Next Generation Partners

Employment: Hampshire in South East

Blake Morgan LLP

Catering to a base of national and international clients across the retail, education, and charity sectors, the Blake Morgan LLP employment department has vast expertise in providing HR legal support and managing employment tribunal proceedings. The team is well placed to deal with complex data protection issues for employers, with the interim head of employment in the south, Rajiv Joshi, contributing extensive experience in assisting businesses within the technology industry from the Thames Valley office. Southampton-based Tim Forer is known for his broad practice advising on contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, while senior associate Vicky Schollar focuses on restrictive covenants and TUPE transfers. Ron Burgess heads up the national employment department, and splits his time between the London and Cardiff offices.

Practice head(s):

Ron Burgess; Rajiv Joshi


Other key lawyers:

Tim Forer; Vicky Schollar


Testimonials

‘Responsive and they make you feel valued’.

‘We tend to work with one particular senior associate, from whom we get exceptional, relevant, considered, succinct and useful advice.’

Key clients

Redgrave Search Limited


Euroflorist


Foreship Oy/UK


Faith in Later Life


Promake Ltd and Promake Healthtech Plc


DC Employment Solicitors

The DC Employment Solicitors team specialises in high-profile employment tribunal litigation, large-scale business reorganisations, and collective redundancies. The three Southampton-based heads, Darren Tibble, Daryl Cowan, and Laurence Dunn, bring in-depth expertise on all aspects of employment law matters, boasting national and international clients across the manufacturing, transport, and local authority sectors. Senior solicitor Claire Helling regularly represents high-level individuals, SMEs and large global companies in complex tribunal cases, as well as advising on senior manager exits. Louis Howlett focuses on business immigration work, while Laura Kelleher regularly handles disciplinary procedures.

Practice head(s):

Darren Tibble; Daryl Cowan; Laurence Dunn


Other key lawyers:

Claire Helling; Louis Howlett; Laura Kelleher


Testimonials

‘Laurence Dunn has gone above and beyond to support us through the worst time in our life. He has quickly understood the nuances of my employment and employer which has undoubtedly supported my claim.’

‘Laurence Dunn is extremely knowledgeable, professional and also adaptive to minimise costs. The associates are similarly respectful and knowledgeable, with ready access to the partners if needed.’

‘Daryl Cowan has very good professional judgment. He is commercially minded without compromising the client relationship.’

Key clients

TRL Limited


Intellian Limited


Acclaim Logistics


Alpha Laboratories Limited


The YOU Trust


Redfaire Ltd


Milestone Support Services


iNetic Limited


Nursing Home Services Ltd


Paris Smith LLP

Paris Smith LLP fields a team of ‘very well-known and respected lawyers’ who are well placed to handle restrictive covenant actions, employment tribunal cases, and senior level exits. The group demonstrates considerable strength in the transport, recruitment, and education sectors, with Southampton-based practice head Clive Dobbin bringing extensive experience in complex discrimination and TUPE claims to the practice. David Roath is a specialist in business protection and director exits, while Claire Merritt routinely supports clients from the education industry with contentious issues, including restrictive covenant disputes in the High Court.

Practice head(s):

Clive Dobbin


Other key lawyers:

David Roath; Claire Merritt


Testimonials

‘David Roath is for me the standout practitioner in the firm. He is available most of the time and on short notice, gives clear and practical advice, is totally professional, but also approachable and helpful.’

‘There is expertise in all areas. They are quick to respond at all hours and their advice is spot on!’

‘Clive Dobbin, he is top drawer, so good on all aspects of employment law.’

‘They are the leading Solent-based law firm. Strong roots in local business have been fostered by years of high-quality work. They are expert but also have a good personal touch. A joy to work with.’

‘David Roath – calm under pressure, unflappable, excellent legal knowledge and tactical nous, great to work with.’

‘Clive Dobbin – a star individual, great with clients, easy to work with, strong legal knowledge and always has a great grasp of the detail of a case, strong commercial sense.

‘It employs very well-known and respected employment lawyers who have been practicing in Southampton for many years. They offer an excellent service and lend pragmatism and robust advice to all scenarios.’

‘Clive Dobbin is always accessible, shows great knowledge and I trust him implicitly to give me sound advice.’

Key clients

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


AFC Bournemouth Limited


Hampshire Cricket (Ageas Bowl PLC)


Randstad UK


Barfoots of Botley Limited


Stannah Stairlifts Limited


Churches Fire & Security Ltd


Mayflower Theatre Trust Ltd


Keltbray Limited


Draper Tools Limited


Work highlights


  • Representing an NHS consultant in a tribunal claim involving whistleblowing.
  • Representing a company director in their exit from a national manufacturer, including advising on a subsequent settlement agreement.
  • Advised a local service provider on the enforcement of restrictive covenants, including representing a client in an application for injunctive relief.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Counting financial institutions, retail, and education companies amongst its key clients, the employment team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP provides a comprehensive service spanning outsourcing and acquisitions advice, tribunal litigation, and transactional assistance. Christina Tolvas-Vincent and Jon Hales co-head the group, with the former specialising in employee relations issues, business transfers and discrimination matters, and the latter focusing on the TUPE implications of outsourcing agreements, particularly in the retail space. Charlotte Bloomfield was promoted to partner in May 2022. Legal director Dan Fawcett deals with the drafting and enforcement of restrictive covenants, while associate Ben Duxbury reviews employment documentation. The whole team is based in Southampton.

Practice head(s):

Christina Tolvas-Vincent; Jon Hales


Other key lawyers:

Charlotte Bloomfield; Dan Fawcett; Ben Duxbury


Testimonials

‘Dan Fawcett had an extraordinary grip on the detail, excellent insights on facts and law, and was hugely supportive throughout.’

‘Charlotte Bloomfield is a really talented lawyer. She is a tough litigator and expert in handling industrial relations issues.’

‘Ben Duxbury is very easy to work with, nothing is too much trouble, and he is very attentive to client needs. Dan Fawcett is an exceptional lawyer: hard-working, highly experienced, nothing you could throw at him that he wouldn’t know how to handle. Really knows his employment law and procedure.’

Key clients

Post Office Ltd


Signet Trading Ltd (H Samuel and Ernest Jones)


Ordnance Survey Ltd


Associated British Ports


Colgate-Palmolive Group


Faststream Recruitment Ltd


Arts University Bournemouth


LV=


Sunseeker International Ltd


Southampton City College


Transdev Plc


National Farmers Union


The Royal College of Pathologists


Immediate Media


North Sails Ltd


Treatwell Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Colgate-Palmolive (UK) and Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s in-house legal and human resources teams on a variety of matters, including employee relations issues, updates to employment contracts and policies, restructuring, consultancy arrangements, data protection, and contractual matters.
  • Providing ongoing employment advice to LV= on restructuring processes, senior hires, settlement agreements and employee relations cases.
  • Advising the head of HR and team at the NFU on all matters requiring employment legal support.

Clarke Willmott LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP’s employment team is highly experienced in handling both contentious and non-contentious matters, ranging from drafting director level service agreements, to defending complex sexual harassment and discrimination claims. Marc Long leads the Southampton-based group, using his skills as a qualified barrister and tribunal advocate to represent public and private sector clients in international disputes. Senior associate Nicole Adams regularly handles complex tribunal cases, as well as delivering training to clients and HR professionals. The ‘very efficient’ Gina McCadden focuses on disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Practice head(s):

Marc Long


Other key lawyers:

Nicole Adams; Gina McCadden


Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge of employment law. Very personable team; they offer practical advice that suits the business circumstances which enables the best outcomes. Always on hand to provide advice, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.’

‘Gina McCadden and Marc Long are our contacts in Southampton. Marc has a wealth of knowledge and experience and really understands our business challenges and gives excellent advice. Gina is a newer solicitor but again, always provides advice to us and will seek advice from her team if she needs to. I always feel confident dealing with matters once I have spoken to them as they ensure I understand everything and explain in a way that a layman understands.’

‘Gina McCadden’s strength was her professionalism, competence and commitment to my case. She was always a call away if I needed her.’

‘I found Gina McCadden very efficient and competent. I am most grateful for Gina’s commitment and prompt responses as well as her focusing on details.’

‘Being headquartered outside of the UK, we needed a solicitor to help navigate the complicated employment laws. Our team at Clarke Willmott has always been knowledgeable, expeditious and responsive.’

‘The solicitor team we work with has been amazing.’

Work highlights


  • Advised a client on issues concerning the provision of sick pay and self-isolation policies upon the cessation of all remaining Covid-19 restrictions in the UK.
  • Advised a national greeting card company on the application of TUPE regulations and related legal issues in regard to its ongoing expansion and consequent acquisition of two companies.
  • Represented a college, which was named as the second respondent, in claims for unfair dismissal, redundancy pay, notice pay, holiday pay, arrears of pay, other payments, a failure to inform and consult, and less favourable treatment for being a part-time worker.

Moore Barlow

Counting SMEs, NFPOs, and publicly-listed companies amongst its client base, the ‘commercially savvy’ team at Moore Barlow has vast expertise in handling High Court and employment tribunal claims, as well as restructurings and redundancies. The ‘phenomenal’ Katherine Maxwell leads the group, operating out of both Southampton and Richmond, and specialising on TUPE transfers and post-termination restrictive covenants. Emma Edis regularly deals with the employment aspects of M&A and reorganisations. Associate Stephanie Clarke left the firm in November 2022, moving in-house.

Practice head(s):

Katherine Maxwell


Other key lawyers:

Emma Edis


Testimonials

‘Commercially savvy, timely responses and supportive navigating complex matters.’

‘Over the years, the team has ensured that they understand our business and our aspirations for the future, this means they can think ahead to support our needs.’

‘Katherine Maxwell has worked closely with me, she understands my capabilities and therefore is able to tailor her advice to my weaknesses to ensure that the advice I receive is targeted and that I understand any risks when working on projects. We have built up a strong working relationship that gives me the confidence to rely on her advice.’

‘Katherine Maxwell – phenomenal with her commercial advice, understands the needs of the business, and provides solutions accordingly.’

‘A personable and at the same time (totally) professional service is provided by Moore Barlow and is one of its key strengths as a business. The team are always available to provide counsel and advice when requested and their turnaround times in completing instructed work is excellent.’

‘Excellent communicators – Katherine Maxwell at Moore Barlow is great at disseminating and explaining complex employment scenarios in a way that is easy to both digest and understand. This has helped our business in being able to take important decisions on various matters.’

‘This team at Moore Barlow have got the fundamentals of excellent client service right. Clear about what they will do, when they will do it and how much it will cost. They then do it on time and in a very user friendly fashion and send a bill for the amount that was agreed.’

‘Katherine Maxwell was incredibly responsive, empathetic and understanding of the situation. She has a strong approach to client advocacy and is someone I would trust for future legal affairs.’

Key clients

BD Network Limited


Bytes Software Services Limited


Casper & Cole


Churchill Retirement Plc


Cowdray Estate


Darwin & Wallace Plc


Drake & Morgan Limited


EQ Investors Holdings Ltd


Explore Learning Limited


Firefly Capital Limited


Gill Instruments Limited


Gravity Media


Hann Tucker Associates Limited


Holland & Holland Limited


Hythe Marine Services Limited


Integrity Communications UK Limited


Jaltek Systems Limited


Moorfields Eye Hospital


Pitch Software GmbH


Raithwaite Trading Company Limited


Sir Richard Sutton Limited


SKS Business Services Ltd


Southern Communications Limited


Symetrica Limited


Total Merchandise Limited


Transparity Solutions Limited


World Sailing (UK) Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Southern Communications Group on numerous employment law issues, including corporate acquisitions and immigration issues.
  • Advising fast-growing global software technology business Cognism on ad hoc employment law matters and providing strategic support on the HR aspects of its growth.
  • Advised Darwin and Wallace on the employment law aspects of their expansion of bars and restaurants in the West London area.

Shoosmiths LLP

Operating out of Southampton, the Shoosmiths LLP’s employment team is well equipped to handle complex tribunal claims and senior level exits for major national clients. The department shows considerable strength in the heavily regulated sectors, including financial services and healthcare. Group head Stuart Lawrenson brings extensive expertise in HR issues arising from organisational changes and discrimination cases to the practice. Associate Sian Hoare boasts over 15 years’ experience advising on TUPE matters, and also plays a leading role in the firm’s immigration offering.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Lawrenson


Other key lawyers:

Sian Hoare


Testimonials

‘The team at Shoosmiths have a really good understanding of our needs and provide us with practical advice whilst keeping in line with employment law. We have a fantastic working relationship and this is essential.’

‘Our main contact is Sian Hoare with whom we work closely on a variety of employment law matters. Sian has great knowledge and is able to assist us with all of our questions and issues. We have developed a great working relationship with her during the time that we have worked together.’

‘Great team – extremally commercial and very knowledgeable.’

‘Stuart Lawrenson is a great practitioner. Always available and with sound, commercial and pragmatic advice.’

‘Stuart Lawrenson always offers a great mixture of detailed legal advice along with commercial strategy. This is different to others I have worked with and makes it a far better working relationship.’

‘Very responsive to requests for support, great balance of both commercial and practical advice.’

‘Sian Hoare provides outstanding support and legal advice that helps the business move forward with employee issues. Sian is a trusted adviser who really considers the situation and provides alternative options on how best to manage cases. She considers both the legal requirements and business requirements and provides solutions that best move a situation forward. I would highly recommend Sian Hoare.’

Key clients

Allegro MicroSystems Europe Limited


Benefex Limited


Big Yellow Self Storage


Cartus Limited


Churchill Retirement Plc


CLC Group


Colten Care Limited


Combined Independent Holdings


Coopervision Limited


Delin Property Asset Management UK


Dukes Education Limited


Excellerate Services Limited


F Bender Limited


Gattaca Plc


Hafele UK Limited


Healthy Retail Limited (T/A Pure Foods)


Insensys Limited


Kaz Minerals


Krispy Kreme UK Limited


Market Harborough Building Society


Meadow Foods Limited


Next Plc


Semtech Limited


Superior Seals Limited


The Fashion Group (“TFG”) which includes Phase Eight (Fashion & Design) Limited, Hobbs Fashion Retail Limited and Whistles Limited


Travelodge Hotels Limited


Tricuro Limited


Wartsila


Work highlights


  • Advising Coopervision on two collective consultation processes – one involving the closure of its Ashford location and the second relating to a change to its pay structure – as well as providing general day-to-day employment advice.
  • Representing Tricuro in employment tribunal litigation, largely flowing from dismissals resulting from the requirement for compulsory vaccination for health and social care workers.
  • Instructed by all of the group companies within The Fashion Group to handle all employment tribunal cases, as well as providing strategic advice to senior HR team members.

Trethowans LLP

The ’collaborative, solution-focused’ employment team at Trethowans LLP covers all aspects of employment law, demonstrating particular skills in resolving complex employment disputes. As well as advising clients across a wide range of industries on restrictive covenant issues, the group is also well placed to handle senior level exits and discrimination claims. In Southampton, Kathryn Evans heads up the department, using her ‘laser-like focus’ to assist with TUPE transfers and absence management matters. The ‘brilliant’ Andrew Crudge focuses on the commercial elements of employment law issues.

Practice head(s):

Kathryn Evans


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Crudge


Testimonials

‘Kathryn Evans is practically an extended member of our HR team. Her knowledge of our business and our culture is extremely helpful when discussing approach and always gives us the desired outcomes we are looking for.’

‘Trethowans are down-to-earth, no ego; they listen and provide straightforward advice, making them easy to work with. They have a range of expertise which means you don’t have to use several law firms. They communicate well, keep you up to date and create a strong foundation of trust and reassurance for their clients. They are reasonably priced and billing is clear.’

‘Kathryn Evans’ legal expertise and knowledge is second to none. Kathryn quickly gets up to speed with the situation, presents straightforward solutions, and delivers swiftly with laser-like focus – Kathryn gets the job done. Kathryn creates a relationship of trust, inspiring confidence and reassurance, as well as making you feel you are her most important client.’

‘A collaborative, solution-focused team that is quick to engage, curious to get to the real nub of the situation and to then provide practical commercial advice. Very easy to work with and to receive insightful legal advice from across multiple disciplines.’

‘Kathryn Evans is a consummate professional, solution focused and always looking to provide the ideal ongoing resolution rather than simply solving today’s issue. She perfectly understands that employment law situations are as much emotional as they are practical for the affected employee and this is built into her subsequent advice. The fact that this is offered in a down-to-earth, non legalese solution helps the delivery of the message to others within our company.’

‘We would follow Andrew Crudge wherever he went. He’s brilliant. The legal and the HR teams both trust Andrew completely and enjoy working with him. We are yet to fox him with a problem (in spite of some strange ones!). He’s a brilliant laywer, knows our business well and is fun to work with.’

‘The team at Trethowans are always on hand to advise and you know who you are speaking to as you have already created a working relationship. The practice is of the right size to still retain that personal service.’

‘Kathryn Evans – always on hand to advise in a practical and concise way at any time. The advice is timely and tailored to our industry. I would not move my services to any other practice because of the lawyers at Trethowans, especially Kathryn. Impeccable client services.’

Key clients

Bacardi-Martini


Bacardi Limited


Glen Dimplex UK Limited


Farrow & Ball Limited


Flyct B.V.


Just Develop IT Limited


Agar Group


Storck UK Limited


Skinnydip Limited


Thatcham Research


White & Co plc


The Property Franchise Group


Pure Cremation Group


Riskstop Group


BDB Pitmans

BDB Pitmans‘very competent, skillful and knowledgeable’ group specialises particularly in managing employee relations issues, in tandem with providing full day-to-day HR support to employer clients. The Southampton-based department works closely with the firm’s corporate and commercial divisions, delivering employment support for asset and share purchases, and contract provision changes. Practice head Caroline Yarrow splits her time between London and Southampton, bringing extensive expertise on contentious employment matters and central government outsourcing projects to the team. Associate Chris Greep focuses on assisting with employment litigation and TUPE queries.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Yarrow


Other key lawyers:

Chris Greep


Testimonials

‘The team is very competent, skillful, knowledgeable and experienced in employment law. They are very responsive and friendly.’

‘Chris Greep is always on top of the papers and very well organised.’

‘The value for money is spot on, the quality of service matches the price.’

‘I worked with Chris Greep and his service was great.’

‘The team is really knowledgeable and thinks along with the clients. You receive timely support with extensive info on your request that includes legislation, but also risks and the best way to move ahead.’

‘In my opinion they are not the standard type of lawyers, but they have a good dose of humor and seriousness. They think along with me and what the best approach is for each case and also looking at what suits our company best. They are very supportive in helping us, preparing docs, speaking notes etc. I really enjoy working with them and I am very thankful for all the support they have been giving me the past two years.’

Key clients

Maximus UK Services Limited


Tony’s Chocolonely Limited


Highwood Group Limited


Gallowglass Limited


Global Lingo Limited


Kind Bloodstock Limited


S&D Bookmakers Limited


A2 Dominion Housing Group Limited


Work highlights


  • Successfully defended Maximus UK Services against an employment tribunal claim for discrimination arising from a disability.
  • Advised Frenkel Topping on the acquisition of N-Able Services.
  • Advised Frenkel Topping on the acquisition of Somek and Associates.

Phillips Solicitors

The Basingstoke-based Phillips Solicitors employment team has in-depth expertise in handling issues relating to restrictive covenants, TUPE processes, and complex litigation claims. The group has recently enhanced its offering across the business immigration and data protection spaces, with practice head Jacqueline Kendal specialising in GDPR advice and multi-party employment claims. Gill Brown routinely defends claims in the employment tribunals and courts. Sarah Filsell joined the firm in January 2023 from Rowberry Morris.

Practice head(s):

Jacqueline Kendal


Other key lawyers:

Gill Brown; Sarah Filsell


Testimonials

‘Gill Brown – superb solicitor for the preparation of an Employment Tribunal case.’

‘We are delighted with the high quality of service we have received from Phillips Law employment team. We value their experience on our employment-related matters. There is a great deal of experience within the team, and so we trust their advice, which is always clear.’

‘Jacqueline Kendal is the standout lawyer of this team for us. She is always available to answer our questions and provide employment advice. Her availability and many years of experience make us feel as if we have an in-house employment expert on hand.’

Work highlights


  • Advising a food distributor on all employment and worker issues including restructurings, two purchases, redundancy processes, the exit of high-level executives, and day-to-day HR advice.
  • Representing a high-level executive in his unfair dismissal claim.
  • Advised a client on cross-border employment matters, including recruitment and transfer of employees from the UK to Sweden, as well as guiding the client through the potential redundancy process and defending a claim for discrimination on the grounds of race.