programmes, trade union work and TUPE. Head of practice David Smellie
has developed a strong relationship with employers in the education and sports sector. Rachel Lewis is sought after by employers from the cultural, professional services, while David Hunt acts for financial institutions. Anna Birtwistle, Kathleen Heycock and Eleanor Rowswell are the other integral figures. William Dawson retired in April 2021.
Practice head(s):
David Smellie
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Lewis; David Hunt; Anna Birtwistle; Kathleen Heycock; Eleanor Rowswell
Testimonials
‘Farrer & Co are professional and responsive, they provide a firm balance of understanding and empathy to the queries we bring to them whilst offering robust and clear advice.’
‘The approach is always human and many of the support measures the team offer e.g. the podcast series and weekly employment law updates always ensures you are working with a firm that has its finger on the pulse of contemporary employment practice.’
‘Anna Britwistle is exceptional: not only a brilliant lawyer, she has uncommon tactical nous, and is always willing to go the extra mile.’
‘The employment team provide holistic professional and pragmatic support on all people related matters at our charity pulling in experts to support complex issues when required.’
‘They provided innovative training to all our senior leadership team responsible for carrying out complex investigations to ensure we operated within the law but also mindful of EDI and best practice.’
‘The most amazing standout partner for me is Rachel Lewis. She is very responsive to our organisations needs and has worked hard to understand the complexities of how we operate. Her advice provides the legal advice but also pragmatic recommendations of the best way to achieve an outcome.’
‘Dedication, commitment, legal skill and negotiation nous mean they are a go to practice.’
‘Very attentive and friendly service. Employment advice is always first class delivered in a very professional manner.’
Key clients
British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA)
Imperial College
C Hoare & Co
The Natural History Museum
London Business School
Fisher Phillips
The Independent Schools Council
The Independent Bursars’ Association (ISBA)
A national hotel chain
A number of leading independent schools and school groups
Work highlights
- Acting or the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) on all employment related matters, including in relation to individual members’ claims and industrial relations matters.
- Advised Imperial College on all aspects of employment law, from day-to-day HR issues and Tribunal claims to highly complex employment matters.
- The preferred UK employment counsel for US Employment Law firm Field Fisher, providing UK legal advice for their US corporate clients.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP stands out for its reputation in employment appeal tribunals and capabilities in cross-border regulatory mandates, trade union campaigns and expertise in the life sciences. Matthew Howse leads the team and is an expert across the full spectrum of employment law. The team are particularly sought after as independent investigators on highly sensitive disciplinary, whistleblowing and regulatory proceedings. Louise Skinner is recommended for gender pay gap and workplace equality matters.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Howse
Other key lawyers:
Louise Skinner
Testimonials
‘Morgan Lewis are very knowledgeable, competitive on costs, extremely responsive and as always pragmatic.’
‘The service is always quick without compromising quality and, as mentioned, particularly pragmatic.’
‘They’re not afraid to give a view one way or another.’
‘I have worked with MLB for a decade. Apart from the quality of individual counsel, there is significant strength in depth, across the organisation at all levels. This provides confidence and builds trust.’
‘The team are used to working with very complex and contentious matters – so there is a significant knowledge base that provides perspective.’
‘Matthew Howse is hugely experienced across a range of sectors, which provides for excellent context. Matthew is an excellent communicator and very personable. Organisations have benefited from his counsel and guidance.’
‘Louise Skinner is incredibly responsive and gives high quality advice, whilst also being mindful of our business/the industry we operate in and the need for a degree of pragmatism. She presents her advice clearly and concisely, making it easy to relay to others.’
Key clients
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Shiseido Corporation
Work highlights
- Acted for Shiseido Corporation on all global employment and data privacy matters arising from the high value sale of its Laura Mercier, Buxom and Bare Minerals brands to Advent.
- Advised Novartis on several global projects, relating to diversity and inclusion.
RPC
RPC has ‘tremendous strength in depth on all employment law’, particularly in litigation and advisory mandates involving the media, technology and retail sectors. Patrick Brodie leads the busy litigious practice, where he is known for his work on restrictive covenants, restraint of trade injunctions and highly sensitive investigations. Kelly Thomson brings her transactional and advisory expertise to assist employers in the field of workforce diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Partnering with the Social Book Club, she assist with the production of children’s books teaching equality and the law (such as on gender pay gap and disability).
Practice head(s):
Patrick Brodie
Other key lawyers:
Kelly Thomson
Testimonials
‘Extremely commercial and pragmatic. Empathy and high emotional intelligence coupled with great intellect. They get the overall context and as a result exceed expectations every time.’
‘The RPC team has tremendous strength in depth on all employment law issues and supplements this with great commercial acumen and a real interest in understanding the inner workings of their clients’ business.’
‘Patrick Brodie – he is a tour de force. Thoughtful. Highly intelligent. A dream of an Instructing Solicitor.’
‘Patrick Brodie is particularly known for his expertise in employment litigation with an international element.’
‘The team is professional to the core – courteous, responsive, knowledgeable and fun to work with.’
‘Kelly Thompson’s experience and knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion work is second to none. Kelly goes beyond simply advising you on the ‘legals’ of the situation, but provides a holistic view of the practical, commercial and human considerations.’
‘Kelly Thomson is superb in both her legal and commercial analysis and judgement. She takes the time to understand our business objectives and to understand the motives and objectives of the individuals concerned. This leads to rounded and tailored advice.’
‘Having worked with the employment team at RPC over several years, there is always a sense that nothing is too much trouble; if you have a problem they will listen, explain a solution in simple terms and help you put a plan in place.’
Key clients
ArcelorMittal Group
Virgin Media
Frasers Group plc
NCP
Coca Cola Europacific Partners
Royal and Sun Alliance
Associated Newspapers (Daily Mail etc)
Egon Zehnder
Essity
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
Pioneer FM
BOC
Zensar Technologies
SportsDirect.com Retail
Argent Provocateur
Essity
GIST
Beat Capital Partners
Studio Retail Limited
Evans Cycles
Link Scheme Ltd and Link Scheme Holdings Ltd
Shepherd Neame
Work highlights
- Acting for the respondent, the The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, in Basfar v Wong, the first case with the permission to leapfrog directly to the Supreme Court from the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
- The sole provider of all Employment Tribunal services to Virgin Media, ArcelorMittal and Frasers Group, covering every form of tribunal claim.
- Worked with a major retailer to redesign its business and workforce model from concession to wholesale.
Slaughter and May
One of Slaughter and May‘s key strengths is advising listed and privately held clients on the full range of board-level employment matters, from appointments to terminations, remuneration and disputes. Padraig Cronin and Philip Linnard advise clients across on the full range of employment and incentives issues, including whistleblowing, investigations and employee terminations, as well as advising on TUPE, restructurings, outsourcings and incentives aspects of transactions. Senior associate Philippa O’Malley undertakes a mix of contentious and non-contentious work, and is particularly recommended for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Charles Cameron is an expert on corporate pension plans.
Practice head(s):
Charles Cameron
Other key lawyers:
Padraig Cronin; Philip Linnard; Philippa O’Malley
Testimonials
‘The Slaughter and May employment team are focussed on their client’s needs in the context of the client’s strategy. This enables for complex and time sensitive activities to be completed quickly, accurately and where required innovatively.’
‘The teams global network is valuable and their global partners provide very similar service levels.’
‘Phillipa O’Malley has been exceptional at delivering commercial solutions that involve high levels of change and complexity. She is a true business partner.’
‘Philip Linnard is a brilliant lawyer, who is extremely fast and relevant in the legal analyses and advice that he gives to the clients. He has a very pragmatic and result oriented approach that is essential to our work.’
‘Slaughters provide a professional, commercial and responsive service.’
‘They offer quick advice that is thoughtful and considers what the business is trying to achieve, not just the legal answer to the question.’
‘I can attest to the outstanding quality of the work produced by the team and to the legal technicity and reactivity of its members.’
Key clients
ASOS plc
Aviva plc
Bupa
De La Rue plc
Diageo
Drax Group plc
Land Securities Group plc
Prudential plc
RSA Insurance Group plc
Whitbread plc
Work highlights
- Advised CEMEX on employment tribunal claims in connection with a disputed TUPE transfer.
- Advised ASOS plc on the employment aspects of its acquisition of the TopShop, TopMan, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands.
- Advised DeepMind Technologies Limited on the employment aspects of a new commercial venture to use artificial intelligence to accelerate drug discovery.
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs is a reputable counsel for global employment transformation projects, especially those involving a DEI agenda. Data privacy, gender pay gap, psychological safeguarding and Covid-19 related projects are its key areas of instruction. It launched the Global Edge 2.0, a global employment tech tool providing in-house lawyers and HR professionals with access to key employment law and developments in 39 countries. Caroline Noblet leverages over 30 years experience across all contentious and non-contentious areas of employment law. Practice head David Whincup is the firms’ main resource for internal workplace investigations, discrimination and worker status.
Practice head(s):
David Whincup
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Noblet
Testimonials
‘The team under Caroline Noblet’s leadership is focused on building a trusted partnership relationship, they are very collaborative and responsive.’
‘I like the focus on diversity and sharing best practice through a network that they have established.’
‘Caroline Noblet is energetic, passionate and commercially focussed. She builds and leads a diverse team and is very responsive to customer needs. ‘
The team is uniquely down-to-earth, practical and solutions-focused.’
‘They are responsive, deliver value for money, bill on time and always willing to discuss fees sensibly.’
‘They are curious to consider new angles and stay on the pulse of what GCs care about.’
‘The strength of the international employment practice at this firm is particularly impressive.’
‘I know that I can work with them on cross-border projects covering multiple jurisdictions and they will provide a joined-up approach, both in terms of how the work is presented, and how it is billed.’
Key clients
Cleveland Clinic
PGIM
Currency Cloud
Credit Karma
Boston Consulting Group
You Gov
Kantar
Kongsberg Automotive
XPO Logistics
National Football League Inc.
Immunocore
Bacardi
Tesco
DMGT
Wood Mackenzie
Vice Media
Fortnum & Mason
WPP
Vevo
PageGroup (Michael Page)
Work highlights
- Advising Kongsberg Automotive, a global automotive parts manufacturer, on the employment aspects of the sale of substantially all of its Interior Comfort Systems business to Lear Corporation.
- Advised on strategic UK Vaccination law and other Covid-related issues arising in preparation for the National Football League’s two games in London in the summer of 2021.
- Advised Cummins in relation to a project involving the re-categorisation of its entire 60,000 strong workforce worldwide as part of its New Ways of Working initiative.
Stephenson Harwood
Stephenson Harwood provides ‘top quality legal advice from a practical perspective‘ across the full spectrum of contentious, transactional and advisory employment work. Advising on restrictive covenants, and pursuing and defending team and individual moves in the High Court, is one of the firms’ distinguishing areas. Paul Reeves ‘is exactly the lawyer you want in your corner‘ and is often instructed by financial, hospitality and retail sector clients. Anne Pritam has a well-deserved reputation as a seasoned litigator, whilst also being experienced in expulsion, de-equitisation, discrimination, remuneration and business restrictions. Richard Freedman made partner in May 2022 and is recommended for global projects and TUPE transfers.
Practice head(s):
Paul Reeves
Other key lawyers:
Anne Pritam; Richard Freedman
Testimonials
‘The Stephenson Harwood team is excellent at providing top quality legal advice from a practical perspective.’
‘Their knowledge of the law and the latest nuances of the courts, together with their understanding of our business, make them invaluable partners.’
‘Paul Reeves is exactly the lawyer you want in your corner when handling a complicated employment matter. Paul parses the issues and provides excellent guidance to navigate tricky and often sensitive matters.’
‘The team collectively has diversified experience and is able to provide advice on matters that require more than one area of expertise.’
‘They work as a team and coordinate their work well so the client does not have to deal with more than one lawyer/firm.’
Key clients
Amazon
StubHub
LVMH
AxiomSL Ltd (now Adenza)
Fragomen LLP
Investcorp International
ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG
Therium Capital Management
Standard & Poor’s
Arriva plc
DNB Bank ASA
Bank of Montreal/BMO Financial Group
Mizuho Bank Ltd
Vueling
UIA Insurance Limited
Civica
Mizuho International plc
MicrosensDx
Yes To Inc
United Trust Bank Limited
Philex Electronic Ltd
Maersk A/S
Circa Healthcare Ltd
The Council for Responsible Jewellery
LaserClinic UK
Work highlights
- Successfully advised Louis Vuitton on an Employment Tribunal claim which alleged discrimination and harassment.
- Advising Trenitalia C2C on HR issues and act on the defence of Employment Tribunal claims.
Clyde & Co
Utilising its global network, Clyde & Co's employment practice is well equipped to advise on multijurisdictional corporate transactions, and is a favourite among corporates in the financial and professional services, and insurance sectors. Its contentious capability is equally strong, with high-profile team moves, restrictive covenant and confidentiality disputes being a speciality of the firm. Robert Hill leads the team which includes Chris Holme and litigator James Major.
Practice head(s):
Robert Hill
Other key lawyers:
Chris Holme; James Major
Testimonials
‘Clyde & Co is one of our principal go-to law firms for contentious matters.’
‘They have a thorough understanding of the technical issues involved in our industry disputes and they are commercially focused and solutions-driven.’
‘Chris Holme is a truly exceptional trusted advisor on some extremely sensitive matters. He takes the time to get to grips with our idiosyncrasies and is available whenever needed. Commercial and pragmatic. Cannot praise him highly enough.’
Key clients
United Parcel Service (UPS)
Willis Towers Watson
Estee Lauder Cosmetics
Which?
Gallagher
University College London (UCL)
Mott MacDonald
Glencore
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
Malaysia Airlines
BMS
Randall & Quilter
Chaucer
Jetblue
McGill & Partners
Laing O’Rouke
Springer Nature
Work highlights
- Work and partner with UPS in relation to all their UK employment needs.
- Acting for a financial services client in a multimillion-pound discrimination claim.
- Advising a number of law firms in relation to partnership issues.
Doyle Clayton
Doyle Clayton‘s highly regarded specialist employer practice is noted for its ‘breadth of practice’ across the full gamut of HR advisory, transactional support and High Court litigation. It is also distinguished for its capabilities in internal investigations, business restructuring, board-level disputes and experience working with start-ups. Peter De Maria‘s ‘legal knowledge and feel for the strategic intricacies of this area are second to none’. He is assisted by Dan Begbie-Clench, Helen Brooks and ‘outstanding junior’, director Katie Mahoney.
Practice head(s):
Peter De Maria
Other key lawyers:
Dan Begbie-Clench; Helen Brooks; Katie Mahoney
Testimonials
‘The team are commercial, extraordinarily responsive, knowledgeable, easy to interact with whilst being very professional.’
‘Dan Begbie-Clench – commercial, extraordinarily responsive, knowledgeable, we work as a true partnership. ’
‘Katie Mahoney – well known and very well liked in the market. She is good humoured and pleasant to work with but at the same time fierce and passionate in pursuit of her clients’ interests. She has excellent commercial sense and is constantly in demand.’
‘Katie Mahoney is the lawyer you want to have in your corner – indomitable, extremely hard-working and a pleasure to work with.’
‘We received a hugely professional and cost effective service from the team at Doyle Clayton – and continue to do so. They understand Startups and the constraints we are under and adapt their approach to fit our needs which is extremely useful.’
‘The specialist employment practise of choice, whether you are an employer or employee.’
‘The team stands out for its breadth of practice across statutory employment and high court employment work. They put together excellent practitioner teams who are on the ball and easy to work with. They are noticeably proactive and quick in turning things around.’
‘Peter de Maria is a standout practitioner in the area of employee competition, his legal knowledge and feel for the strategic intricacies of this area are second to none.’
Work highlights
- Advising a retailer on the departure of the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Wealth and the recruitment of their replacements.
- Advising on the partnership law, employment law and TUPE law aspects of a large group restructure.
- Advising a client on the harmonisation of senior executive contracts across several jurisdictions.
Fox Williams LLP
Fox Williams LLP is known for its specialism representing LLPs and partnerships, particularly international and UK law firms on sensitive partner related issues, discrimination and regulatory and reporting obligations of solicitors and barristers. Joanna Chatterton and David Murphy have a track record acting for financial and professional services sector clients on the full range of advisory and contentious employment work. Jane Mann and Aron Pope act for the firms’ tech and fintech clients.
Practice head(s):
Joanna Chatterton
Other key lawyers:
David Murphy; Jane Mann; Aron Pope
Testimonials
‘The team has a very strong subject matter expertise and manages to convey the legal questions in a very pragmatic and timely manner. Their advise is always very practical but as well well founded on legal rational and expertise.’
‘It lives up to its branding – Good sense in the City. Highly pragmatic, collaborative and responsive. Very experienced employment lawyers who are enjoyable to work with.’
‘David Murphy has been excellent. Always efficient and on the ball, delivering his work in a calm, effective and unruffled manner. A delight to work with and supremely capable.’
‘Joanna Chatterton and her team on our senior executive level work, Jo and her team are efficient and professional with timely communication and replies. We value their expertise and thoughts tremendously.’
‘I am impressed by the work of Jane Mann and her team based upon a strong “client first” ethos. Jane brings a particular breadth and depth of experience from the most senior levels of corporate life that is very helpful.’
‘Aron Pope -Always knowledgeable, available and gives clear balances advice.’
‘The team is very responsive and appreciates, and responds to, the time pressures and quick turnaround often required with employment issues.’
‘They are very agile in dealing with queries, and always allocate work to the appropriate level of expertise. They are very approachable.’
Key clients
Bank Leumi (UK) plc
King & Wood Mallesons
Savannah Energy plc
Hastens (UK) Beds Limited
Kuwait Investment Office
Crest Nicholson
MS Amlin
Castleton Commodities (UK) Ltd
Ascot Racecourse
Work highlights
- Advised an international law firm on managing allegations of sexual harassment and complaints to the SRA against a partner.
- Advised a private bank on employment and regulatory implication arising from suspected financial crimes.
- Advised Savannah Energy plc and 6 directors on the defence of whistleblowing and discrimination allegations by senior employee.
Kingsley Napley LLP
Kingsley Napley LLP has a good reputation acting for financial institutions and clients from the professional services, with a growing stream of work from US companies with a presence in London. It continues to be sought out for complex workplace investigations, particularly in relation to fraud, discrimination and allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Corinne Aldridge, Adrian Crawford and Richard M Fox continue to represent employers and senior executives on a broad range of employment issues.
Practice head(s):
Corinne Aldridge
Other key lawyers:
Adrian Crawford; Richard Fox
Testimonials
‘Confident and robust in negotiations.’
‘Richard Fox displayed a good understanding of practical business considerations. Easy and understandable advice given.’
‘Corinne Aldridge is very responsive, turns things around efficiently and provides practical and on point advice.’
‘Thorough, professional, friendly, quick response and good availability. A pleasure to work with overall and great advice.’
Macfarlanes LLP
Macfarlanes LLP excels in handling reputationally-sensitive issues and business-critical litigation. Large corporate transactions involving substantial workforce restructurings and HR issues generated by Covid-19 continues to be the other areas of focus. The firm displays familiarity in asset management, financial services, hospitality and issues involving partnership law. Hayley Robinson and Seán Lavin are the lead partners.
Practice head(s):
Hayley Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Seán Lavin
Testimonials
‘The team are very responsive and know our business well. They feel like an extension of our HR function and are very much trusted advisors.’
‘Thoughtful and reflective but commercial in application. Able to apply creative and pragmatic solutions to situations.’
‘Sean Lavin warrants particular mention, he provided helpful challenge and insightful comment and is well versed in the nuances of individuals in PE industry and associated practices.’
‘True experts in dealing with complex and high value civil litigation as well as associated regulatory and reputational issues and risks, particularly in the financial services and related sectors.’
‘The strength of the employment team is in its depth of experience and expertise at every level and being well led by its partners.’
‘Sean Lavin – seen it all, done it all, unflappable, great client skills and great to work with.’
‘Hayley Robinson – excellent judgment, on top of the detail.’
‘Attention to detail, specialist knowledge of the financial and related markets, tactically astute and with an effective collegiate approach, all being core to the teams handling of litigation.’
Mayer Brown International LLP
Drawing on its global footprint, Mayer Brown International LLP is able to assist international clients, largely from the financial services, insurance and consumer goods sectors, on employment aspects of commercial transactions, restructuring projects, investigations, discrimination and unfair dismissal claims. Practice head Christopher Fisher and Miriam Bruce are both highly experienced handling disputes in the financial services.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Fisher
Other key lawyers:
Miriam Bruce
Testimonials
‘The clients of this outstanding team obviously value its commercial advice.’
‘Chris Fisher is head of the department. A great commercial employment litigator he has vast experience of acting for employers in heavy employment disputes.’
‘Miriam Bruce – her approach to litigation is grounded in sound commercial common sense. Clients – and her team – rightly trust her judgment.’
‘The team are experts in their field, responsive, professional and friendly.’
‘They know how to apply their professional knowledge to support the client’s commercial needs.’
‘I would single out the following qualities: responsiveness; availability at the last minute – including evenings and weekends; technical legal knowledge and business acumen.’
‘Very good understanding of the issues and drivers for change.’
‘Great focus on detail where appropriate while keeping advice levels propoortionate.’
Key clients
Pernod Ricard SA
Refinitiv Limited
Lear Corporation (UK) Limited
AT&T Services Inc.
Beazley
Geopost
Vitruvian Partners
Aurelius
Reliance Industries
Marlin Equity Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Refinitiv on the employment aspects in connection with the sale of its governance, risk and compliance software business.
- Advised CDK Global, Inc. on various employment aspects in connection with the sale of its international business to Francisco Partners for $1.45 billion.
- Advised AURELIUS on employment law aspects in connection with its acquisition of McKesson UK in a corporate carve-out from the US healthcare company McKesson Corporation.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Multi-national businesses, especially those operating in the tech, life science, transport and energy sectors, utilise Norton Rose Fulbright's London office as a platform and footprint for a wide range of global employment and HR legal issues. Head of EMEA employment department, Paul Griffin has a well-earned reputation for international employment issues. Catrina Smith also handles matters with an international element and is recommended for TUPE, remuneration issues, whistle-blowing and discrimination claims.
Practice head(s):
Paul Griffin
Other key lawyers:
Catrina Smith
Testimonials
‘Norton’s professionals are impressively knowledgeable of legal environment in their country and can generally offer practical counselling.’
‘This firm and the partners are very client-oriented and provide outstanding service.’
‘They reply to requests in a timely manner and make themselves available where required.’
‘They make sure that the service we get is great at all times and we feel comfortable in raising issues in the service.’
Key clients
BMW
GFG Alliance
Starr International
Lyondel Basell
Emerald Kalama
Royal Bank of Canada
Bombardier
IMI plc
Battersea Power Station
Boston Consulting Group
Societe Generale
ABC Bank
Nedbank
Credit Agricole
Standard Chartered
Wyelands Capital
Bechtel Corporation
Work highlights
- Working with a media/tech client in reporting on changes to COVID-19 laws in 45 countries, involving co-ordinated effort by the global firm’s employment lawyers out of London.
- Advising in a potential class action lodged against FTSE listed entity, in relation to employment status re-classification.
- Acting in a claim against a multi-national company for discrimination.
Osborne Clarke LLP
Benefitting from a wide scope of practice and its international presence, Osborne Clarke LLP is often engaged in cross-border TUPE transfer and employment issues relating to corporate acquisitions, employee relations and regulatory matters. The practice is also well versed in GDPR for HR issues; an offering established by Olivia Sinfield. The practice is led by ‘outstanding‘ co-heads, David Cubitt and Victoria Parry.
Practice head(s):
David Cubitt; Victoria Parry
Other key lawyers:
Olivia Sinfield
Testimonials
‘Osborne Clarke, are, in my view an outstanding firm.’
‘If I were an employer, I would likely choose Osborne Clarke to act for me.’
‘They are not showy but they are highly effective and capable, know the areas in which they work and the law and deliver a very effective legal product.’
‘David Cubitt and Victoria Parry are outstanding. David is recommended more on the High Court side, and Victoria more on the tribunal side. But both are just excellent – amongst the best in the business.’
‘There is a pragmatism and a reality about the team that is not always present in other legal teams.’
‘Team members are particularly good not just at giving legal advice, but also at framing that advice in terms of what it makes sense to do. ‘
‘David Cubitt and Victoria Parry both have the necessary legal expertise and build strong relationships with clients. Both are adept at discussing and exploring different ways of dealing with a situation.’
‘Client relationships that are long lasting and built on mutual respect.’
Key clients
Veritas Technologies
Tremor Group / Unruly
Institute of Directors
DocuSign
Associate of MBA’s
Hay Festival
Splunk
Kantar
United Airlines
Veritas Technologies
Nomura International Plc
Standard Chartered Bank
Proofpoint
Infrared
Work highlights
- Advising Veritas Technology on all their EMEA and Asia Pacific & Japan employment law issues. This has included contract and policy reviews for 25+ countries in Europe, Africa and Asia.
- Advising Tremor Group on UK employment issues in Unruly, its UK business, this includes the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on its UK business and return to office arrangements, vaccinations, etc.
- Advising Splunk in connection with a number of employee relations issues including sex and disability discrimination, trade union and health and safety allegations, grievances and dismissal.
Pinsent Masons LLP
A favourite among London Stock Exchange or AIM listed employers, Pinsent Masons LLP's practice has a strong focus on financial services and has a strong track record advising on board-led strategic work, transactional and the corporate governance aspects of employment law and litigation. Helen Corden leads the team from Birmingham and is supported by her London based colleagues Ed Goodwyn, Anne Sammon and Fleur Benns.
Practice head(s):
Helen Corden
Other key lawyers:
Ed Goodwyn; Anne Sammon; Fleur Benns
Testimonials
‘Pinsents has always been a trailblazer for diversity, which we respect and is aligned with our own corporate culture and values.’
‘We recognise their sectoral expertise in Construction and Infrastructure.’
‘Their wide client base gives them a very good sense of what’s happening in the market and how the sector is generally responding.’
Key clients
Natixis SA
AXA IM
Direct Insurance Group plc
Allianz Insurance plc
SEI Investments (Europe) Limited
Barratt Developments plc
McDermott International, Inc.
Houlihan Lokey EMEA LLP
Shangri-La Hotels Pte Ltd
Kier Group plc
Laing O’Rourke plc
Royal BAM Group
Masai Clothing Company ApS
Balfour Beatty Group
Work highlights
- As part of Pinsent Masons’ healthcare sector group, we have been heavily involved in delivering employment advice to help dental corporates navigate a rapidly evolving landscape facing their sector.
- Advised Houlihan Lokey on the employment aspects of the its acquisition of Baylor Klein, a company regulated by the SRA.
- Advised an infrastructure client on the harmonisation of terms and conditions of employment for all of its employees.
Reed Smith LLP
The financial services, TMT and life sciences markets comprise the majority of Reed Smith LLP‘s areas of instruction, where its team impresses with ‘a very extensive knowledge across all areas of employment law’. Practice head Robin Jeffcott supports multinational financial services organisations on some of their most challenging matters, on both sides of the spectrum, with a strong track record in litigation and restrictive covenants. Graham Green advises on discrimination, whistleblowing, unfair dismissals, as well as disputes involving executive compensation and other compensation arrangements.
Practice head(s):
Robin Jeffcott
Other key lawyers:
Graham Green; David Ashmore; Carl de Cicco
Testimonials
‘The team have a very extensive knowledge across all areas of employment law, rarely having to get back to you as are able to answer there and then.’
‘A fantastic, personable team who are extremely quick to respond to all our queries, giving clear guidance and in layman’s terms for those without a legal background.’
‘Superb attention to detail and ultra-firm grasp of matter.’
Ashurst
With a specialism in the financial services, Ashurst's employment practice is a popular choice for banks, multinational corporates, asset managers and private equity clients on employment aspects of corporate and M&A transactions and litigation. Crowley Woodford's practice spans whistleblowing and discrimination claims, senior hires and dismissals, and complex investigations with a regulatory component.
Practice head(s):
Crowley Woodford
Testimonials
‘They provide a high level of legal advice, they always provide a number of options, all of which balance the legal risk against our commercial outcomes and objectives so that we can make an informed decision on people matters.’
‘Excellent practical advice and pragmatic approach to deliver results.’
‘Crowley Woodford – understands the culture, expectation and provide solutions.’
Key clients
Alix Partners
McLaren
Peel Hunt Limited
Oak Hill Advisors (UK Services) Limited
PPL Corporation
National Express Group PLC
Robert Bosch GmbH
Fulcrum Utility Services Limited
KPMG
Work highlights
- Advised PPL Corporation on employment aspects of the £7.8 billion sale of UK electricity distribution group Western Power Distribution (“WPD”) to National Grid plc.
- Advisor to Oak Hill on the full range of employment and partnership law issues.
- Advising longstanding client National Express on its recommended all-share combination with Stagecoach Group.
Bates Wells
Lucy McLynn leads the employment department at Bates Wells, which continues to maintain strong activity in sensitive tribunal cases, involving precedent-setting topics such as transgender rights. The firm is also highlighted for its expertise in employment data protection, internal investigations involving bullying and misuse of power, and its longstanding track record working with charity/not-for-profit employers. William Garnett and Paul Jennings are the other key partners.
Practice head(s):
Lucy McLynn
Other key lawyers:
William Garnett; Paul Jennings
Testimonials
‘I have worked with Bates Wells for the last 15-20 years. Their consistently exceptional approach in terms of an understanding of the charity and pubic sector, value for money approach and pragmatic, tailored and reliable advice to me as a client.’
‘Bates Wells have clear expertise in the issues that are faced by charities and understand the nuances required.’
‘Lucy McLynn delivers exceptional advice to the various organisations. Her breadth of knowledge of employment law is excellent and she provides high level pragmatic, proportionate and tailored support on a consistent basis. ‘
‘Paul Jennings combines a calm, friendly, personable style with a to the point, direct business manner that puts you at your ease whilst at the same time keeping meetings short and outcome-focused so that you know you are getting value for the time you are paying for.’
‘Paul Jennings – His robust and detailed approach inspires confidence as a client and he would always be at the top of my list in an employment tribunal situation.’
‘Excellent accessible legal advice. Would highly recommend them for employment law advice.’
‘Lucy McLynn (Partner) is an excellent employment lawyer. Always on hand to give the best advice.’
Key clients
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Tenon FM Limited
Tyler Capital
The Alan Turing Institute
Capital City College Group
Unicef
Planit IE
Green Party
Perkbox Limited
Universities UK
Work highlights
- Acting in the cutting-edge, high profile case for Global Development, a London think-tank in an alleged discrimination case.
- Advising Trinity College London in relation to the very topical issue of ‘worker status.’
- Successfully defended the Royal College of Nursing at a 7-day Tribunal hearing relating to direct race and disability discrimination, unfair dismissal and victimisation.
Capsticks LLP
Capsticks LLP is market renowned for providing employment services to a plethora of private and public sector employers in the health, emergency services and social care sectors. Areas of growth include mandates arising out of the pandemic, litigation involving emergency services and police misconduct cases. National head of employment Victoria Watson often represents doctors in high-profile disputes, while Martin Hamilton advises on senior executive issues and is likewise, a top litigator in High Court and tribunal cases. Head of NHS healthcare Andrew Rowland is another distinguished employment specialist.
Practice head(s):
Victoria Watson
Other key lawyers:
Martin Hamilton; Andrew Roland
Testimonials
‘A very responsive and knowledgeable company – combining technical expertise with pragmatic solutions.’
‘Very well connected at national level.’
‘Total strength in depth, with excellence at all levels.’
‘Solicitors who are very knowledgeable and well prepared.’
‘Team with legal expertise across a range of areas and specialisms.’
‘Very supportive with a variety of employee relation case issues.’
‘Always accessible with well thought through advice to pragmatically deal with issues. Good expertise in dealing with issues with medical colleagues.’
‘Andrew Rowland- one of the best lawyers I have worked with. He is easy to understand and provides swift and decisive advice. he will often offer several approaches for the client to consider.’
Key clients
North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group
Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
North West London Healthcare NHS Trust
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
NHS England and Improvement
Bar Standards Board
NHS Employers
London Borough of Redbridge
London Ambulance Service
Solicitors Regulation Authority
A2 Dominion
National Audit Office
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Ramsay Healthcare UK
Action for Children
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Supported NHS England in providing guidance to all NHS organisations in England on the implementation of Regulations introducing mandatory vaccinations for healthcare.
- Represents Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust in High Court proceedings brought by a consultant seeking an injunction to prevent his exclusion from work.
- Advised North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group CCG, along with other CCG clients in relation to the development of new Integrated Care Boards under the Health and Care Bill.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's ‘professional, knowledgeable and supportive' practice recently introduced its R4 Consultancy and Support services (Review, Report, Resolve, and Respect), aimed at combining specialists in employment, regulatory requirements, reputation management, equality and diversity training, and HR investigations, to assist clients with auditing and training. Trevor Bettany deals with all aspects of employment law, from large scale variation exercises to LLP disputes. Michael Powner is a top employment advisor to leading clients in the retail, food and drinks, sports and hospitality sectors.
Practice head(s):
Trevor Bettany
Other key lawyers:
Michael Powner
Testimonials
‘Professional, knowledgeable, supportive.’
‘A fabulous team to work with, couldn’t recommend them highly enough.’
‘Mike Powner – highly-trusted partner, known for his thorough knowledge and wide experience of employment and sports disputes.’
Key clients
Leon
Ivy Collection
Brasserie Blanc
Pearson
Wagamama
Hotel Chocolat
Goodwin Procter LLP
Parkson Mobile
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
PrimeRevenue
Work highlights
- Advised Sony PlayStation on a broad spectrum of employment law matters including advising on cross border employment law rights and protections in multiple jurisdictions.
- Assisted Belu Water on a contract and policy review.
- Defended Detego Ltd in a sensitive unfair dismissal, race and sex discrimination claim brought against the Company and against four directors made personally party to proceedings.
CM Murray LLP
CM Murray LLP‘s ‘outstanding‘ Clare Murray-led employment team continues to maintains a strong reputation for its handling of sensitive sexual harassment and bullying allegations on behalf of employers, enforcement of restrictive covenants, with High Court litigation being its key area of specialism. David Fisher and Merrill April are also highly recommended.
Practice head(s):
Clare Murray
Other key lawyers:
David Fisher; Merrill April
Testimonials
‘CM Murray is a unique employment law boutique.’
‘The legal skills of the team and the way they manage the matters is outstanding.’
‘They are proactive, open-minded, and always eager to find solutions to solve the most complex issues.’
‘Very quick reactions, deep knowledge of the client’s industry and tailor-made solutions for each of them.’
‘We find CM Murray to be very proactive.’
‘They provided solutions each time we were faced with issues and were very engaged.’
‘Clare Murray is very efficient and business-minded. She delivers high quality services. David Fisher is also a very reliable and smart lawyer.’
‘Merill April gave detailed and practical advice on a complex area of law and a sensitive personnel issue, but also astute of reputational issues.’
Work highlights
- Advising a corporate client in relation to suspected multi-jurisdictional fraud, allegedly carried out by the Shareholder, Director and Chairman in relation to a global group of wealth management companies.
- Advised a major city law firm in relation to complex issues raised by a senior employee regarding a potential pay discrepancy in the firm’s bonus scheme.
- Provides ongoing advice to a leading global law firm on a wide range of both contentious and non-contentious matters, including on grievance determinations, performance management and employee compensation.
Deloitte Legal
Offering multidisciplinary expertise with a global footprint, Deloitte Legal is a popular choice for corporate employers for cross-border TUPE transfers, reorganisations and restructurings. Practice head David Williams and the ‘exceptional‘ Andrew Lilley are its key contacts. Williams is recommended for litigation, while Lilley is the go-to for consumer industry clients, and advise involving senior executives, incentives and redundancy programmes.
Practice head(s):
David Williams
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Lilley
Testimonials
‘The team are exceptionally qualified to assist with a wide range of employment matters.’
‘Their international reach and awareness of employment law trends ensures they are equipped to partner with a growing business and provide pragmatic, business savvy employment advice across a wide range of matters.’
‘Their approach is cost effective, transparent and always focused on ensuring they provide the highest standards of customer care.’
‘Team are really business focused and commercial, yet very down to earth and offer pragmatic solutions…always try and understand clients needs and are speedy in response.’
‘The Deloitte legal team are a brilliant group of different lawyers who are skilled in various elements of employment law, so there is always someone who can help with whatever legal situation we encounter.’
‘The brilliant David Williams spends time coaching and mentoring his team so they can benefit from his years of experience. It is a credit to him and the entire team that for the past 20 years they have assisted with some tricky and sensitive situations, always successfully.’
‘David Williams first and foremost is an amazing lawyer. All of David’s team deserve a mention, and are top-class employment lawyers’.
‘Andrew Lilley is an exceptional lawyer. His experience, gravitas and commercial orientation ensures his clients receive the highest level of care, support and guidance. He is a pleasure to work with and is able to generate confidence at all levels within the business.’
Key clients
Global Luxury Travel Agency Network
Luxury Watch brand
NHS Foundation Trust
Global media company and broadcaster
Global energy trading firm
Residential and commercial property estates client
IT services and software provider
Work highlights
- Acting as the sole employment law advisor for all employment law and HR issues faced by a global energy trading firm, including defending claims of sex discrimination and victimisation with a value of c£40m.
- Advised an insurance and reinsurance institution on a post-Brexit regulatory change project relating to the way European underwriting services are provided by the insurance market, which involved multi-disciplinary advice across a number of European jurisdictions.
- Reviewed the employment law regimes and employee relations climates across 13 jurisdictions for a global financial services corporation.
Dentons
Dentons‘ employment department utilises its global network to bring in complementary expertise across multiple jurisdictions. Focusing on contentious, transactional and advisory matters, the firm advises financial institutions and multinationals on cross-border TUPE matters and employment issues arising from corporate transactions. Global chair of the employment practice, Purvis Ghani is a key figure. Former practice head Virginia Allen left the firm in 2022 to join EY Law.
Other key lawyers:
Purvis Ghani
Testimonials
‘What I particularly like, especially with respect to the senior partner, is that they do not give their advice in a vaccum. They make it their business to understand our business and to give thoughtful and measured advice based on the circumstances.’
‘The Dentons Employment practice provides high quality and on point commercial legal advice.’
‘The engagement is very client-focused, friendly and down-to-earth.’
‘Purvis Ghani is a stand-out member of the Dentons team. Personable, smart and engaging, Purvis provides a holistic approach to legal support, showing deep consideration for client needs and the relevant legal and commercial environment.’
Key clients
Mitie Group Plc
Standard Chartered Bank
Apple Inc.
CBRE
Yamaha Music Europe
MUFG Bank
Trammell Crow Company
Yondr Group
Work highlights
- Advised Mitie Group Plc on multiple claims for breach of working time, health and safety and sex discrimination raised by employees on overseas assignments.
- Advised Global Chartered Bank in relation to the business’s new flexible working policy, which was to be introduced in over 50 countries in response to the new post-pandemic working environment.
- Advised CBRE on the employment aspects of its $1.3 billion acquisition of a 60% stake in Turner & Townsend (T&T), a multinational consultancy and project management firm.
Howard Kennedy LLP
Jane Amphlett leads the employment team at Howard Kennedy LLP, where she is a recognised expert in discrimination, whistleblowing and harassment claims. ‘Extremely knowledgeable in her field’ of sports and transportation, Sam Murray-Hinde is the go-to counsel for employee issues in a unionised environment and in tribunals. Clients largely hail from the retail, charitable organisations, leisure, media and financial services.
Practice head(s):
Jane Amphlett
Other key lawyers:
Sam Murray-Hinde
Testimonials
‘Always available to be contacted.’
‘Clear and concise advice. Strength and depth.’
‘Sam Murray-Hinde is excellent. Her instructions to Counsel are concise and clear and the witness statements prepared by her always include every point that needs covering. Her trial preparation is first rate.’
‘Great team headed by Jane Amphlett – who is very experienced, hard hitting, hugely bright and very user friendly.’
‘The employment team has a thorough understanding of our industry.’
‘Advice is always credible and precise and takes into account the outcomes the business wishes to achieve.’
‘Our go to person is Sam Murray-Hinde, her advice is always very credible, precise and takes into account the goals of the business. Sam understands the background of the company having seen the various changes over the years.’
‘Sam Murray-Hinde is professional and extremely knowledgeable in her field and she is a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
PANDORA UK Limited
Condé Nast International Limited
Yorkshire Cricket Club
TriplePoint Capital
East London Bus & Coach Company Limited
South East London & Kent Bus Company Limited
Gordon Brothers International
TCI Fund Management
Ballymore Properties
Motorsport Network
Hutchison 3g UK Limited
British Gymnastics
Work highlights
- Provide regular advice to PANDORA’s HR and in-house legal team on a wide range of employment issues, including handling employment aspects of their franchising arrangements data protection and the full range of employee relations issues.
- Advised Yorkshire Cricket Club in relation to an ongoing Employment Tribunal claim and a multitude of allegations of race discrimination which had created a major crisis at the Club.
- Advising numerous luxury hotel brands and clients in the restaurant sector on spectrum of employment issues.
Keystone Law
With a deep bench strength of more than 50 lawyers and growing, Keystone Law‘s employment department is one of the largest in London owing to its vigorous recruitment drive, which saw the arrival of 8 new partners in 2021. Angharad Harris and Nicholas Robertson co-lead the practice, both with decades of experience across full range of employment issues for employers. Fraser Younson is an expert in TUPE, discrimination claims, European Works Councils, industrial disputes and restrictive covenants, among others. Emma Clark has niche expertise in maternity law and family-friendly rights, while the arrival of Lee McIntyre-Hamilton strengthens the practice’s expertise in global mobility and international employment tax.
Other key lawyers:
Nicholas Robertson; Angharad Harris; Fraser Younson; Emma Clark; Lee McIntyre-Hamilton; Rob Eldridge
Testimonials
‘The enormous strength of Keystone Law is their unique blend of individuals who, although having individual practices clearly share their considerable experience to bring a refreshing objectivity to the presentation of their clients’ case.’
‘Angharard Harris is very accessible, straightforward and a problem solver.’
‘Clear, pragmatic advice protecting our position as employer.’
‘Keystone Law is my go to practice for any legal issue or need I have.’
‘Their flexible approach to working, and broad offering of legal expertise makes them unique in the market.’
‘Their biggest strength is the breath of legal sectors and understanding from employment to commercial to property to licensing etc.’
‘They have a large agile team, without the huge overhead costs, that can really help support across any legal matter.’
‘Angharad Harris is the best in the business. She continues to go above and beyond across all employment law matters and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to all and everyone. She is by far the best lawyer I have ever had the privilege of working with.’
Key clients
Simmons & Simmons LLP
Newsells Park Stud Limited
Coach Stores Limited
Ipc Information Systems
Tokentraxx Trading Ltd
Work highlights
- Provided advice to Simmons & Simmons LLP in defending an employment Tribunal claim brought by a former partner who resides outside the UK but who was seeking to bring a claim in the English Employment Tribunal.
- Assisting Tokentraxx Trading Ltd with the legal aspects of the set-up and launch.
McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP
McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP ‘pragmatic' and ‘collaborative' duo Paul McGrath and practice head, Katie Clark are skilled in TUPE, employment status and worker classification issues, HR-related data privacy matters, complex investigations and employment litigation. The firm is a favourite with corporates from from the healthcare, financial and professional services, manufacturing, sports and TMT sectors.
Practice head(s):
Katie Clark
Other key lawyers:
Paul McGrath
Testimonials
‘A range of legal services with a particular understanding of US/UK client matters.’
‘Very collaborative and easy to work with.’
‘Paul McGrath and Katie Clark are hands on and very collaborative partners, who get into the detail rather than throwing work over their shoulder.’
‘Really enjoyable to work with and quick to mobilise and effective at advising on what matters.’
‘Pragmatic, common sense approach to matters.’
‘Honest and upfront about their advice.’
‘Paul McGrath is personable, approachable, knowledgeable and almost always available. He assimilates information quickly, understands the business and its drivers and makes recommendations based on this.’
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
At Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, Paul Mander leverages over 30 years’ experience in contentious and non-contentious employment and partnership matters. Recognised for his expertise in boardroom disputes, employment status issues and restrictive covenants/injunctions, he is sought after by a range of employers, from financial institutions through to e-commerce operators. Elsewhere, Andrew Haywood has a strong sports-side focus and often advises on misuse of confidential information, social media and competitive moves. Nick Humphreys is the key contact for international and maritime aspects of employment law.
Practice head(s):
Paul Mander
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Haywood; Nick Humphreys
Testimonials
‘Penningtons’ employment team is second to none.’
‘Comprehensive legal knowledge, wide-ranging experience and great practical insight.’
‘Nick Humphreys has a wealth of experience dealing with the full range of employment law issues, giving him both the legal knowledge and the practical experience to be a leader in the field.’
‘Great team. I think their emphasis on the employment/regulatory interface is a distinguishing factor.’
‘The team at Penningtons have been amazing, assisting with very unique queries on our employment matters and contracts.’
‘They always deliver a professional and competent service, provided in both a friendly and accessible manner.’
‘Andrew Hayward is a very knowledgeable partner who has a great ability to understand and resolve complex employment issues. I value and trust he is providing the best advice for our business.’
‘Nick Humphries is a first class employment litigator. Nick is responsive, commercial and a delight to work with. Nick doesn’t pull his punches.’
Key clients
The College of General Dentistry
Xace Limited
Farfetch Uk Limited
Arup
Ocado Central services Ltd trading as Ocado
Ikon Science
Playtech
Cenkos Securities
Markettiers
Trayport Limited
Lanson International UK Limited t/a Lanson Champagne
Bucher Industries AG
John McAslan + Partners
Amelco
Work highlights
- Continue to support a number of listed clients on day-to-day matters, employment claims and C-Suite recruitment and terminations.
- Successfully defended an international financial services company in a claim of unfair dismissal and discrimination, achieving a Strike Out of the claim.
- Advised a major international leisure travel company in relation to its resumption of operations in the UK, including the introduction of policies limiting guests and staff to those who are Covid-vaccinated.
PwC LLP
Chris Perkins co-leads PwC LLP’s global employment law team where he is known for his international expertise, ranging from employment aspects of start-ups, through day-to-day compliance requirements and HR documentation. Ed Stacey is the lead expert on inclusion and diversity matters, gender pay reviews, equal pay audits, partner investigations and associated litigation.
Practice head(s):
Chris Perkins
Other key lawyers:
Ed Stacey
Key clients
BBC
British Airways
GE
John Lewis Partnership
The Pensions Regulator
Bourne Leisure Limited
Disaranno
Halfords Limited
Locala Community Partnership
Work highlights
- Advisor to the Pensions Regulator, providing day-to-day HR and employment law advice, training and tribunal litigation support.
Winckworth Sherwood LLP
Jo Keddie leads the employment department at Winckworth Sherwood LLP, where she is a highly experienced counsel in High Court and tribunals and is equally skilled in non-contentious and HR advisory matters. She is recommended for complex and sensitive investigations, particularly in relation to organisations and individuals who are subject to regulation in the legal, accountancy and financial sectors. Andrea London and Blair Adams are the other key figures.
Practice head(s):
Jo Keddie
Other key lawyers:
Andrea London; Blair Adams
Testimonials
‘Andrea London always provides exceptional advice from a commercial angle. Probably the best relationship I have had with an employment lawyer in my career.’
‘Lovely firm to work with.’
‘The firm has a very good employment practice, all of whom are very client friendly and hard working and are able to deal with some really tricky specialist issues.’
‘WS is a very pro-active firm in the disputes that they have supported me on.’
‘The Partners and Associates speak both law and business – for me an essential component in any law firm.’
‘I have yet to look at one of their invoices and considered it anything other than value for money.’
‘Andrea London – highly experienced; excellent listening and communication skills; pro-active; commercial; fearless.’
‘Blair Adams is hands on with a relaxed manner that instantly puts clients at ease.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas Real Estate
Mountview Estates P.L.C.
The Financial Conduct Authority
Reliance Bank
R Raphael & Sons plc
Vistra Group
AEG Europe
Edwards Limited
Arnold & Porter
Arnold & Porter takes a niche focus and primarily advises on employment issues impacting the healthcare, life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. It reports an uptick in pan-European instructions and global projects, particularly in relation to cross-border employment privacy compliance. The firm also handles internal investigations, whistle-blowing and overlapping regulatory issues. ‘Outstanding‘ Henry Clinton-Davis is the practice head.
Practice head(s):
Henry Clinton-Davis
Testimonials
‘An international firm with a broad coverage across all legal disciplines. The partners and practitioners are all professional, responsive and excellent at what they do.’
‘They are diverse in terms of background and gender – which is good to see and says something about the values of the firm.’
‘Henry Clinton-Davis is an outstanding employment lawyer. He is deeply knowledgeable about employment law and practical in its application in a business setting.’
‘Henry Clinton-Davis stands out as an excellent lawyer in his field. His analysis is astute and incisive, and he adds significant value when advising and representing clients. I thoroughly recommend him.’
‘Henry Clinton Davis’ work ethic goes beyond the call of duty. He is very entrepreneurial in his approach which is welcomed by my firm of predominantly type A personalities. He becomes an extension of our team.’
‘Cross-border employment expertise is magic circle standard expertise but much better priced. Very responsive and act as listening board rather than simply taking all cases on.’
‘Henry Clinton-Davis is exceptional. Insightful advice and hand-holding goes beyond regular legal input. A consigliere and a counsel. Top class.’
‘Excellent skills as employment lawyers, combination of strong legal expertise combined with client focus.’
Key clients
Roche Diagnostics Limited
Roche Diabetes Care Limited
Wheels Up
TELUS International
McArthurGlen
WorldStrides
Strada
Skillsoft UK Limited
Argenta Syndicate Management
Novartis
BDB Pitmans
BDB Pitmans specialises in employment advice in relation to business structuring and transactions, with cross-border restructuring, workplace contracts and advice on industrial relations being core areas of work. Practice head Brian Gegg is a recommended counsel for all manner of HR support, particularly in the real estate, transport and IT sectors.
Practice head(s):
Brian Gegg
Testimonials
‘The team are very pleasant and are also available no matter the time.’
‘They go above and beyond!’
‘This practice gives a client outstanding personal attention and an excellent professional advice.’
‘My experience of this practice is one which is pragmatic and commercial – they have taken a fresh approach to billing which has their client at the forefront.’
‘The individuals I work with are engaging and client first – they do not fit the mould of “stuffy lawyer” – they are down to earth, commercial and easy to relate to whilst being technically strong and professional.’
‘This practice gives a client outstanding personal attention and an excellent professional advice.’
‘The understand our business.’
‘They always advise on the options available and we decide what work they do for us or we do it ourselves and they simply review and advise of any changes.’
Key clients
Harwood Capital LLP
Smurfit Kappa UK Limited
Jones Lang La Salle (JLL)
Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
SITA Inc
The Doctors Laboratory
Tony’s Chocolonely Ltd
Colliers International
Mapeley Group / Salisbury Workplace Ltd
London General Transport Services (Go-Ahead Buses)
Work highlights
- Advised SITA Inc UK on critical and high value HR matters, a significant restructure of working practices across the UK, shift issues relating to furlough, and confidentiality protections across the business.
- Advised Go-Ahead London in on-going employment tribunals claims.
Bevan Brittan LLP
Specialising in servicing the health, social-care and public services markets, Bevan Brittan LLP holds a strong client roster comprised of NHS Trusts, local government bodies, higher education establishment and private sector employers. Jodie Sinclair leads the team and is assisted by the ‘exceptional‘ Alastair Currie.
Practice head(s):
Jodie Sinclair
Other key lawyers:
Alastair Currie
Testimonials
‘The team have a great deal of experience in employment matters relating to doctors, which is a complex area and I have not come across anyone else who has such a comprehensive understanding.’
‘Alastair Currie is exceptional. Really thoughtful, knowledgeable, practical and responsive.’
‘The team are ably led by Jodie Sinclair. I am always confident that Jodie will have grip on a case and set out clearly the options available to me.’
‘They are highly responsive, creative in their solutions and give robust and clear guidance.’
‘Jodie Sinclair is outstanding. Clarity of thought and advice at all times. Tireless in a management of cases and immensely able.’
‘Jodie Sinclair is able to take clear strategic view point on matters and draw in additional expert resource as needed.’
‘Alastair Currie is excellent. Genuinely insightful and practical, with superb judgment.’
‘Jodie Sinclair is commercial, straightforward and has the ability to cut to the chase easily and with real skill.’
Key clients
Barts Health NHS Trust
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
St Georges Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust,
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust
Isle of Wight NHS Trust
Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Solent NHS Trust
Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust
Huntercombe Group
King Edwards VII Hospital
Circle Healthcare
Healthcare at Home
Holmes Care Group
Virgin Healthcare
Bromley Healthcare CIC
Work highlights
- Advised St George’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Epsom & St Helier NHS Trust on the adoption of a group leadership model.
- Advised Clece Care Services on the workforce implications of the pandemic, and assisted with the implementation of hybrid working models across their corporate services.
- Advised the Royal United Bath NHS Foundation Trust on the acquisition of the Circle Bath hospital, a formerly independent hospital run by Circle Healthcare which provides care for both private and NHS patients.
Brahams Dutt Badrick French LLP
Brahams Dutt Badrick French LLP's name partner Gareth Brahams
leads a group of ‘technically highly skilled lawyers with emotional intelligence and strategic nous'. Continuing to focus on the regulated financial services and insurance sectors, the group routinely handle matters at the intersection of employment and regulatory law, such as Solvency II, the Remuneration Code, and on Solicitors Regulation Authority implications in respect of sexual harassment. It is also recognised for its capabilities in employment litigation.
Practice head(s):
Gareth Brahams
Testimonials
‘BDBF’s practice for employers is increasing wide-ranging and astute.’
‘Their historical experience of acting for individuals sets them apart from many employer-only firms.’
‘The are an efficient, responsive and resourceful team.’
‘BDBF handles a very significant volume of litigation – possibly more than any other employment team in the UK.’
‘Phenomenal employment law specialists for both employer and employee.’
‘Their lawyers are technically highly skilled but also have huge emotional intelligence and strategic nous which is essential when dealing with employment disputes.’
‘I wouldn’t go anywhere else for contentious employment matters.’
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP continues to assist major blue-chip international and FTSE-100 companies in their UK employment matters, and is noted for its litigious capabilities as well as handling cross-border restructuring and redundancy exercises. Clients hail from the financial services, defence, transport, retail, healthcare, energy and the public sector. Key figures Adrian Martin and Chris Seaton divide their time between the London and Bristol offices.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Martin
Other key lawyers:
Chris Seaton; Luke Bowery
Testimonials
‘The employment team at Burges Salmon that I deal with always provide exceptional and very practical advice. They are exceptionally responsive to requests for help, and have have managed some extremely complex cases that I’ve had to deal with over the years. The team members have their own strengths which is a real asset in being able to work the cases and issues that come in which need to be dealt with.’
‘The Burges Salmon employment team have an enviable, diverse and heavyweight client list and are trusted to handle some of the most sensitive and complex employment disputes around. Their approach of partnering closely with business provides real value add. They are not afraid to point out weaknesses to clients, while providing proactive ways to address and remedy challenging situations.’
‘Very commercially aware and interested in getting the correct legal analysis when dealing with practical problems.’
‘Luke Bowery always provides excellent, practical advice which I trust.’
‘Luke Bowery – a shrewd tactician who is an excellent leader of his team.’ ‘
Adrian Martin – a trusted adviser to top tier clients.’
‘Luke Bowery is very capable and responsive. He has extensive experience in dealing with employment issues affecting large commercial entities, including dealing with industrial action.’
Key clients
Babcock International Group plc
Thomson Reuters
BAE Systems plc
John Lewis Partnership
FirstGroup plc
Bank of Ireland
The Crown Estate
PGA European Tour
Reiss
Work highlights
- Advised global insurer MAPFRE Asistencia on the employment aspects of the sale of its subsidiary, the UK travel insurance business InsureandGo to AllClear Travel Insurance.
- Continue to successfully defend John Lewis Partnership across a wide range of Employment Tribunal claims, spanning unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal and discrimination.
- Advising BAE Systems on a full range of employment and HR issues.
Fladgate LLP
Fladgate LLP is a solid choice for employment related issues relating to corporate transactions, with demonstratable depth of expertise in outsourcing and TUPE regulations. Practice head Taj Rehal is assisted by partner Mike Tremeer in handling the full breadth of matters, from multinational re-organisations through to complex litigation.
Practice head(s):
Taj Rehal
Other key lawyers:
Mike Tremeer
Testimonials
‘Fladgate are unique in their ability respond quickly and with domain depth in their areas of expertise.’
‘Their advice pulls upon their multi-faceted team of partners and associates.’
‘Combined with a very approachable corporate culture, strong interpersonal and social skills, their advice and representation is top-tier.’
‘I have found both Mike Tremeer and Fladgate to be exceptional. He is an experienced partner, and his focus on the outcome more useful than approaches used by others and he’s without doubt a better human being.’
‘The Fladgate team are always very strong in providing legal advice in a commercial context. Deep and broad knowledge, excellent accessibility and responsiveness and always very strong on detail.’
‘All the individuals in the Employment Team work together well. Highly experienced, clear communicators and all excellent at applying the law in a commercial context.’
‘Fladgate has an extreme eye for detail which can be both great for the client but also detrimental.’
‘Mike Tremeer is an extremely charismatic attorney, very capable too.’
Key clients
Zouk Capital LLP
Eren Paper
Work highlights
- Continue to advise Zouk Capital LLP on employment matters in relation to several corporate transactions.
- Advised Eren Paper on the successful acquisition of Shotton Paper Mill in North Wales.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
Owing to its international presence, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher routinely acts for UK, Middle-East and US based corporates on their cross-border corporate transactions, restructurings, collective representation and data privacy. The firm is also well equipped to represent clients in high value employment disputes, particularly in relation to team moves and restrictive covenants. James Cox is the lead partner.
Practice head(s):
James Cox
Testimonials
‘The GDC Employer Team is very knowledgeable, capable, proactive and deliver all projects in a timely manner’
‘James Cox and his team have been very supportive.’
‘Great team, bundles of experience.’
Key clients
AT&T Inc.
Amazon
Cinven
Asda/Walmart
Marubeni
Investcorp
Accenture
Salesforce
Trustpilot
Platinum Equity
Work highlights
- Advised telecommunications company AT&T on the UK employment aspects of its $1.4 billion sale of Warner Bros. Games’ Playdemic, Ltd., the mobile games studio responsible for Golf Clash, to Electronic Arts.
- Advised Trustpilot, a leading global review platform, on employment aspects in connection with its IPO and London listing.
- Provided employment advise to L Catterton, Wittington Investments and Sweaty Betty in the $410 million sale of Sweaty Betty, a global fitness, activewear, and lifestyle brand.
Harbottle & Lewis LLP
At Harbottle & Lewis LLP, Marian Derham is well known for advising clients in the entertainment, theatre, music, fashion and the creative arts. Howard Hymanson leads the contentious side of the practice, often acting in novel claims at the crossroads of employment and personal injury law. He also has experience in defending claims of workplace bullying and stress, often in the professional services sector. Yvonne Gallagher is the key figure for board disputes and corporate transactions.
Practice head(s):
Yvonne Gallagher; Howard Hymanson
Other key lawyers:
Marian Derham
Testimonials
‘Very responsive; very good understanding of industry and commercial factors; clear practical advice.’
‘Marian Derham provides clear, commercial and very good advice across a range of employment issues and I have been able to rely on her to guide us through a number of complex and time sensitive matters. She is also very responsive and a pleasure to work with.’
‘What makes Harbottles so right for us as a company is their human focus and pragmatism.’
‘The legal advice is always there and exactly what we need, with pragmatism and logic.’
‘Yvonne Gallagher is fantastic. Warm, approachable and a hugely knowledgeable advisor.’
‘Marian Derham is a very pleasant colleague to work with; she is responsive, quick to deal with complex matters and highly proficient.’
‘Every single person I work with from Harbottles is hugely helpful, quickly available and pragmatic.’
‘The advice is always incredibly valuable.’
Key clients
YKK Fastening Products Group
Taj International Hotels
NFU Mutual Insurance Society
LAMDA
Society of London Theatre
Wolford UK
GP & J Baker
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Nimax Theatres
ASL Airlines
Work highlights
- Advised Team England Players partnership on various employment matters relating to COVID-19.
- Continue to advise Crossroads Live Limited (world leading producer of large scale theatre productions) on their employment, HR and immigration related needs.
- Advised a large and well-known brand in the hospitality sector on its contractual arrangements and policies with employees.
Kennedys
Focusing on the insurance and transportation sectors, Kennedys' lead lawyer Matthew Leake demonstrates expertise supporting clients in day-to-day HR matters and in reorganisations, redundancies and drafting employment-related contracts. The firm has a niche acting for unionised employers and litigating in respect of industrial action disputes and other trade union related law.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Leake
Testimonials
‘Matthew Leake always stands out as an exceptional employment lawyer who has great judgment which is rare and someone who is very personable.’
‘Matthew Leake is the key individual I have worked with on a regular basis for some years. He is incredibly client-focused and has excellent commercial and legal judgment.’
‘They just know how to get results which is largely what it is all about.’
Key clients
AIG
RSA
Travelers
Liberty
Stagecoach Group
First Group
Abellio Group
Virgin Trains Group
Freightliner Group
USI Group
Work highlights
- Successfully represented East Midlands Railway in a widely reported case before the EAT where it found that a quantum meruit claim for work done outside of the scope of an employee’s contract of employment could not be pursued as an unlawful deduction from wages claim.
- Assisting Stagecoach with the impact of furlough and other Covid-related arrangements over a number of different operating companies at a variety of locations, with various different terms and conditions and collective bargaining arrangements in place.
- Acting on behalf of global insurers AIG, RSA, Chubb and Travelers in the defence of Employment Practices Liability claims brought against various employers covered by insurance.
Memery Crystal (part of RBG Legal Services)
Following acquisition by RBH Holdings in 2021, Memery Crystal (part of RBG Legal Services) fields the transactional and employment advisory expertise of Stephen Ravenscroft, with the disputes capabilities of sister-firm Rosenblatt. The group has also added two partners, Sarah Glockler and Michelle Chance, to enhance its non-contentious HR offering, including disciplinary and grievance matters, and its growing financial services and US based client roster.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Ravenscroft
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Glockler; Michele Chance
Testimonials
‘Stephen Ravenscroft is technically excellent, very responsive and great at finding a balance between technical issues and commercial pragmatism.’
‘Very practical lawyers who are able to provide practical ready to use advice.’
‘Always meet deadlines – even when extremely short.’
‘Go above and beyond to support with excellent business acumen.’
‘Sarah Glockler is a real star of the employment bar linking tribunal and high court litigation. She gets the best results for claimants.’
‘The team was attentive and accessible at all times, very good at communicating clearly and prompt in dealing with issues in a very straightforward and timely manner.’
‘Stephen Ravenscroft was exceptionally impressive. He and his team were extremely thorough and collaborative throughout.’
‘Stephen Ravenscroft inspires confidence and I, as a client felt in safe hands at all times.’
Key clients
Norwex
Young Living
ToughBuilt Industries
Nitro Software
Sterling EMEA
Ashtrom Properties
Aramco Overseas Company
CyberArk
J O Hambro Capital Management
Gresham House
Atlas Air
MeetingZone
Windward
Tungsten Corporation
Arlington
Chariot Oil & Gas
Paced Group
NORD/LB
Atlas Air
Ridgeway Partners
Oakmont Construction
Trish McEvoy
ICAEW
Afentra (formerly Sterling Energy)
Smartspace Software
Delta Fitness
Hempoland
Dandi Living/York House Trading
Songtradr
Bangkok Bank
Unity Five
Broadcast Revolution
Work highlights
- Advising the European business of Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, in relation to a range of employment matters.
- Advising the EMEA business of Sterling, a leader in background and identity services, on a wide variety of HR matters including in a number of European and Asia-Pacific jurisdictions.
- Advising on the employment aspects of the acquisition by Mediobanca’s UK business Cairn Capital of Bybrook Capital.
Paul Hastings LLP
Suzanne Horne leads Paul Hastings LLP's full-service employment department where she is lauded as an ‘excellent technical expert and litigation strategist’. The firm also demonstrates capabilities advising on multi-jurisdictional employee transitions, restructures, transactional work and HR counselling.
Practice head(s):
Suzanne Horne
Testimonials
‘The team at Paul Hastings is small but top quality.’
‘Led by the talented Suzanne Horne it covers all the key areas of employment law a commercial business needs. Suzanne and the firm are highly regarded for its diversity work.’
‘They think outside the box to deliver pragmatic solutions to complex and challenging matters.’
‘Suzanne Horne is an excellent technical expert and litigation strategist. She sees all the angles, is astute and tactical and great to have alongside you in a tricky case. A strong communicator who has a good sense of what your opponent’s moves.’
‘Suzanne Horne is a delight to work with. She has a reassuring confidence and calm and assuring approach.’
‘Suzanne Horne is a cornerstone for UK employment law.’
‘Suzanne Horne leads a team of extraordinarily skilful lawyers in providing common sense advice, expert prompt handling and solid advice for myriad problems.’
‘Suzanne is a delight to deal with both personally and professionally; excellent drafting skills, insight and strategic advice. Her younger team members have followed her lead beautifully.’
Key clients
AIG Inc., AIG Financial Products Corp. and AIG Management France, S.A.
Chevron Products (UK) Limited
De Vere Hotels
McAfee Enterprise (Musarubra US LLC)
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Uphold
The Bank of London
Philip Morris International
Booz Allen Hamilton
Masimo Corporation
World Vision International
Moody’s Corporation
Work highlights
- Successfully defended AIG and two of its subsidiaries against claims that deferred compensation accounts of bankers in London were improperly reduced and should have been restored notwithstanding massive losses that were sustained by an AIG subsidiary as a result of the financial crisis in 2008.
- Assisted Chevron Products (UK) Limited on a number of key projects for its EMEA business during the pandemic, which included health and wellbeing initiative being rolled out across the EU.
- Assisted De Vere Hotels with the restructure of its business as a result of the lockdown restrictions.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Demonstrating ‘strength in depth’ Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘ practice is led by Emma Burrows who leads on business transformations, TUPE, inclusivity measures and managing senior staff exits and board disputes. Nicola Ihnatowicz is another key partner advising on sustainable workforces and providing HR support.
Practice head(s):
Emma Burrows
Other key lawyers:
Nicola Ihnatowicz
Testimonials
‘There is strength in depth. When the excellent lawyer that was advising me had to take an unavoidable leave of absence another partner stepped in who was also excellent.’
‘They are extremely knowledgeable, reliable and efficient.’
‘They are friendly; not at all stuffy, with a sense of humour.’
‘Nicola Ihnatowicz is a top-tier employment lawyer that combines personal skills with outstanding subject matter knowledge.’
‘Their advice is always very detailed and incredibly useful. It is the best legal employment advice I’ve ever had.’
‘Trowers Tuesday development sessions are very useful. We have had bespoke training from them which was also excellent. They have also been key to our HR policy review. Nothing phases them!’
‘Emma Burrows – Great leadership of the employment team we deal with as a whole and sets the expectations and standards we receive. Knows our industry and its challenges.’
‘Emma Burrows heads up the employment law and pensions division. She is always a pleasure to work with and is very clear and very supportive. She is genuinely interested in the work of our sector and the value it adds to society.’
Key clients
Clarion Housing Group
Save the Children UK
Currie & Brown International Limited
The Disabilities Trust
Numerical Algorithms Group
Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP
Southwark Council
English Heritage Trust
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Work highlights
- Advised Save the Children on a sensitive and strategic matter affecting the internationally renowned charity.
- Advised a large number of employers operating in the social care sector on the implementation and subsequently abandoned regulations requiring compulsory vaccination against COVID.
- Acted for Inflexion LLP and a range of their portfolio companies on matters of strategic importance and significant value.
Wallace LLP
Wallace LLP continues to be a sought after counsel for employers in discrimination and whistleblowing litigation. The firm is also known for its niche representing household names in the hospitality/leisure and commercial real estate sectors. Joining in April 2022, former Hill Dickinson LLP partner James Williams grew the client base to include names in the education, financial services, advertising and tech sectors. He is also one of a handful of specialist maritime employment lawyers. Daniel Isaac leads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Isaac
Other key lawyers:
James Williams
Testimonials
‘Daniel and team are exceptional business partners who are expert in their field, work sensitively and with empathy.’
‘Its and absolute pleasure to work with Wallace LLP employment team.’
‘They are very prompt with their response, they listen to our individual needs and support us accordingly.’
‘They would deal with all our queries on the same day and if they are busy they will call us to establish urgency of our query and action accordingly.’
‘They have delivered outstanding customer service and exceeded all our expectations.’
Key clients
Metrus Limited
TradingView UK Limited
Hilton Community Services Limited
Vivobarefoot
Henry Schein UK Holding Ltd
Software of Excellence
The Feed Group
Intratone UK Ltd
Saffron Brand Consultants Ltd
Equiteq Advisors Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Hilton Community Services Limited on the implications of the controversial vaccination as a condition of deployment regulations.
- Advising TradingView on all manner of employment matters that arise during the lifecycle of a business and the nuances of English employment law.
- Advised Gerald Edelman and Gerald Edelman LLP on the restructuring of their business.
Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP fields a ‘competent, practical team with talent distributed fully throughout’. Led by Adam Grant, the practice has developed a niche representing financial services companies with extensive capabilities supporting on global corporate transactions, business reorganisations and litigation. Grant also has a keen following among household names in the hospitality and creative arts sectors.
Practice head(s):
Adam Grant
Testimonials
‘The team makes the difference, their knowledge, reactivity and availability are always 100%.’
‘Adam Grant and his team are excellent. His advice is always spot on and he steers us through any issues we may have with sensitivity and clarity.’
‘A competent, practical team, with talent distributed fully throughout the team.’
‘The team, led by Adam Grant, go the extra mile to get to know your business, the key personnel and what you are looking to achieve.’
‘They deliver a service that is responsive, efficient and commercial.’
‘What makes the team stand apart is its ability to cut through the legal challenges and provide pragmatic and effective advice.’
‘They truly are trusted advisors.’
‘Adam Grant is our go to solicitor of choice. A true partner who cares about you and your business. He understand the law, explains it in a clear and concise manner and provides exceptional commercial solutions.’
Key clients
Fuller, Smith & Turner
TRAD Group
TriSpan Rising Stars GP Limited
The Relais Cooden Beach Holding Limited
Work highlights
- Advising TriSpan Rising Stars GP Limited on the employment aspects of a significant majority stake in the Vietnamese restaurant group, Pho.
- Advising a global recruitment business on the legal and practical employment and date protection challenges posed by clients requiring candidates to be vaccinated against COVID.
- Providing multi-jurisdictional advice to Kroll Advisory on return to office policies, vaccinations and related rules.
White & Case LLP
Nicholas Greenacre heads the EMEA employment, compensation and benefits team at White & Case LLP focusing on corporate transactions, reorganisations and the establishment of management incentive plans in a private equity context. Helen Joseph is the lead lawyer for cross-border employment exercises and restructuring, outsourcing and HR issues.
Practice head(s):
Nicholas Greenacre
Other key lawyers:
Helen Joseph
Testimonials
‘The quality of the partners with whom I work distinguishes the team.’
‘They are excellent.’
‘Nicholas Greenacre and Helen Joseph are superb lawyers who quietly reassure as to the resolution of an issue in an efficient, soft manner, showcasing both their knowledge and their professionalism.’
‘They have demonstrated to me an appreciation for the corporate context where we seek to fix problems in the least dramatic way.’
‘I have come to rely on their advice and good judgment, and happily would introduce them to others.’
‘Very hands on and commercial.’
‘Individually very knowledgeable but also make good use of others/team.’
‘They have a good understanding of the culture of my organisation, what we are trying to achieve and the personalities who work for us.’
Key clients
Neighbourly Brands Limited
Kobalt Ltd.
SoftBank
Faurecia
Neste Oyj
EIG Global Energy Partners
Klarna
DiscoverIE
Kentech Corporate Holdings
DP World
Work highlights
- Advised on employment issues of Neighbourly Brands’ acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Pimlico Group Limited and Sail Street Holdings.
- Advised Faurecia, on employment aspects in connection to the sale of its Acoustics and Soft Trim (AST) division to the Adler Pelzer Group.
- Advised Softbank Vision Fund on its US$130m investment in the Series B round of Envelop Risk Analytics Limited’s $130m Series B round at a pre-money valuation of $330m.
Withers LLP
Leading the employment practice at Withers LLP, Meriel Schindler is a trusted counsel to household name charities, financial services businesses and fashion/luxury brands, advising on a range of matters, from contract negotiations to sensitive investigations and disputes. Other key partners Claire Christy and Hugh More are are particularly active in partnership disputes and day-to day support on matters arising out of the pandemic.
Practice head(s):
Meriel Schindler
Other key lawyers:
Claire Christy; Huge More
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable as you would expect, but practical and focused on the best commercial outcome for their client.’
‘Claire Christy is outstanding: calm, measured, commercial, always looking to the desired outcome.’
‘Incredible strength and depth at all levels of the team, and highly experienced.’
‘They have a wide range of high quality employer clients.’
‘Meriel Schindler is very experienced, excellent with clients, possessed of an incisive mind, she has excellent judgment and is calm under pressure.’
‘Claire Christy is excellent. Very bright and clients love her. Always gets a great deal in negotiations, Claire knows what buttons to push but remains able to maintain pragmatic relationships with opponents.’
‘Employment team with particular expertise in litigating high value dispute for individuals.’
‘Hugh More has provided us with great and very sensible advice during a difficult period. He was always very supportive and his guidance was much appreciated.’
Key clients
NCVO
REDD Intelligence Ltd
Galileo Global Education
Aston Martin Racing Cognizant (formerly Racing Point UK Limited)
Guide Dogs
Winton Capital Management Limited/ Winton Group
Edward James Foundation
Octo SpA
Saltpay
Work highlights
- Provided employment advice on TUPE and Covid-dispersed employees, amongst others to NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations).
- Continue to work with Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team on a diverse range of sensitive, high-profile and technically demanding employment matters.
- Advised Galileo Global Education on the acquisition this year of Liverpool Media Academy.
Bellevue Law
Bellevue Law is a boutique practice with a focus on servicing tech companies, professional service business and start-ups in all manner of employment and HR issues; from preparing contracts and policies, through to investigations, negotiated exits and employment disputes. Florence Brocklesby heads the practice, which also includes senior consultant Rachel Clementson.
Practice head(s):
Florence Brocklesby
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Clementson
Testimonials
‘Florence Brocklesby has been a great support to and I cannot recommend her highly enough. She has kept us safe. We are truly grateful for the support she gives us.’
‘Florence Brocklesby has deep knowledge and a practical approach in advising on all employment law.’
‘Florence is exceptional – A pleasure to deal with: positive, responsive, practical.’
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLP expanded its international employment and global mobility expertise with the arrival of practice head Gareth Wadley (from Gateley Plc) together with of counsel Lizzie Field in late 2021. The team, which also includes of counsel Justin Costley, works alongside its corporate department to lend its complementary expertise in TUPE and employment related aspects of large outsourcing projects.
Practice head(s):
Gareth Wadley
Other key lawyers:
Lizzie Field; Justin Costley
Testimonials
‘Informed, pragmatic advice based on quick and effective resolution rather than prolonged attack or defence and tribunals.’
‘Justin Costley aims to achieve simple, practical solutions that enable both business and employee to move forward. He’s communicative but keeps to the point and there has never been any sense that things are being done for the sake of it or for additional billing.’
Key clients
Capgemini UK plc
Genomics England Limited
IXICO plc
WPP
Blue Diamond
Flexera Software Limited
OMass Therapeutics Limited
Optal Financial Limited
Work highlights
- Advised WPP on the employment aspects arising from its acquisition of Satalia.
- Advise Baringa Partners on all of its local and international employment matters and its global expansion plans.
- Advised Cashplus on all of the employment and HR issues and considerations arising from its banking licence approval and application of the Senior Managers & Certification Regime.
Cooley (UK) LLP
Cooley (UK) LLP's employment expertise ranges from complex corporate transactions to reputational risk issues and other litigation, as well as employee data protection issues - a niche specialty of the practice. The firm is also active on global corporate transactions and restructuring exercises, owing to its global presence. Ann Bevitt is the key partner.
Practice head(s):
Ann Bevitt
Testimonials
‘Cooley offers very practical advice.’
‘The level of responsiveness and the implied care resulting from the immediacy of the response creates a sense of importance that’s reassuring and valuable.’
‘The smooth connectivity between the different members of the team and the strong client service culture that underpins their collaborative approach means that there is never a sense of being passed off between individuals.’
Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris demonstrates strengths advising multinationals, SME’s and start-ups on organised labour and trade disputes. To complement its contentious practice, the team led by Nic Hart also supports clients with TUPE transfers, large-scale reorganisations, contract drafting and executive dismissals.
Practice head(s):
Nic Hart
Other key lawyers:
Alice Head
Testimonials
‘We have dealt with Nic Hart for a number of years and followed him when he changed practices. He is very knowledgeable in his field and when asking for advice he will tell you exactly how it is and the risks involved.’
‘I have built a good relationship with Nic Hart. He has time for you as a person and will message you on a personal level for example if you have a birthday which is a really nice touch as he is not all about the fees and goes out of his way to build that relationship.’
‘Extremely responsive, pro-active and creative. Knowledgeable in employment law and practical.’
Edwin Coe LLP
Edwin Coe LLP has a longstanding track record working with clients in financial services, engineering, charities and TMT sectors. Extending its contentious and non-contentious offering the group added Clare Gilroy-Scott and Alexandra Bonner from David Bigmore & Co in Association with Goodman Derrick LLP, both with experience acting across the whole employment law spectrum. Practice head Linky Trott 'combines excellent professional skills with a client service approach’. Ruth Hickling and Emma Sangeelee are the other key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Linky Trott
Other key lawyers:
Clare Gilroy-Scott; Alexandra Bonner; Ruth Hickling; Emma Sangeelee
Testimonials
‘Head of employment, Linky Trott is fantastic to work with. She has a vast knowledge of employment law, is highly intelligent and I have never found her flummoxed by anything.’
‘Linky Trott is a clear communicator who shows commercial flexibility with an understanding of detail.’
‘Very experienced battle hardened practitioners who deliver provide good pragmatic advice.’
‘Compared to others they are good value for others.’
‘Ruth Hickling provides pragmatic advice. She quickly grasps the situation and provides options whilst explaining the level of risk with each option. A pleasure to work with and always delivers even when the timeline is short.’
‘The Edwin Coe team, led by Linky Trott, provided us with first class advice on both points of law and on the best approach to take, adroitly using KC skills on specialist points of law.’
‘Linky Trott is a delight to work with, she combines excellent professional skills with a client service approach which sets clear expectations and also makes her client feel that she has complete focus on their needs.’
‘Linky Trott absolutely treats you as if you were her most important client, treats you with compassion and explains everything perfectly.’
Key clients
Chubb Fire & Security Ltd and Chubb (NI) Ltd
Otis Ltd
Choice International Limited and Choice Forex Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Choice International and Choice Forex in dispute with former employee terminated summarily for alleged mismanagement of accounting records and theft.
Excello Law
Boasting an eight-partner employment team, Excello Law is experienced in drafting documentation, defending tribunal claims, High Court injunction proceedings, restructuring and redundancies, investigations disciplinaries and grievances. The firm also receives a significant amount of instructions on employment aspects of corporate transactions. David Greenhalgh and Hina Belitz are the key contacts.
Practice head(s):
David Greenhalgh; Hina Belitz
Testimonials
‘Excello Law is an excellent practice – their employers’ side employment litigation team is incredibly professional and exceedingly competent.’
‘In contrast to many other employment litigation departments at similar firms, Excello’s work is always exemplary and makes acting for their clients very easy.’
‘Hina Belitz and her team are consistently really strong performers. They have excellent work and it is clear that clients receive really good service.’
‘The team are consummate professionals and always deal with queries promptly and efficiently. Also the extensive number of specialists in different areas of law is definitely an asset.’
‘I have worked closely with Hina Belitz, an employment specialist. Hina has always been extremely professional, knowledgeable and efficient in dealing with issues as they arise. She also goes above and beyond when dealing with queries.’
‘Employment legislation can be very nuanced in practice and can be a minefield when trying to run a smooth ship these days. The team’s depth of experience in employment matters provides us with a good safety net.’
‘The employment team have always been ready to offer advice, not necessarily all chargeable, to address any employment concerns we have.’
‘Over time, Hina Belitz’s knowledge of how we run our business has paid dividends and her whole team effectively acts as our HR department.’
Key clients
Aquis Exchange plc
Urban
Buck Consulting
Diagrama
Maddox Capital
Chilango
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Work highlights
- Advised employer client on TUPE aspects of its tender bid application in taking over contract from existing provider and to what extent it could avoid inheriting staff under TUPE.
- Advised financial services employer on appointment on board of non-executive directors under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules.
- Defending a company and two directors in a fiercely run employment tribunal claim for maternity discrimination brought by a highly contentious employee.
Ince
Ince is instructed by pharmaceutical, retail, tech, media and entertainment sector clients on cross-jurisdictional employment law and HR advisory. Litigator Martin Pratt is particularly active in claims involving whistleblowing, discrimination and bonus claims, while for partnership issues, Marie van der Zyl is the partner of note.
Practice head(s):
Martin Pratt
Other key lawyers:
Marie Van Der Zyl
Key clients
Ryman Ltd
MG Motor UK Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Ryman Limited in a Tribunal claim brought against it by a former employee (who was acting as a litigant in person) for harassment and discrimination.
- Represented MG Motor UK in an unfair dismissal tribunal claim made by one of the salesmen regarding unfair selection for redundancy.
Irwin Mitchell
A favourite among German-speaking and US-based employers, Irwin Mitchell is known for its developing education employment practice, and its expertise in the financial services, insurance and technology markets. Dual qualified head of practice Sybille Steiner is qualified to advise on employment issues under English and German law.
Practice head(s):
Sybille Steiner
Testimonials
‘Impressive advice received from Irwin Mitchell.’
‘Always informing and taking the best approach in the best interest of the client.’
‘Wonderful experience. Very professional and always at the entire disposal of the client.’
‘Sybille Steiner is a great professional, with full and deep acknowledge about Employment UK laws and, most importantly, always searching the best approach in client’s interest and benefits.’
‘Sybille Steiner is extremely easy to deal with, very professional and willing to help. Sybille has a great ability to explain complex details in a real world scenario. A pleasure to work with.’
‘Sybille Steiner – Profound knowledge of both British and German employment law.’
‘Sybille Steiner is very competent and committed. I have trust in Sybille and her team. The regular webinars are informative and helpful.’
‘Sybille Steiner is friendly and approachable. She is extremely knowledgeable and very responsive.’
Key clients
Association of Colleges
Ruby Hotels
The Economist
Klingel Group
Diesel Technic UK & Ireland
Looping Group International
Gatwick Airport
Work highlights
- Advising German headquartered, Ruby Hotels in relation to all of its day-to-day employment matters.
- Advising Looping Group International in relation to employment matters.
- Sole legal provider of employment law support to the Association of Colleges (AoC) until 2022 – provide a dedicated advisory service for over 300 AoC member colleges across the UK.
King & Spalding LLP
King & Spalding LLP is particularly recommended for cross-border employment projects, namely recruitment, Brexit-related exercises and investigations. Its lead partner Jules Quinn often works with in-house counsel of U.S and foreign multinationals on employee transfers, and the restructuring of European workforces.
Practice head(s):
Jules Quinn
Key clients
MasterCard
AEW Europe LLP
Envirogen Group
Bank of East Asia
Coloplast Corporation
Cambria Automobiles plc
S&P Global
Sumi Agro Europe Ltd
The Utmost Group
Cerberus
Eddie Stobart Logistics Limited
NexantECA Ltd
NEOM
Quintain Limited
Toronto Dominion Securities
Hurst Point Group
iland Internet Solutions Corporation
United Rentals, Inc.
Amryt Pharma Plc
Xerox Corporation
Work highlights
- Continue to advise Mastercard on contractual terms including post termination restrictions on entry and exit, senior level termination strategies and drafting internal handbooks and policies.
- Acting for Vocalink Limited in relation to a former employee’s discrimination clam in the Employment Tribunal.
- Provided advice to Utmost Group of Companies, a market leader in the UK and the international insurance industry, on employment aspects in connection to its acquisition of Quilter International from Quilter PLC.
Morrison Foerster
Covering contentious, transactional and advisory work, Morrison Foerster has seen a growth in instructions in Covid-related employment advisory, outsourcing and in cases involving restraint of trade and protection of business interests. Managing partner Annabel Gillham specialises in cross-border issues, employee data protection and data crisis management and regulatory investigations.
Practice head(s):
Annabel Gillham
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Spratt
Testimonials
‘Mofo is top for employment law globally.’
‘Extremely happy with the service and could not speak more highly.’
‘The advice is always spot-on, from the mundane to the most highly technical and sensitive cases.’
‘Strong alignment and consistency of individuals to clients which means there is deep understanding of the business and client needs as well as the specific legal implications.’
‘Individuals look to engage beyond the specific legal ask to ensure there is continuity and strong relationships.’
‘Always responded promptly, provided proper legal advice, assisted in settling matter with rapidity.’
Key clients
SoftBank
Sage Automotive Interiors
CellPoint Digital
Infobip
GLP Pte. Ltd.
Doxim Striata Ltd.
Alpine Investors
eBay
Mirastar Real Estate Investment Limited
ubitricity
Axalta
Work highlights
- Successfully acted pro bono for the respondents in the Supreme Court matter of Shannon (Appellant) v Rampersad and another (T/A Clifton House Residential Home) (Respondents), which is the leading authority regarding the application of the National Minimum Wage legislation to employees who are permitted to sleep while at work.
- Advised Axalta on the employment aspects of its acquisition of the U-POL group, a private equity-controlled refinish coating business, and its global workforce.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP regularly works alongside its US offices to support multinationals in the tech, energy, infrastructure and financial services on multijurisdictional corporate transactions and restructuring exercises. ‘Tactically astute and superb with clients’ Nicola Whiteley leverages 25 years’ experience in disputes, TUPE, personnel moves and regulatory issues.
Practice head(s):
Nicola Whiteley
Testimonials
‘Strong technical expertise in employment law – pragmatic, commercial, attentive to clients’ needs.’
‘Nicola Whiteley is highly experienced and knowledgeable, responsive, pragmatic and commercial. Will give strong direction when needed; but can be flexible. Highly recommend.’
‘Nicola Whiteley is superb.’
‘The team is very focused on US UK employer issues. Lots of litigation experience’
‘Although a small team it is highly specialised and expert in dealing with complex and high value litigation as well as non contentious work across a range of industries.’
‘Its clients are in the main high profile global companies.’
‘Nicola Whiteley is the stand out member of the team and well regarded in the employment field. She is an excellent technical lawyer, tactically astute and superb with clients.’
Key clients
NVIDIA
ABN AMRO
Warburg Pincus
Trident Energy
ADM Investor Services International
SEB
Shopify
Sabre Corporation
Cisco International
Ørsted Onshore A/S
Workday Inc.
Aptean, Inc.
Kognitiv Corporation
Lilium GmbH
Graphcore
Cambridge Glycoscience
One Media IP Group plc
Hudson RPO Limited
Metal NRG
Pitney Bowes
Greycroft Capital
Datto, Inc.
Busuu Online S.L.
Work highlights
- Advising Kognitiv Corporation on employment law aspects of the sale of its Intelligent Shopper Solutions (ISS) business to IRI.
- Advising Shopify on employment law aspects of its acquihire via asset purchase agreement of UK-based Patchstack (t/a Eporta).
- Advised Workday Inc. on the employment considerations in relation to the UK workforce following the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of various companies specialising in HR software and platforms, including Peakon and VNDLY Inc.
Vedder Price
Known for its ‘excellent commercial approach and more than just a safe pair of hands’, Vedder Price‘s team is led by Jonathan Maude who has a wealth of experience across the full spectrum of employment law-related issues. Core areas of instructions include confidentiality/restraint disputes, data privacy, business reorganisations and transfer issues.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Maude
Testimonials
‘The team has an exceptional and high-quality level of expertise.’
‘Very quick turnarounds and quickly grasp highly complex matters quickly and can communicate with clients in an easy and understandable manner.’
‘Excellent commercial approach and more than just a safe pair of hands.’
‘Go above and beyond and at the forefront of legal developments and innovative in their offering. Highly, highly recommended.’
‘Jonathan Maude has a very pragmatic approach and has a very good knowledge of cross border HR issues management. He is very responsive and flexible with clients.’
‘Jonathan Maude is quite knowledgeable on global issues, and super practical.’
‘We worked with them on many transnational aspects and exchanged experiences. They have always taken our advice back to the client and understood the diversity of Italian law and relevant practice.’
‘They are very responsive, helpful with excellent technical knowledge and professional intuition.’
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Known in the market for its specialisation in the maritime, transportation, infrastructure and energy sectors, Watson Farley & Williams LLP combines full service capabilities with an international reach. Devan Khagram leads a busy maritime/shipping employment practice, advising on vaccination of seafarers, cross-border redundancies, repatriation and collective bargaining agreements. Anna Robinson is the go-to lawyer for aviation, financial services, gambling and retail clients, and is recommended for discrimination claims.
Practice head(s):
Devan Khagram; Anna Robinson
Testimonials
‘WF&W’s team is very knowledgeable in the field of employment law, but also in labour immigration and maritime employment.’
‘Their services are of a very high service level and with a very short response time and the people are very friendly.’
‘The diversity within the firm seems to be good.’
‘Devan Khagram is very experienced with in large cross-border restructurings and redundancy proceedings. He is very practical and hands-on an has outstanding coordination skills when it comes to directing an international team of lawyers.’
‘Experienced employment team with particular experience of maritime law.’
‘Devan Khagram is a highly experienced lawyer, skilled in dealing with international employment issues particularly with a maritime element.’
‘Anna Robinson is an excellent lawyer – she understands the pros and cons of litigation and obtains excellent results for her clients. Anna will thrive in partnership.’
‘The webinars that were conducted are useful especially for people who are not UK based and may not be familiar with UK laws and legislations. The newsletters are also insightful.’
Key clients
Tufton Investment Management Limited
Frasers Management (UK) Limited
Golar Management Limited
Euronext London Limited
Advance Energy plc
Fletcher Group
Make Real Ltd
PGS Exploration (UK) Ltd
JX Nippon Exploration and Production (UK) Limited (name change imminent)
Holland America Group/Princess Cruises (part of the Carnival Corporation)