Employment in Scotland

‘Brodies give great all round advice.’

‘I’ve always found the team to be knowledgeable, approachable and available whenever I’ve needed them. Lynne Marr, in particular, is very good at understanding my organisation’s specific requirements, and able to apply law and case law quickly and accurately. I’ve also found the team to be very personable.’

‘My experience of working with Tony and Joan has been without parallel.‘

‘Just a call away, quick robust responses and matters get resolved in time.’

‘The Brodies team are very much part of our small HR team. They have deep knowledge of our business, are very experienced and we trust them to give us the right advice for our firm.’

‘We would like to highlight Tony Hadden in particular. Tony has provided very deep expertise that has been hugely beneficial to our company across a number of demanding and complex issues. He understands our business and the sector in which we operate and in many respects is like a member of our team. The quality of his work is excellent and he has always delivered for us to ensure the best solution for our business.’

‘Strong team with practical solutions to a variety of employment law problems. Brodies were able to advise on both the legal aspects and the soft skills when advising in difficult situations.’

‘Fiona Herrell is our main contact. We have built a great working relationship with her and I feel that she has a good understanding of our business and our requirements. She provides support as required and checks in to see if any additional support is required.’

‘The team at Burness Paull is extremely approachable and due to our close working relationship they have a great understanding of our industry and the challenges we face. No question is too insignificant and they immediately put you at ease, particularly given the unique challenges we have faced due to the pandemic and the fact we have had to adapt our working practices in a short space of time.’

‘Jennifer Skeoch has worked with our team for many years now and we have developed a fantastic working relationship. She has guided us through some of the biggest challenges the department has ever faced and always maintains a cool calm and collected approach.’

‘Sean Saluja has the perfect temperament for his role. He exudes calm confidence that reassures and makes him a trusted partner as soon as one instructs him.

‘Tricia Walker is an excellent lawyer who will represent clients in a pragmatic and determined manner.‘

‘All give pragmatic advice – no sitting on the fence. They clearly explain the issues that need to be considered and give clear advice as to way forward.‘

‘All members are responsive and are able to explain complex matters using simple language followed by pragmatic advice. Responsiveness and straightforward advice sits very well with our way of working and is not always available by lawyers in general. Which is why we are very happy that we have partnered with Burness Paull to allow us to deal with all people issues successfully and in fact fits really well with ‘to be proud of ‘mantra.’

‘During the first lockdown and the introduction of the furlough scheme the team held weekly webinars which were invaluable. The team were on top of the advice/ guidance as it was being filtered out from Government and even when they did not have all the answers, their guidance was pragmatic and practical.’

‘Mandy Laurie is one of the most commercial employment lawyers I have had the pleasure of working with. She gets to the crux of an issue quickly and always finds pragmatic business-focused solutions to matters.’

‘Robert King is quite frankly exceptional. The level of service and advice is exceptional value for money.’

‘Working with Robert King is like having an elite lawyer on my board of directors. He knows my business inside out and the partnership really works for me. He inspires confidence and has such strong people skills that you actually look forward to seeing your lawyer.’

‘Elouisa Crichton’s legal understanding and knowledge gives us a much needed safety net, nothing is ever to much or little to help with, can-do attitude at all times.’

‘Robert Philips has been a breath of fresh air; he took on a high-profile tribunal when our previous provider failed to notify us of the exchange of statements deadline. Robert worked through the huge file and provided guidance which overall delivered a positive outcome. Robert is extremely knowledgeable and simplifies advice for those of us non-legalistic types.’

‘Lateral thinking and ability to quickly grasp a situation. Articulating risks but allowing client to determine path ahead.’

‘Works as part of the wider team, explains thinking to develop client knowledge.’

‘Our work has been with Simon Allison and Jack Boyle and their responsiveness and humour has been particularly important to me.’

‘A key strength of the entire team and what sets them apart from other firm, is their outstanding ability to translate complex employment law to a more accessible and understandable format.’

‘Over the years of working with the team, I have worked most closely with Simon Allison and Jack Boyle and have found their professional guidance to be excellent and invaluable.

‘What strikes me most is the sense of team spirit, they support each other and their is a connectedness that enables anyone of them to support me and my organisation equally effectively.’

‘I have worked with a variety of employment lawyers throughout my career and Blackadders consistently stand out as the team who deliver on time, consistently, creatively. It’s why I return time and time again, they do exactly what it says on the tin. They are competitively priced and extremely good value for the excellent advice, guidance and customer service they provide. They are, as a collective, professional, focused, innovative, progressive and good fun! They take care to ensure the client is making informed decisions on all aspects of employment law and advice and work hard to ensure solutions are found that are robust and legally sound.’

‘Donna Reynold has both been approachable, readily available and highly knowledgeable in all aspects of employment law. She has helped us with some tricky situations in the past year.’

‘Simon Allison, Jack Boyle and the Blackadders team are truly unique. As well as being leaders in their field, and first-rate lawyers, they are exceptionally personable and approachable people. Their legal advice can be relied upon for its accuracy, honesty and consideration, and this engenders great trust as well as the comfort that comes from knowing you have been advised by the best.’

‘Blackadders’ employment team is extremely efficient and innovative with its approach.’

‘Bruce Caldow was my primary source of contact and was absolutely the upfront person in the case. His knowledge, diligence and support were outstanding. He is a great communicator and knows when you need that confidence booster or pep talk when the going feels rough in litigation. This is something that I have not seen that often in my professional life.’

‘The team always goes the extra mile in terms of service provision and advice. The guidance and support is always on-point helping us reach the right commercial decisions for the business.’

‘Lorna Davis is outstanding and a true leader in the field of employment law. She has protected our company in many situations over the years and ensures we are compliant with all our employee matters.’

‘Scott Milligan provides excellent guidance to our organisation with complex employment matters. 

‘Lorna Davis and Bruce Caldow are both excellent. Lorna is someone with an exceptional commitment to her clients. She is also a determined and able tribunal advocate. She is determined and exactly the kind of person you would want to have at your side in a difficult legal situation. Bruce Caldow is well-respected and well-known in employment law in Scotland. He too has great commitment. I rate him highly, not only for his skills in litigation, but also as a mediator.’

‘They are very customer-centric and solution-focused and have helped me navigate some very complex and high risk people challenges. Their record in representing us and supporting us with some risky employment tribunal claims is excellent and we are able to make key decisions on whether to defend or settle with their support.’

‘The team are very responsive to our needs and make themselves available at short notice and sometimes in their own personal time.’

‘I was expertly professionally advised at all stages but more importantly I was supported on a personal level and a holistic view of my best interests taken as the case progressed.’

‘They go to great lengths to ensure that their services are consistent and they always deliver the requests and responses on time. Contacting partners is easy and pricing is transparent and clear. ’

‘John Lee is outstanding. He really feels like one of our own. He understands the business well, he is always personally available, he will always be straight with us even if we don’t like what he has to say. It makes his contribution to the success of our company invaluable.’

‘Professional yet friendly and approachable with a commercial focus. They get to know their clients and their business and provide sound legal advice whilst understanding the practical challenges for businesses.’

‘Kirk Tudhope is a highly experienced and capable lawyer who brings a commercial understanding. Available and accessible, always considered and creates a calm working environment breaking down complex issues.’

‘John Lee provided our firm with employment law advice throughout 2020 as we navigated the difficult waters of Covid-related changes in personnel. John’s knowledge, practical advice, commercial recognisance and ability to communicate in plain English made our work so much easier. He is a trusted advisor that we can certainly rely upon.’

‘Kirk Tudhope combines great professionalism with an outstanding knowledge of our business and the people that work in our business. Kirk is always able to make a commercial judgement whilst at all times providing the legal case for a certain course of action.’

‘The personal service, understanding of our business and culture, knowledge of applicable law and commercial approach makes the team stand out. In particular the firm’s pragmatic and commercial approach and willingness to offer solutions.’

‘Ledingham Chalmers not only offers sound legal advice surrounding employment law, they also take the time to know the individual business and tailor the needs to suit. They have vast amounts of experience and knowledge to share. They offer many useful free update sessions to clients on very important topics or updates on legislation changes. They always respond in a timely manner to any queries we have.’

‘The employment law team provide more than advise they explain and provide clear guidance around the complex areas of employment law and respond quickly to all requests for help.’

‘One of the most helpful things we find is that the engagement partner, Ben Doherty provides clear concise advice that is focused on the impact for our organisation and not simply generic response.’

‘Very experienced team of employment law advisors and employment law partner. The provided first class advice and assistance during a very difficult episode. They have also introduced fixed fee employment law solutions which have been very valuable to us.’

‘Ben Doherty is responsive, straight-talking and pragmatic.’

‘The main attribute I value is their friendly, approachable and considerate demeanour that is very different from other legal firms we have encountered. Their communication is always in plain English, concise and practical. Their interpersonal style is very open and engaging. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Ben Doherty was available to us throughout a very difficult employment situation and provided pragmatic, experienced and ’on point’ advice, all helpful in drawing the matter to a successful close.’

‘They are incredibly responsive and provide comprehensive legal advice at very short notice.’

‘They are very honest and up front in saying when taking specialist legal advise or legal action is not the best course of action and provide advice on alternative courses of action that may get the desired result.’

‘Kim Pattullo is extremely approachable and clear in her legal advice. She has not only provided our company with a first class, tailored service but has invested time developing my own understanding of employment law which has been invaluable.’

‘Michael McLaughlin and Jennifer Wright are exceptional. They talk to our managers at an appropriate level with no legal jargon that could lead to confusion or misinterpretation.  Our managers feel that they are in safe hands, we completely trust their judgement. Michael and Jen truly understand our business which enables them to give appropriate advice.  They are like an extension of our team who are highly regarded by all who utilise their services.’

‘Michael McLaughlin stands out for me because he makes us feel like we are his only client and that we have his full attention whenever we need it. His focus and ability to hone in on the issues for us quickly make his offering exceptional.’

‘Jen Wright brings a quiet and understated solidity that instills huge confidence in particular in HR colleagues with whom she deals directly.  Straightforward, easy to talk to, relatable.’

‘The team have a great approach to new clients with excellent options of fee structures and were able to provide us with a monthly service which suited our size of company and budget.

‘They have a good commercial awareness and are recognised across our business as being trusted partners. They make themselves available at short notice and have used their excellent knowledge and understanding of our business to guide us through some very complex and challenging situations.  Their communications are clear and easily understood. The billing is competitive and the service is outstanding.’

‘This is a relatively new team who have faced the challenges of forming during the pandemic in an impressive manner.  Despite the lack of a physical team presence in a traditional office space, they manage to convey a feeling that they are working together on our cases and have related well in the virtual environment.’

‘This team stands out for me because of its in-depth knowledge and understanding of the local government sector. Their backgrounds and prior experience reflect strongly their expertise with local authorities.’

‘The team is approachable, responsive and collaborative. They provide first-class advice and are always a pleasure to work with.’

‘The quality at the firm is evident at every level. The leadership of the firm is extremely impressive and that quality is reflected across the board. The standard of client service and legal advice is consistently outstanding.’

‘Excellent expertise, very responsive and took the time to understand specific questions relating to the sector. Also showed understanding of financial constraints and worked to offer a suitable package of support.’

‘We have worked with Robert Holland and Andrew Wallace who have both been incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and have a wonderfully approachable manner. Cannot rate them highly enough.’

‘Balfour and Manson is an exceptional law practice who through their personal touch make every client feel like a priority. Their integrity, attention to detail and genuine interest in our complex organisation gives me full confidence and unfailing trust in their legal advice.’

‘Excellent knowledge and understanding of all employment matters, always available to help and with a friendly service. They have helped to overhaul our complete employee policies and procedures.’

‘Robert Holland and Andrew Wallace are a unique team- thoughtful, insightful and creative in their advice. Their humour and down to earth approach makes them a pleasure to work with. Every dealing I have had with them I have had complete trust in their advice and come away 100% satisfied and confident in their input. Not only that but I enjoy working with them and they instil an interest in employment law which is infectious’

‘Sarah Shiels developed a strong understanding of my predicament and was uniquely capable of defending me against great power imbalances over a five-year period.’

‘The Edinburgh DLA employment team is hugely responsive, commercial and pragmatic.’

‘Despite being a partner and no doubt hugely busy with many other clients, I consider Kate Hodgkiss to be a highly valued and trusted extension of our own in-house team. She knows and understands our business, the unique challenges we face, and can always be trusted to provide pragmatic and commercially astute advice. She is a wonderful sounding board, takes time to contact me and my wider team and makes sure I am kept up-to-date on key changes, and has been an invaluable support throughout the Covid crisis, as we dealt with rapidly changing regulations and a turbulent business environment.’

‘We enjoyed the relationship and felt the advice was proportionate and always in our best interest. Clear strengths are emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.’

‘Dawn Dickson was just amazing – understanding the situation and its impact not just in legal but also in human terms.’

‘The team is practical, quick to act, competitive and understands our business well.’

‘Dawn Dickson is an all-round employment law specialist, well connected and a great communicator.’

‘The team is top notch.’

‘Dawn Dickson exhibits great depth of knowledge and experience in her field. Her guidance and support for the client are worth her weight in gold. From the client’s perspective she is worth every penny and a wise investment.’

‘The team is able to provide a legal service which they can all breakdown and describe in a simple and straightforward manner which as a non-legal expert is especially reassuring and comforting when dealing with complex issues.’

‘TLT exhibit a flexible approach, are easily contactable and provide quality professional advice on a range of employment matters.’

‘They are particularly practical and extremely commercial and understand the fine balances which occasionally arise between running a large complex business across multiple sites.’

‘Jonathan Rennie is a modest but confident individual and his advice is also given with a commercial focus and great deal of understanding of our business and the issues we face. He is calm, rational and keeps matters simple and easily understood by line managers who operate outside of employment law matters for the majority of their time.’

‘The team is approachable and available at all times. Even as a major company, they respond in manner which makes the ‘customer’ feel, valued and appreciated.’

‘Jonathan Rennie has a very easygoing manner. He is accommodating, even at short notice and provides thorough well-presented responses to specific queries but covering a broader area of consideration and ‘what-ifs?’. The attention to detail coupled with a timely response to all matters is what really makes Jonathan stand out.’

‘Jonathan Rennie is very knowledgeable and approachable. He takes a very pragmatic approach to employment law and provides clear, well-structured advice.’