‘Employment specialists’ Collingwood Legal, based in Newcastle, are known for taking on the full remit of instructions, from acting for individual claimants and defending companies in employment tribunal claims, namely unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. The employment team is led by Paul McGowan, who is a go-to for complex areas of TUPE and whistleblowing cases. Paul Johnstone is the team’s equality and discrimination law specialist, while a further name to note is Jane Sinnamon who made partner in February 2023. Senior associate Charlotte McBride advises claimants on unfair dismissal and associative disability claims, and also supports McGowan in assisting employers with contentious matters involving the theft of business information. Helen Scott is a notable member of the team at senior associate level.
Employment in North
Collingwood Legal
Practice head(s):
Paul McGowan
Other key lawyers:
Paul Johnstone; Jane Sinnamon; Charlotte McBride; Helen Scott
Testimonials
‘Superb knowledge of employment law, an understanding of the nuances of our business and exceptional customer service.’
‘Helen Scott, Paul McGowan and Charlotte McBride are flawless in their advice, commercial understanding, knowledge of employment law and approachable services.’
‘Charlotte McBride has helped us a lot during the last 12 months. We have had some highly challenging cases including domestic violence where she has demonstrated great sensitivity and fairness to protecting our reputation as a sympathetic & supportive employer.’
‘Collingwood Legal focus entirely on employment law. This enables them to be right up to date with any changes in the law ensuring we can obtain the very best advice.’
‘Employment specialists. Experts in their field. Pragmatic, business focused advice.’
‘The team members all complement each other with their knowledge and expertise. You feel that if your main contact is not available, there is always someone else who knows your business and your problems well enough to step in and advise accordingly.’
‘We instructed Paul McGowan who is highly experienced and knowledgeable in an employment matter. Paul was ably supported by Charlotte McBride. The matter was relatively fast moving and we received timely and pragmatic advice which allowed us to achieve the outcome we desired.’
‘Collingwood Legal is a specialist employment practice which provides sound legal advice in the area of employment law.’
Key clients
Blackpool & The Fylde College
Parkdean Resorts UK Ltd
Purmo Group UK Ltd
Bradley Hall Limited
Cundall
Tell Us North
Consultiv Utilities Limited
KAEFER Ltd
TICA-ACAD
Emmanuel Schools Foundation
Orbis Support
Parmley Graham
National Golf Club Advisory Association
NCFE
Eothen Homes
Ramarketing Ltd
Findhorn Foundation
HVPD
Smithers Oasis
Simpson Print Ltd
Humankind
Wilton Engineering
Work highlights
- Achieving a six-figure award at Tribunal for dismissal and discrimination in complex proceedings spanning four years with all advisory and advocacy work undertaken internally.
- Acting for a large facilities management business involved in a complex multi-party claim involving eight claimants relating to alleged breach of collective consultation obligations under both TULRCA 1992 and TUPE Regulations 2006.
- Sdcured the dismissal of a Tribunal claim brought against Teesside University by a job applicant, on the basis of discrimination relating to a philosophical belief. The claim was dismissed at final hearing.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP’s Newcastle-based employment team defends high profile employers, such as supermarket retailers, education institutions, national manufacturers and global investment banks in equality pay, unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. The team also take on non-contentious work, focusing on employment matters following the closure of facilities and offices, as well as HR assistance to national and international commercial clients. The experienced Shirley Hall leads the local office and is supported by legal director, Suzanne Caveney, who likewise focuses on employment tribunal cases. Principal associates David Williams and Corrine Bentham are key contacts, with the former specialising in supporting financial services companies on employment rules and the latter an expert on business immigration.
Practice head(s):
Shirley Hall
Other key lawyers:
Suzanne Caveney; David Williams; Corrine Bentham
Testimonials
‘Eversheds Sutherland LLP has a strong employment law presence, with expertise across a range of areas. I have been particularly impressed with their handling of contentious and complex employment tribunal disputes.’
‘David Williams is an outstanding lawyer. I have worked with him on several employment tribunal disputes and have consistently been impressed by the depth of his knowledge, his strategic and practical judgement, and his client management skills.’
‘The team is an excellent provider of employment law advice. Its excellent service makes it unique. The quality of instructions I receive are second to none.’
‘Suzanne Caveney is always spot-on. She is incisive, confident and commercial in her approach to tribunal proceedings. I love working with her and it is evident that clients really appreciate her friendly and knowledgeable approach.’
‘Shirley Hall is exceptionally experienced in equal pay matters. She provides clear advice at all times. She is very responsive, good at managing a variety of stakeholders and excellent to deal with at all times.’
‘The Newcastle team has exceptional experience in advising on the full range of equal pay issues.’
‘The team at Eversheds Sutherland are outstanding. They are immediately receptive and very knowledgeable in their field.’
‘David Williams is an exceptional individual who delivers first class client care and sound legal reasoning. David’s ability to provide innovative, but pragmatic resolutions to complex legal matters is excellent.’
Key clients
British Broadcasting Corporation
Avery Dennison Plc
British Polythene Limited
Tata Consumer Products
Nestle UK Limited
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Peter Vardy Limited
Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited
TDR Training
Work highlights
Muckle LLP
Muckle LLP’s employment law team advises a range of employers, including international clients, listed companies, large groups and owner managed businesses, across a number of sectors such as education, sport and leisure, on the full remit of instructions. Leading the Newcastle team, Chris Maddock focuses on executive severance, TUPE, reorganization projects, enforcement of post-termination restrictions and confidential information obligations, while Tony McPhillips specialises on employment related litigation in the sports and education spaces. Lisa Kelly is an expert on discrimination and equal pay issues, acting for employers in employment tribunal claims, with Jill Donabie serving as a key contact schools, colleagues and universities for day-to-day employment instructions. Amy Sergison is likewise integral to the team which also supports clients on business immigration and data protection within an employment law context.
Practice head(s):
Chris Maddock
Other key lawyers:
Tony McPhillips; Jill Donabie; Lisa Kelly; Amy Sergison
Testimonials
‘The team demonstrate a good understanding of our business and how HR matters impact the organisation.’
‘Chris Maddock is excellent, knowledgeable and he cares. He ensures that any legal jargon is simplified and makes any process understandable.’
‘Lisa Kelly is friendly, knowledgeable and gives business-focused advice.’
‘The people we deal with are very responsive, practical, informed and down to earth. Chris Maddock is excellent in terms of his technical knowledge and his approach to us as clients. I couldn’t praise him enough.’
‘Constantly good availability, followed up by strong, pragmatic advice.’
‘The employment team at Muckle are approachable, pragmatic and commercially minded.’
‘I value the firm’s directness and ability to provide practical advice.’
‘Engaging, friendly and very professional. The lawyers make the process of working with them enjoyable. Very good at building relationships too. Every single employee of Muckle LLP that I have met or engaged with have been memorable and great to work with and meet.’
Work highlights
- Appointed by Home Group and instructed by them to undertake all employment law-related support.
- Appointed to the Tees Valley Combined Authority panel for the provision of employment advice.
- Advised on the acquisition by Vertu Motors PLC of Helston Garages Group Limited, including employment law aspects.
Ward Hadaway LLP
Ward Hadaway LLP’s Newcastle-based employment team provides clients across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, sports and manufacturing, with both contentious and non-contentious advice. Team head Jamie Gamble is an expert on TUPE matters, employment tribunal claims, senior executive contracts, dismissals and employment aspects of corporate transactions. Paul Scope is a key contact for sports team seeking advice on various terminations, disciplinary issues and restructurings; he also represents clients on mass litigations concerning equal pay claims in the public sector. Gillian Chinhengo supports businesses in large scale changes and dealing with trade unions, while Roisin Patton is the firm’s expert on business immigration mandates, often working on post-Brexit recruitment issues and complex global mobility issues. Stuart Craig and Graham Vials are names to note, with the former focused on healthcare matters and the latter specialising in education matters within the employment law field.
Practice head(s):
Jamie Gamble
Other key lawyers:
Paul Scope; Stuart Craig; Graham Vials; Roisin Patton; Gillian Chinhengo
Testimonials
‘The team takes the time to get to know our business, structure, values and then works alongside us to deliver these. It feels very much like a partnership.’
‘Gillian Chinhengo is our main contact and she is excellent with her knowledge and advice. Gillian is very outcome focused and she will work with us to resolve whatever issue we are facing. She has also been an incredible support to me particularity this last year when I have had some exceptionally challenging people to deal with.’
‘HR Protect is a really good website which is ideal for companies of our size – where you can access templates, FAQs and get more affordable support.’
‘Roisin Patton is the key person I work with and she is excellent at ensuring we get the best advice by taking into account our business context.’
‘I am yet to meet an employee of Ward Hadaway that hasn’t delivered great advice consistently for our business. They are also very competent and competitive on price and quality service making you feel like you are always their priority, a business that delivers with a friendly and professional approach. It has been a pleasure to work with the whole team.’
‘An overall strong team in all aspects of legal advise. Ward Hadaway has excelled in their service delivery and supported us for over 7 years and providing practical solutions and guidance for all our employment and commercial needs for large scale projects.’
‘Paul Scope is my primary contact. He is clearly very knowledgeable in his field and gives you upmost confidence in the advice being provided. He gives you sufficient time and listens to the area of support you require and provides sound legal and commercial advice. I think what makes Paul stand out is his personal approach. He is engaging and down to earth.’
‘Graham Vials is pragmatic, responsive and able to really understand and assist with finding solutions to various employment law issues.’
Key clients
Newcastle United Football Company Ltd
Inn Collection Group
Newcastle Rugby Limited (Newcastle Falcons)
Story Homes Ltd and Story Contracting Ltd
Ashworth and Parker limited.
Piramal Healthcare UK Limited
North East Ambulance Service
Tees Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Connect Health Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Newcastle Rugby Limited (Newcastle Falcons) on the process and investigation of Luther Burrell’s allegations of widespread racism in rugby union.
- Advising Newcastle United Football Company on a wide range of employment matters, including senior contracts and restructurings following new hires and departures.
- Advising Ashworth and Parker Limited (t/a END.) on large scale restructuring and a complex disability discriminatory claim.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s employment team, based in Newcastle, advises an array of clients across the North East and nationally on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including employer defences against equal pay, employment tribunal and discrimination claims, as well as large scale restructurings of clients’ business. Hilary Du Randt heads up the team, assisting both public and private sector clients on the full remit of instructions. Lorraine Heard is the go-to for equal pay tribunal claims, while managing associate Alan Kennedy is a name to note for large scale redundancies, reorganisations and senior executive disputes.
Practice head(s):
Hilary Du Randt
Other key lawyers:
Lorraine Heard; Alan Kennedy
Key clients
Enact
Sky Betting & Gaming
Parkdean Resorts UK Ltd
NHS Digital
Formica
Dnata Limited
Northumbria University
VLS Limited
Sunderland City Council
Education Partnership North East
Work highlights
- Supported investor Enact on the employment aspects of its acquisition of port services and maritime haulage business SEA Transport Limited.
Sintons LLP
Clients across the healthcare, education, charities, offshore, renewables and construction industries call upon Sintons LLP’s employment team for advice on employment contracts and restructurings. The team, led by Keith Land, and supported by senior associate Ailsa Hobson and associate Angela Carver, also defend companies against discrimination and unfair dismissal claims. Max Winthrop, who arrived from Short Richardson & Forth in October 2022, is a name to note at partner level.
Practice head(s):
Keith Land
Other key lawyers:
Ailsa Hobson; Angela Carver; Max Winthrop
Testimonials
‘The employment team at Sintons is exemplary in their approach when working with Clients like myself. They explain any processes and issues with absolute clarity and keep me up to date at all times. No telephone call or email goes unanswered and no challenge goes unheard. I could not run my business effectively without the support of the employment team.’
‘Keith Land is quite frankly brilliant, kind and realistic.’
‘Max Winthrop is fairly new to the Company and someone we have used previously for his excellent service within Employment Law. We would thoroughly recommend Max.’
Key clients
Thomas Swan & Co. Limited
Cramlington House Limited
John Cotterill
Motel One (UK) Limited
Atom Bank PLC
Waste Managed Limited
Percy Hedley Foundation
Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board
Svanehøj Group A/S
The Abbeyfield Newcastle upon Tyne Society Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Thomas Swan & Co on a prospective trade dispute between Thomas Swan & Co and the recognised trade union, the GMB, in relation to the final year of a 3 year pay deal.
- Advised Cramlington House Limited in relation to two claims arising out of the rules imposed by the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and amended coronavirus regulations which made vaccinations mandatory for all those working in a care home.
- Advised John Cotterill in relation to a claim against Sodexo following various allegations of both theft and fraud which were all defeated and which resulted in significant compensation being paid to the client.
Weightmans
Noted for having a ‘strong and capable’ employment team, Weightmans assists both employers and former employees with unlawful termination of employment contracts. The Newcastle-based team also takes on unfair dismissal and unlawful discrimination cases. Regional office head and lead partner in the employment team Christopher Graham advises clients on TUPE transfer requirements and represents clients in employment tribunal claims. Likewise, legal director Kerry Waters is a key support and specialises in taking on employment matters of commercial and contractual disputes concerning employee confidential information and the enforcement of post-termination restrictive covenants.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Graham
Other key lawyers:
Kerry Waters
Testimonials
‘The employment team at Weightmans are very strong, capable and they fully understand the needs of clients.’
‘The service we received from Kerry Waters during an employment dispute was excellent, friendly and helpful. Kerry explained emotive and complicated issues very well and helped us to achieve an acceptable outcome.’
‘Client centric approach with good balance between addressing legal risk and operational as well as economical relevance. Very good value for money.’
‘I have worked with Christopher Graham from Weightmans on several occasions. He has many years of experience, and his down-to-earth and robust approach demonstrates his understanding of clients and their needs. I have always been glad to have him in my corner!’
‘Christopher Graham is very experienced and knowledgeable. He takes a strategic approach to the issue. He is available and flexible. Excellent supporting team of professionals.’
Key clients
Federal Signal Inc
Building Design Partnership Limited
Victor Products Limited
AIG UK Limited
J & B Recycling Limited
Mr Peter Welsh and Mr Graham Welsh
Sheffield City Council
Gwynedd Council
The Ombudsman Service Limited
HR Business Plus and Mrs Sheila Watson
Work highlights
- Defended HR Business Plus and Mrs Sheila Watson against a discrimination claim.
- Advised Sheffield City Council and Sir Mark Lowcock on an inquiry into the Sheffield Street Trees dispute.
- Advised the shareholders and management team of Strategic North Limited on its sale to Prescient Healthcare Group, including employment matters.
Endeavour Partnership LLP
The Stockton-based employment team at Endeavour Partnership LLP assists clients on a range of employment law matters, including employee due diligences following corporate acquisitions, defences of complex employment tribunal claims involving whistleblowing, gross misconduct and unfair dismissal issues. Team head Stephen Elliott advises clients on employee data protection policies, as well as disability discrimination claims. Theresa Carling is the key contact for advice concerning high profile exits involving senior executives and collective redundancy processes. Recent promotion to senior associate Laura Wilson works on intersecting employment and immigration matters involving sponsorship licenses, while associate Jessica Thompson specialises in data protection and compliance mandates.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Eliott
Other key lawyers:
Theresa Carling; Jessica Thompson; Laura Wilson
Work highlights
Swinburne Maddison LLP
Durham-based Swinburne Maddison LLP is noted for representing employees in whistleblowing cases, unfair dismissals and disability discrimination claims as well as equal pay issues. The team also provides employment law support to the corporate team in the context of M&A transactions. Head of the dispute resolution and employment law teams, Jonathan Moreland, advises both businesses, such as national public companies to charities and academic institutions, and individuals in resolving employment disputes; he also takes on non-contentious instructions, such as drafting complex employment contracts, settlement agreements and employment restructurings. Managing associate Sharney Randhawa works on high-profile cases within employment tribunals, in addition to High Court proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Moreland
Other key lawyers:
Sharney Randhawa
Testimonials
‘Sharney Randhawa was recommended by another firm of solicitors. From the very first consultation where Sharney listened to my case and provided initial feedback I found Sharney very easy to deal with. I would recommend Sharney to anyone in a similar position to myself without hesitation.’
‘Jonathan Moreland is our main contact at Swinburne Maddison and has always been a great source of support. He remains calm and professional at all times and shows a level of understanding of our business which has surpassed that of others we have worked with.’
‘The team at Swinburne Maddison are very approachable , combining in-depth knowledge of their area of specialism with a down to earth manner which makes the client feel at ease when dealing with them. Their professionalism shines through in all aspects of their work.’
‘Jonathan Moreland has provided outstanding care and attention. His attention to detail and personal approach have given me great confidence that I made the right choice of legal firm. Correspondence has been prompt, options have been presented clearly and advice given candidly and thoughtfully when requested.’
‘Jonathan Moreland typifies the highly professional yet personable approach we have experienced from Swinburn Maddison. Not only is his advice consistently timely, considered and precise, but his unflappable demeanour and good sense of humour are both reassuring and confidence inspiring.’
‘Jonathan Moreland is a very well regarded lawyer with a vast amount of employment law knowledge and commercial acuity. ‘
‘Swinburne Maddison has always provided myself & my business with exceptional customer service and excellent advice.’
‘The practice supports me in employment matters and I find their advice always practical and valuable. I respect the partners I work with.’
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
Richard and Julie Bennett
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
Work highlights
- Supporting on all Employment elements arising out of the investment made by Argenbright Holdings LLC into Amberstone Security Group and the subsequent acquisition by Amberstone of the entire issued share capital of The Protector Group Limited.
- Representing a client in a high-profile whistleblowing case involving a care home which was the subject of an exposé on national television.
- Acting on behalf of a global search firm based in New York on all of their employment needs, including the preparation of senior employment contacts, consultancy agreements, a high value bonus scheme and commission agreements.
Burnetts
David Gibson heads Burnetts' employment practice, and is supported by senior associates Anna Lovett and Sarah Devennie, the latter of whom was promoted to senior associate in October 2022. The trio advice companies, namely SMEs on employment implications of company movements, expansions and changes. Aside from providing clients with TUPE advice, the team also defends employers in employment tribunal claims concerning unfair dismissals and discrimination cases. All named lawyers are based in Carlisle.
Practice head(s):
David Gibson
Other key lawyers:
Anna Lovett; Sarah Devennie
Testimonials
‘David Gibson has extensive experience in advising on employment law. He offers options and discusses potential scenarios and associated level of risk with honesty, integrity and great foresight. We feel safe and confident in his advice and guidance.’
Key clients
Cumberland Building Society
Innovia Films Limited
Carlisle Brass 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
Otaq Group Ltd
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
Work highlights
Hay & Kilner
Sarah Hall and Sarah Furness co-lead Hay & Kilner’s Newcastle-based employment team. Hall assists HR managers and directors of various companies on day-to-day employment matters, such as disciplinaries and grievances, also taking on contentious matters, such as whistleblowing, discrimination and breaches of restrictive covenants. Furness is the key contact for support on corporate transactions. Tom Clarke supports at associate level.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Hall; Sarah Furness
Other key lawyers:
Tom Clarke
Testimonials
‘The people we deal with at H&K are knowledgeable and honest with us which is reassuring.’
Hay & Kilner just understand our business and the needs we have. The lawyers are always easily accessible. The engagement throughout any project is always exemplary from the whole team.’
‘Tom Clarke is such a joy to deal with. He always goes above and beyond and will keep in good and constant communication throughout the project. No situation is outside his ability and he makes any case or issue accessible and easy to understand. Tom is a true asset of the firm.’
Key clients
Great North Air Ambulance
Careline Lifestyles Limited
Sabic UK Petrochemicals Limited
St Martin’s Care Group
Robson Laidler Accountants Limited
Beamish Museum
NECS UK Limited
Wingrove Motor Company Limited
Pyrocel Limited
Advanced Adhesives Limited
Airport Retail UK Limited
Work highlights
- Represented SABIC in relation to a Tribunal claim from former employers (supported by the recognised Trade Union) alleging that the tapering provisions in the company’s long-standing enhanced redundancy scheme were discriminatory.
- Advised Central Employment Agency (North East) Limited on grievances and drafted scripts and a detailed decision letter which included 18 appendices of evidence.
- Supported St Martin’s Care Group with the defence of two constructive unfair dismissal claims.
Mincoffs Solicitors LLP
Mincoffs Solicitors LLP focuses on compliance, re-organiations, disciplinary and grievance procedures, as well as TUPE and employment tribunal claims. Nick Smith leads the team based in Newcastle on contentious and non-contentious matters for employers.
Practice head(s):
Nick Smith
Other key lawyers:
Laura Liddle
Testimonials
‘Nick Smith goes above and beyond his remit in dealing with his clients in a very personable way. We have found this approach and the quality of advice absolutely invaluable in what is a very complicated area and would have no hesitation in recommending the firm and Nick in particular to another firm or individual.’
‘In all aspects whereby, I have used Mincoffs Solicitors, I have found them to be highly professional and excellent communicators. Deadlines are incredibly important and I am yet to find myself in a situation where these have not been met.’
‘I always contact Nick Smith when I require legal assistance . I find him to be honest & transparent with an excellent work ethic. He responds in a timely manner and is incredibly professional.’
Key clients
Barter Books Limited
Document Risk Solutions Limited
Historic Property Restoration Limited
Ascot Care Group
Serios Group Limited
Sadler Brown
Northern Bear Plc
Danieli Group
L.B. Foster Rail Technologies (UK) Limited
Thompson Opticians Limited
Tustain Motors Limited
Work highlights
- Acted as external employment law counsel for Northern Bear Plc.
- Advising L.B. Foster Rail Technologies (UK) Limited on UK employment law matters.
- Advising Barter Books on a plethora of matters involving employment and HR law including, assisting with contractual and policy queries and dealing with complex issues arising in relation to Equality Law.