The ‘extremely attentive‘ team at specialist employment boutique Collingwood Legal routinely assists both regional and national employers, as well as senior executives across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious mandates, with notable strength in successfully defending companies in employment tribunal claims. With notable expertise in complex TUPE and whistleblowing matters, managing partner Paul McGowan heads the practice and attracts praise for his ‘first class’ advice. The core team also includes discrimination and equality law specialist Paul Johnstone and Jane Sinnamon, who takes point on dismissal and discrimination claims for clients in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors. They are ably assisted by the ‘excellent’ Charlotte McBride and Helen Scott, a key contact for belief discrimination claims.
Employment in North
Collingwood Legal
Practice head(s):
Paul McGowan
Other key lawyers:
Paul Johnstone; Jane Sinnamon; Charlotte McBride; Helen Scott
Testimonials
‘Collingwood Legal are incredibly knowledgeable and really understand our sector and our organisation. They feel like true partners and are so approachable and understand our culture.’
‘The Collingwood Legal team are experienced, dedicated, professional, and have a good understanding of a client’s needs and expectations. They have a flexible and personal approach, providing solid, honest advice.’
‘The team is extremely attentive, working closely with you on each individual case you present to them. Responses are always well thought out and offered as a balanced opinion and summary of any risks involved. They are all involved in producing articles outlining any interesting case law and what it might mean to their clients, who may be experiencing similar issues.’
Key clients
Blackpool and The Fylde College
Bradley Hall Limited
Eothen Limited
Humankind
Hytorc Unex Limited
National Golf Club Advisory Association
Parkdean Resorts UK Limited
Parmley Graham Limited
Purmo Group UK Limited
TICA-ACAD
True Solicitors LLP
Wilton Engineering
Work highlights
- Successfully defended over 20 separate Employment Tribunal claims for a national client.
- Acting for a national facilities management company in the defence of a complex multi-party TUPE case.
- Acting for a senior director in the transport industry following the raising of whistleblowing allegations by them to secure a favourable exit package following a breakdown in relations.
Muckle LLP
Muckle LLP maintains a leading employment offering that includes expert advice on TUPE matters, tribunal claims, investigations, and general advisory work for both regional and national clients, and has recently seen an increase in instructions related to commercial immigration issues, which are focus areas of the 'phenomenal' Amy Sergison and Imaan Choudry, with the latter having joined the firm from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in July 2023. Practice head Chris Maddock has a broad practice with particular emphasis on executive severance, reorganisation projects, and the enforcement of post-termination restrictions, while Craig Harvey excels in employment aspects of corporate transactions. On the contentious front, Lisa Kelly advises local, national, and international employers on a broad range of tribunal cases, with a notable emphasis on discrimination and equal pay matters.
Practice head(s):
Chris Maddock
Other key lawyers:
Lisa Kelly; Imaan Choudry; Amy Sergison; Craig Harvey
Testimonials
‘The employment team are extremely professional in its approach to us as a client. They are easy to engage with, they respond very quickly, they share patience and understanding of our business and how we work. They always listen and offer constructive and practical advice in a way which is easy to understand, follow and implement. They offer training sessions on upcoming and recent legal changes which are really helpful too.’
‘The pragmatic and balanced view received when seeking input from this team is outstanding, they are very straight forward to work with, which makes dealing with them very easy in what can often be complex circumstances. The availability of the team to provide support is also great. The team also play their part in developing the region’s HR professionals, sharing their knowledge and hosting events that are relevant to all.’
‘They approach our needs practically and are always able to think of alternatives. The quality of service and customer care has been excellent. We have been very impressed with our current main contact, Craig Harvey.’
‘One of the many skills that Muckles demonstrates is their ability to ensure that often complicated legal situations are easily understood by the layman. Step-by-step help and support is given and the ability to offer clear guidance and support throughout. Warm and welcoming with a focus on the external, they are regular innovators in environmental, community and local initiatives.’
‘Amy Sergison – easy to connect with, direct and pragmatic – advice is offered with a balanced view on the recommended approach to take in any scenario.’
‘Lisa Kelly and Amy Sergison are both phenomenal.’
‘The most important aspect for us is accessibility. You always feel you are listened to, and the information is explained in a patient and straightforward manner. There is always opportunity to ask questions and to gain reassurance especially when dealing with complex matters. Chris Maddock and Craig Harvey have been incredible in the service they have offered to us, especially during a particularly complex matter. I cannot recommend them enough.’
‘Muckle LLP is an excellent business partner. They take appropriate care to understand the topic for discussion and consider the full business context when providing legal advice and solutions. For more complex scenarios, they are able to collectively discuss and consider all legal options within their extended team, which means any advice provided is thorough and well thought through.’
Key clients
Vertu Motors PLC
Home Group Limited
Gentoo Group Limited
Karbon Homes
NCG (Newcastle College Group)
University of Northumbria
Tyne Coast College
Bishop Auckland College
Education Development Trust
Newcastle Building Society
Newcastle University
Fairstone Group
A&P Group
Dellner Romag
Quotient Sciences
Rugby Players’ Association
Nixon Hire
Tees Valley Combined Authority
Work highlights
- Represented Gentoo Group Limited in Employment Appeal Tribunal proceedings.
- Appointed by Home Group as advisers on all employment matters after a tender.
Ward Hadaway LLP
Attracting praise for its ‘exceptional helpfulness and approachability,’ Ward Hadaway LLP’s employment team multifaceted workload encompasses contentious and non-contentious matters, with notable sector expertise across the education, healthcare, and manufacturing segments. Practice head Jamie Gamble handles complex TUPE matters, senior executive dismissals and contracts, and minimum wage compliance mandates for clients in the manufacturing sector. Paul Scope is routinely instructed by clients in the third and public sectors and has a particular specialism in sports and recruitment issues, in addition to handling trade union matters and discrimination claims. Gillian Chinhengo is the key contact for complex collective consultation processes and senior executive exits, while the ‘commercially astute and driven‘ Graham Vials frequently receives instructions from clients in the education sector. On the business immigration front, Roisin Patton is the name to note. Rounding out the core team are Mark McKeever, who acts for clients in the public sector, and the ‘unfailingly excellent‘ Tom Shears , whose broad practice extends to advice on disciplinary processes and settlement negotiations.
Practice head(s):
Jamie Gamble
Other key lawyers:
Paul Scope; Gillian Chinhengo; Graham Vials; Roisin Patton; Mark McKeever; Tom Shears
Testimonials
‘Roisin Patton is personable and professional. She dedicates herself to assisting you with your inquiries, patiently discussing the issue and consistently offering valuable advice. Despite my years of experience in HR and exposure to various situations, Roisin continually imparts fresh insights and knowledge, keeping me engaged and informed. Her advice is always spot on.’
‘Paul Scope’s approach to employment law is ethical, progressive, and commercial in equal measure. In my experience, he is unique in the balance that he strikes, when we engage with him he genuinely wants to find a good outcome for all and help solve problems not just advise us in a way that ensures we operate within the relevant laws. His ability to genuinely empathise whilst also providing an appropriate level of challenges is exceptional.’
‘Tom Shears, whilst a relatively junior member of the team as a whole, is a stand-out lawyer. His preparation, instructions and insight into cases is unfailingly excellent. Graham Vials is a commercially astute and driven lawyer, who works very hard to achieve great results for clients.’
‘We work predominantly with Paul Scope. Paul has a great understanding of our business and the ways in which we operate, which enables us to have more meaningful, practical conversations in relation to employment law issues. He is very approachable, responsive, and pragmatic, which works well for us.’
‘Hadaway’s exceptional qualities have set them apart from competitors in the legal field. Their in-depth knowledge of the law, coupled with a keen understanding of industry nuances, distinguishes them from competitors and positions them as a trusted authority in their field.’
‘Ward Hadaway’s Employment practice stands out for its commitment to excellence, client-focused approach, and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of employment law. The firm’s unique blend of legal expertise and personalised service ensures that clients receive tailored solutions to meet their specific needs.’
‘The WH team consistently demonstrates exceptional helpfulness and approachability, always willing to go the extra mile to provide support. They prioritise safeguarding your business from an employment law standpoint while also recognizing the commercial considerations involved in decision-making. Their advice is tailored to ensure optimal support for your needs.’
‘The team members are personable and approachable, showing genuine interest in you and your business. They customise their work to align with your business’s unique requirements, rather than offering generic advice.’
Key clients
Nobia Holdings UK Limited (Magnet Kitchens)
Inn Collection
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Samuel Smith Old Brewery Tadcaster
Port of Tyne
Ashworth and Parker Limited
Newcastle United Football Company Limited
Story Homes Ltd
Bannatyne Fitness Limited
Komatsu UK Limited
Endeavour Partnership LLP
Based in Stockton-on-Tees, Endeavour Partnership LLP regularly advises senior executives and employers on restructurings, executive terminations and exits, tribunal claims, and disputes arising from the breakdown of working relationships. Stephen Elliott heads up the department and offers ‘unfailingly fine advice‘ spanning general advisory matters as well as unfair dismissal and disability discrimination claims; Elliott has particular sector expertise in the independent education and professional services segments. Theresa Carling, praised for her ‘excellent‘ technical expertise, takes point on instructions concerning senior director exits and unfair dismissal claims. Also in the core team is Laura Wilson, a key contact for business immigration work.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Elliott
Other key lawyers:
Theresa Carling; Laura Wilson
Testimonials
‘The Endeavour team offer pragmatic legal advice taking into account individual circumstances. They are quick to respond with advice and guidance, often extending beyond the initial brief to provide practical support across related areas. They are always willing to collaborate and deliver associated advice as necessary.’
‘The Endeavour Partnership provide us with an efficient and professional service, and we feel valued as their client. They strike the right balance to ensure you receive value for money, resources and support.’
‘They make a point of gaining detailed knowledge of your organisation and structure to make their advice totally tailored to your organisation’s ethos and values. They provide clear commercial advice to you as a client to allow you to make informed and relevant decisions. They go beyond the ‘standard response’ in terms of client queries by providing a wider client experience, which involves providing regular client group seminars, workshops, networking events etc.’
Key clients
Silverstone Circuits Limited
DFDS A/S
Ramsdens Financial Limited
Queen Ethelburga’s College Limited (and associated companies)
Teesside International Airport Limited
Armstrong Watson LLP
SDDE Group Limited
Rio’s Brazilian Steakhouse Limited
Leader Online Limited
Filtronic PLC
Work highlights
- Advised a large care home provider following its share sale with its obligations on its skilled worker sponsorship licence and application for a new licence, ensuring all sponsored employees transferred to the new licence.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
The Newcastle employment team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP leverages the firm’s national offering to advise national and international clients in the consumer, energy, and financial services sectors on various employment matters. Recently promoted to partner Suzanne Caveney is adept at discrimination litigation with a notable focus on equal pay, and handles regulatory and compliance instructions related to diversity and inclusion issues. David Williams has notable expertise in financial services-related matters. Former practice head Shirley Hall switched to a consultancy role in May 2023.
Other key lawyers:
Suzanne Caveney; David Williams; Shona Morton
Testimonials
‘Members of the team are all very knowledgeable. Instructions are always well prepared, and they collaborate well.’
‘Advice given is consistently balanced, considering risk in a measured way. The responses to requests for support are always quick so there is no undue delay. Advice is presented in a style that is easy to understand and aids any onward communication.’
‘A team which takes a genuinely commercial view and where legal acumen is a given. They have real sector strength in depth and understand what is happening elsewhere in the market.’
‘Great legal service – very pragmatic. Always ready to provide added support sometimes at short notice when required.’
‘The excellent quality of instructions. Clients respect and appreciate their hard work, excellent legal knowledge, and commercially focused employment law advice.’
‘Queries are promptly acknowledged, never a need to chase. The advice is clear and concise and cuts through complexity. The sector knowledge is strong, and time is taken to explain where needed.’
‘Suzanne Caveney is an outstanding lawyer. She’s commercially astute, down to earth, and provides excellent instructions -I really enjoy working with her. Shona Morton is an exceptionally thorough and down-to-earth lawyer who knows her stuff when it comes to all things employment law.’
‘David Williams is very supportive and capable. He has a friendly manner with clear expertise. His approach has made complex matters easy to explain internally and ensured we have the knowledge to deal with internal challenges.’
Key clients
Wm Morrisons Supermarkets Limited
Work highlights
Sintons LLP
Fielding an ‘impeccable’ team, the employment offering at Sintons LLP stands out for its significant sector expertise in the charities, healthcare, and education fields. Department head Keith Land has a strong contentious practice that spans unfair dismissal and disability discrimination tribunal claims, particularly for clients in the education sector. Ailsa Hobson advises on TUPE matters as well as employment issues arising from restructurings and collective redundancies, while Angela Carver acts primarily for public bodies, including local authorities, police forces, and NHS trusts.
Practice head(s):
Keith Land
Other key lawyers:
Ailsa Hobson; Angela Carver
Testimonials
‘There was a personal touch with key conversations held at all stages in dealing with Sintons. Taking the time to understand my needs and not try to give a generic out-of-the-box solution is what set them apart.’
‘Keith Land heads an impeccable team of employment lawyers who respond quickly and effectively to all matters raised. I know I am in safe hands with Keith and his team on any employment matter.’
‘The team are always willing to help and explain the legal jargon. They take the time to listen to a problem and what our ideal resolution would be, and provide the support necessary.’
Key clients
Quality Trusted Solutions LLP
Cramlington House Limited
Motel One (UK) Limited
Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria Limited
CF Motoring Services Limited
Hydram Engineering Limited
Ashfield Dental Limited
Townhouse Group Limited
Ian Atherton
Neil Ainsley
Work highlights
- Advised Quality Trusted Solutions LLP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, on all employment matters arising from the termination of its contract with Imtech Inviron Limited regarding facilities management services, including the transfer of employees under TUPE and the restructuring of the services and the change of employee terms and conditions as a consequence.
- Advised Cramlington House Limited with the dismissal of two employees for their refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and then successfully defended the resulting claims for unfair dismissal and discrimination based on disability, age and religious and philosophical belief.
- Advised Motel One (UK) Limited with the purchase of its 10th hotel in the UK and the subsequent TUPE transfer of staff into the Motel One Group and the subsequent redundancy exercise.
Weightmans
The ‘extremely knowledgeable and client-focused‘ team at Weightmans excels in advising corporations and individuals on matters concerning whistleblowing, inquiries, and employer liability. Based in Newcastle, Christopher Graham heads the firm’s employment offering across the region, with his broad practice spanning tribunal claims, unlawful discrimination, and mass redundancy agreements. Kerry Waters is adept at employment aspects of corporate instructions, including advising on TUPE transfers and the enforcement of post-termination restrictive covenants.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Graham
Other key lawyers:
Kerry Waters
Testimonials
‘Close partnering to understand the business and culture of the organisation. Develop relationships with the parties involved to gain insights and provide targeted responses to issues. Updates and webinars available to HR, bespoke briefing sessions at HR workshops on request.’
‘Accessibility to advice when needed, honest conversations and ability to discuss issues openly. Willingness to engage with all parties to provide clarity on issues and potential outcomes to ensure informed decision-making. One-stop access to various specialisms. I have worked with Chris Graham for many years and can rely on his guidance, support, and swift response, regardless of the issue.
‘Everyone I have dealt with within the firm is extremely knowledgeable and client-focused. They have the ability to make clients feel supported and as though they are their main priority through being contactable, accessibility of partners and the provision of information to ensure the client is kept up to date and fully informed.’
‘What makes individuals stand out is their knowledge, their ability to quickly grasp detail and their robust approach to dealing with matters. Christopher Graham is commercially minded, very pragmatic with a brilliant memory for detail and an impressive knowledge of the law.’
Key clients
Federal Signal Inc
Building Design Partnership Limited
Victor Products Limited
AIG UK Limited
J & B Recycling Limited
Sheffield City Council
Gwynedd Council
Trust Alliance Group
HR Business Plus
Work highlights
- Advised HH on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of LF&E Refrigerated Transport Limited (LFE), a specialist provider of same-day, nationwide refrigerated transport courier services specialising in the pharmaceutical, medical and healthcare sectors.
- Advised STHK on its merger with Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals NHS Trust (S&O) to create Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which was conducted under rules set out under Sch 4 of the NHS Act 2006 and statutory guidance.
Swinburne Maddison LLP
Swinburne Maddison LLP’s ‘incredibly competent and professional’ employment department regularly acts for individuals in unfair dismissal, discrimination, and harassment cases. TUPE, redundancy, and restructuring advice form other core pillars of work for the Durham-based practice. With a multifaceted caseload that extends to redundancy matters, settlement agreements and HR advice, Jonathan Moreland leads the practice, and is highly praised by clients for his ‘calm, pragmatic, and expert advice'. Sharney Randhawa has a strong track record acting for individuals in discrimination and harassment tribunal claims.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Moreland
Other key lawyers:
Sharney Randhawa
Testimonials
‘Jonathan Moreland is thorough, commercially astute and inspires confidence. Sharney Randhawa is enthusiastic and hard working.’
‘Friendly, approachable, and reliable, I have found Swinburne Maddison to be excellent at responding to any queries and fully engaged when dealing with all matters.’
‘Jonathan Moreland – excellent communicator, willing to explain detail and thorough in his work.’
‘Swinburne Maddison is an incredibly competent and professional legal service which under the leadership of Jonathan Moreland has given me outstanding support, guidance and reassurance. A successful conclusion to the case is now clearly in sight due to the team’s relentless drive and dedication. I can’t thank them enough.’
‘Jonathan Moreland gives calm, pragmatic, and expert advice that is consistently valuable and impressive. He combines impeccable knowledge of employment Law with strong empathy and interest in the human context of the issues on which he is advising.’
‘Jonathan Moreland is an amazing specialist in his field and treats the client in a warm and very supportive way.’
‘Jonathan Moreland, is exceptionally accessible, friendly, and straightforward. All the advice he has given me over several years has been accurate and effective in getting me the best outcomes.’
‘A great team of commercially astute and down-to-earth lawyers.’
Key clients
Durham Cathedral
Ramside Estates Limited
The Esh Group
Hargreaves Services plc
St Chad’s College, Durham University
St John’s College, Durham University
The Enquire Learning Trust Limited
Building Design (Northern) Limited
Durham City Rugby Club
Clever Clogs Day Nurseries Limited
Berger Closures Limited
GT Cleaning Machines Limited
Derwentside Trust for Sport and the Arts
AKV Cladding Limited
Singletrack Systems Limited
Teescraft Engineering Limited
Land Technologies Limited
Fusion for Business Limited
St Cuthbert’s Hospice
Merit Estates (Yorkshire) Ltd
Broadacres Housing Association
Premier Community Care Limited
Glenwood Paint Supplies Limited
Interlink Scaffolding Ltd
Yakkr Limited
Moving On (Durham) Limited
Foljambe Estates
Silverdale Family Practice
Beyond Housing Limited
Chainbridge Steel
Blacketts Medical Practice
F&I Management Limited
Dufell Roofing Company Limited
Vested Search Limited
Charles Harle & Sons
James Fletcher Limited
Soccarena Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Represented the appellant in an employment appeal tribunal claim regarding the issue of when a supervening event, for which a third party is responsible, breaks the chain of causation for the claimant’s loss.
- Advised a global search firm based in New York, USA on all of their employment needs, including the preparation of senior employment contacts, consultancy agreements, and substantial amendments to a multi-million-pound bonus scheme and commission agreement.
- Advised on all all employment and pensions related issues, including providing specialist advice in respect of a unique joint employment relationship model, as part of the sale of the entire issued share capital of M2 Education Limited.
Burnetts
David Gibson heads the employment department at Burnetts, which advises private and public sector employers and senior executives on all aspects of employment law with notable expertise in corporate support work. Based in Cumbria and Newcastle, the group also regularly handles TUPE issues and sexual harassment claims. Anna Lovett, who was promoted to partner in April 2024, has a broad practice that spans day-to-day HR advice, tribunal claims, and corporate support on transactions and business closures. Also in the core team is Sara Devennie, who regularly represents both claimants and respondents in tribunal claims.
Practice head(s):
David Gibson
Other key lawyers:
Anna Lovett; Sara Devennie
Testimonials
‘Friendly efficient team giving good sound advice and support.’
‘David Gibson provided excellent support, whether its general advice and guidance or providing training.’
‘Burnetts are very approachable and helpful. They are very professional but can explain everything on a level of understanding to laymen.’
Key clients
Cumberland Building Society
Innovia Films Limited
Witherslack Group Limited
Cumbria Waste Group
Orian Solutions Ltd
Thomas Graham & Sons Limited
H&H Group Plc
People First Independent Advocacy
ECM (Vehicle Delivery Service) Ltd
FX Leisure Limited
Howgill Family Centre
St John’s Hospice
Bury College
Lakes College West Cumbria
Border Group Ltd
Gretna Green Limited
Lloyd Limited
Go North East Limited
Gateshead Council
HQN Limited
Lake District National Park Authority
Distinctive Group Limited
Hay & Kilner
Sarah Hall and Sarah Furness jointly lead the employment offering at Hay & Kilner, with the team advising employers across a wide array of industries, including healthcare, leisure, and construction. Hall has extensive experience handling senior executive disputes as well as providing day-to-day corporate employment support, while Furness is the name to note for tribunal work and restructurings. Tom Clarke shows proficiency in TUPE, planning, and documentation matters and frequently deals with tribunal claims.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Hall; Sarah Furness
Other key lawyers:
Tom Clarke
Testimonials
‘The quality of advice and engagement with clients is second to none. They are innovative in how they support and educate their client base and are also keen to keep abreast of the market changes and client needs. They listen and adapt their solutions accordingly.’
‘A client centred practice. The innovative, regular round table discussions bringing HR leaders together are especially valued.’
‘Sarah Hall is a great listener, honest, objective, non judgemental. Sarah is very supportive and knowledgeable in her field. Her style is very calming in what can be stressful situations and her efficiency in bringing matters to a close has made her my go to person.’
Key clients
Great North Air Ambulance
St Martin’s Care Group
Beamish Museum
NECS UK Limited
Wingrove Motor Company Limited
Rocket Medical Plc
Pyrocel Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Careline Lifestyles (care homes) on recent immigration law changes in respect of sponsor licences and their duties under those licences.
- Advised Beamish Museum on HR issues and provided training to solve staff attendance issues.
Mincoffs Solicitors LLP
The employment offering at Mincoffs Solicitors LLP leverages the firm’s broader corporate, commercial, and litigation capabilities to advise employers across the hospitality, retail, and construction sectors on the full range of employment issues. The ‘extremely competent’ Nick Smith heads up the practice; Smith acts for regional and national corporate employers and handles both day-to-day corporate advice as well as tribunal claims. Working alongside him is Laura Liddle, a key name for tribunal work relating to unfair dismissals, disability discrimination, and employment status issues.
Practice head(s):
Nick Smith
Other key lawyers:
Laura Liddle
Testimonials
‘I can’t recommend the team at Mincoffs enough.’
‘Nick Smith the partner handles up personally and his service is first class, he listens to the specific issue and then deals with it with a great deal of competence and patience.’
‘Employment law is an area where particular care has to be taken and relies on a close personal arrangement is required and Nick Smith the partner at Mincoffs ensures he and his team did that.’
Key clients
L.B. Foster Rail Technologies (UK) Limited
Steamforged Games Ltd
Northern Bear Plc
Barter Books Limited
Bespoke Metering Solutions Limited
Danieli Group
Document Risk Solutions Limited
Historic Property Restoration Limited
Serios Group Limited
Thompson Opticians Limited
Work highlights
- Act as primary external UK employment law counsel for L.B. Foster Rail Technologies (UK) Limited, a global leader in rail and infrastructure services which has offices in the UK, Europe and USA.
- Provide advice on a wide variety of employment and HR related matters for Northern Bear Plc, acting as external employment law counsel for this AIM listed group.
- Advising Barter Books on a plethora of matters involving employment and HR law including, advice around contractual and policy queries to dealing with complex issues arising in relation to Equality Law.