Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

Led by the highly praised Martin Williams, Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP, which merged with Lawson Lewis Blakers in April 2023, offers local businesses and other clients in the manufacturing and charity sectors assistance with employment contracts and procedures, dismissals and redundancies.

Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex in South East

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

The ‘stellar’ and ‘attentive and professional’ team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP regularly advises employers and listed companies across the financial services and video games sectors including household names such as Sony PlayStation. The practice is co-headed by Nick Hurley, who has a contentious and non-contentious employment practice which includes handling discrimination, TUPE and reorganisation matters, and the ‘hugely impressive’ Ben Smith, who often represents clients in the charities and not-for-profit sectors and has significant experience with Employment Tribunal litigation. Emily Chalkley specialises in transaction-related employment matters and litigation concerning sex discrimination and equal pay claims, and is praised as a ‘rising star and hardworking with terrific judgment’. The ‘approachable’ Rachel Hearn frequently acts for senior executives on a range of employment issues including employee exits, disciplinary issues, grievances and redundancies.

Practice head(s):

Nick Hurley; Ben Smith


Other key lawyers:

Emily Chalkley; Rachel Hearn


Testimonials

‘A stellar employment team with exceptional judgment and hard-hitting cases. They are hard-working, strategic, and highly commercial. They understand the needs of their clients well. The employment team is approachable with bags of common sense and loads of energy.’

‘Ben Smith is a go-to partner and knows everything there is to know in this area. He is amazing with people and the law and takes sensible and pragmatic decisions. It is not about show boating, it is always about the client, front and centre. Emily Chalkley is a rising star and hard working with terrific judgment.’

‘I have mainly used the team for employment matters and usually the more complex ones. I have found the team very responsive with excellent communication throughout engagements including urgent enquiries. This is much better than a number of other firms that I have used in the past. The team all work closely together and this is also a reason that matters are dealt with efficiently and effectively. In summary, the differential I find to other legal firms is the quality of the people, who are good communicators and go the extra mile for their clients. I would also note that it didn’t matter if I was requiring support as the CEO of the business or someone from admin. The response and service was the same exemplary standard.’

‘Ben Smith is extremely responsive and understanding of the position of the client. Ben is very quick in providing a summary of the company’s position, possible remedies and potential outcomes. This is so helpful in planning the approach. Rachel Hearn is possibly one of the most approachable lawyers I have come across in my career. She understands the demands of the business and is able to respond accordingly. Rachel has taken time to understand the business, some of the leaders, and dealt with all matters very efficiently and with extremely good grace despite significant pressures.’

‘They deliver quality work with a personal touch and are attentive and professional.’

‘Ben Smith is a hugely impressive partner, who frets for his clients, leaving no stone unturned to deliver results.’

‘The employment team has a great combination of technical expertise in statutory law and strategic nous which, coupled with excellent client handling skills, makes it an obvious choice for a lot of companies and organisations. They are also attractive to claimants with high value claims for the same reasons.’

‘Emily Chalkley is calm, knows her case load really well, provides careful and considerate instructions to counsel, and wins trust of her clients. She is always very attentive and pragmatic with her advice.’

Key clients

Rapha Racing


Amundi Asset Management


Nike


Framatome BHR Limited


Sony Playstation


Just Group plc


C. Hoare & Co


Dementia UK


Margarete Steiff GmbH


Cripps

The team at Cripps in Tunbridge Wells adopts an ‘incredibly pragmatic and commercially focused’ approach when advising high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and business owners in cross-border advisory and litigation work, including providing general employment advice, acquisition-related employment advice, changes in contracts, holiday pay issues and TUPE matters. ‘Exceptional’ and ‘fantastic’ practice head Camilla Beamish provides ‘commercially focused, pragmatic and trusted advice’ and is particularly focused on disputes between shareholders and directors and the enforcement of restricted covenants. Melanie Stancliffe has experience in advising clients in the financial services, retail, healthcare, legal and technology industries. Rhona Darbyshire and Patrick Glencross, who is now at Furley Page Solicitors, departed from the firm in September 2022 and October 2022 respectively. In early 2024, the firm acquired Horsham-based firm PDT Solicitors, which added the expertise of Laura McMaster to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Camilla Beamish


Other key lawyers:

Melanie Stancliffe; Emma Saunders; Holly Milne; Laura McMaster


Testimonials

‘An excellent experience with a sensitive and tricky exit as a board member. Their advice was not only accurate and helpful but also provided me with the tools and confidence to handle conversations in the right way. My principal contact was senior associate Camilla Beamish, who was exceptional and worked on my matter with a partner. Their co-ordination was seamless throughout the matter.’

‘The team offer trust and integrity when dealing with something as personal as your employment and reputation. I felt we were given more than just advice, the team was genuine and supportive. Our experience with other law firms is too often purely transactional, this was anything but that.’

‘The Cripps team continuously goes above and beyond to support my team. We are based in another country, and to have a highly knowledgeable team supporting us in our new expansion to the UK has been nothing short of great.’

‘I work closely with Emma Saunders, who has always shown a deep understanding of my employment questions, as well as taking the time to explain the reasoning and best practices. I am beyond thankful for her support and assistance with our HR team. I had every confidence in Emma and her team.’

‘They react quickly to requests for information and support. They offer clear, unambiguous and practical advice and very good client service levels and support. Camilla Beamish provides stand out service. Melanie Stancliffe was very responsive, clearly knew her stuff and achieved the right result.’

‘The people I deal with across the firm are professional, consistent, supportive and know their stuff! They are creative, reactive and good to work with.’

‘I find the team at Cripps incredibly pragmatic and commercially focused in their approach.’

‘Camilla Beamish is fantastic to work with. She is always happy to talk through employment law issues at short notice and provides me with commercially focused, pragmatic and trusted advice.We consult the team for serious and more nuanced matters and Camilla gives concise and clear parameters, enabling business decisions to be made.’

Key clients

Cadogan Estates


Uniguest


Berry Gardens


iprism


Chromalloy Gas Turbines LLC


Work highlights


  • Supported Cadogan in relation to its acquisition of membership interest in The Draycott Hotel LLP which involved providing advice on employment status/IR35, agency workers, holiday pay and TUPE.
  • Acting as legal adviser for Uniguest, an acquisitive private equity-backed US technology company. Recent work has involved negotiating the employment contracts relating to Uniguest’s acquisition of MediaStar Systems and a change of role and terms and conditions for a senior employee.
  • Provided employment advice to Berry Gardens in relation to the sale of its sales, packaging and distribution entity, Berry Gardens Limited, which was acquired by Driscoll’s.

DMH Stallard LLP

Based in Gatwick and Guildford, DMH Stallard LLP has recently handled employee benefits work, redundancy issues, TUPE matters, and discrimination and dismissal claims for a range of organisations across the education, manufacturing and aviation industries; the ‘very competent and helpful’ team also offers business immigration assistance. Heading up the practice is Simon Bellm, who is well known for his role in acting for public sector, charity and sporting clients. Immigration practice head Adam Williams acts for household names including Cineworld Cinemas, defending clients in Employment Tribunal claims and offers expertise in cross-border employment work. Abigail Maino is a specialist in the property services sector, and Greg Burgess offers ‘sound, practical and tailored’ advice, while Will Walsh is ‘friendly, professional and always responds in a timely manner’.

Practice head(s):

Simon Bellm


Other key lawyers:

Greg Burgess; Abigail Maino; Adam Williams; Will Walsh


Testimonials

‘A good understanding of key issues when approached. The team is able to be practical with advice, solutions, the risks and law but also understand we have a business to run, which gives clients security and confidence.’

‘A very competent and helpful team that I trust to support me in the best way. They are professional and credible.’

‘Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff at DMH Stallard.’

‘Simon Bellm is my main point of contact. He recognises the challenges that we face. He always highlights the risks of any situation and then works closely with us to fully understand the nuisances of our industry and how we can mitigate the risks. Greg Burgess is my second point of contact if Simon is on holiday and the same applies to Greg. I have also worked with Adam Williams in terms of immigration. I am always very grateful for Adam’s up-to-the-minute knowledge of the ever changing laws around Right to Work.’

‘DMH Stallard provide the services that we need and they understand our business and culture. We have worked with them for a number of years and have built up extremely good relationships. We trust their advisers and value them for their practical advice.’

‘Our lead contact, Greg Burgess, understands our organisation, our culture and our wider operating environment. He is always available for short calls as well as longer discussions on more complex matters. Greg’s advice is always sound, practical and tailored to meet our culture. It feels as though he is a part of our team.’

‘The team provides excellent service for our complex requirements. They have experts across various fields to refer to and collaborate with, depending on the situation or query. We are confident that we receive the best advice within a timely manner. They are readily contactable, and we can use various methods to communicate depending on our need. We have been using DMH Stallard for a number of years because of their professionalism, knowledge, understanding and flexible approach.’

‘Our main contact is Will Walsh. He is friendly, professional and always responds in a timely manner. We trust his judgement and advice and have partnered with him for approx. 10 years. He takes the time to understand the complexities of our business which has been expanding over the past few years. He understands how we operate, the needs of the different business entities and nothing is too much trouble. Will always gives us a rounded view, spelling out the risks whilst balancing both viewpoints. We have recently had a few difficult situations, each one with different unique requirements, but Will has always remained our point of referral, giving sound advice and with trusted judgement.’

Key clients

Dynex UK Limited


The National Lottery Heritage Fund


Cineworld Cinemas


Work highlights


  • Acted for the UK subsidiary of Dynex Inc, a listed US business in the pharmaceuticals sector, with closing its UK operation and the redundancy process that followed which led to around 15 staff in the UK being made redundant.
  • Advising The National Lottery Heritage Fund on threatened strike action by the PCS Union concerning numerous issues including advice on picketing, lawfulness of strike action by non-union members, the Union’s failure to comply with Northern Irish strike laws and payment obligations to striking employees.
  • Regularly act for Cineworld Cinemas in defence of Employment Tribunal claims.

Moore Barlow

Moore Barlow has a full-service employment offering, with work ranging from litigation concerning restrictive covenants and fiduciary duties to whistleblowing and discrimination claims, as well as TUPE transfers, immigration matters, insolvencies and day-to-day employment issues, acting for SMEs and plcs. Practice head Katherine Maxwell, who is based in Southampton and Richmond, advises global organisations and private individuals on post-termination restrictive covenants, reorganisations and redundancies. Splitting his time across Woking and Guildford is the ‘committed’ David Ludlow, who provides ‘very clear and definitive advice’ including providing M&A support and advice on employee competition, director’s duties and shareholder litigation to senior executives and clients in the charities, schools and medical sectors. In Richmond, Naomi Greenwood is also noted for her expertise in the advertising, media and financial services sectors.

Practice head(s):

Katherine Maxwell


Other key lawyers:

David Ludlow; Naomi Greenwood


Testimonials

‘David Ludlow is a committed lawyer who offers commercial and employment law experience.’

‘The team we worked with took charge of every detail with an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment. When working with international companies it is essential to know how to share information with respect to the reference country, and this too was done with great pragmatism. The creativity of the solutions and the flexibility in applying them was certainly an added value.’

‘The person with whom we worked was able to establish a correct human and professional relationship, took the time to fully understand the problem and was available whenever necessary. The distinctive trait is certainly flexibility combined with great competence.’

‘Very clear and definitive advice from David Ludlow which gave our partnership great reassurance and support. I have since recommended him to several colleagues because of the exceptional service.’

‘Overall, really good service from Moore Barlow. We have been working with them for many years now and they continue to provide pragmatic employment law advice to us. We work with Naomi Greenwood, who has endeavoured to understand our business which helps her to provide a sound, considered and appropriate level of advice to us on all aspects of employment law.’

Key clients

Abus Crane Systems Limited


A2C Services Limited


Teamcard Limited


BD Network Limited


Camm & Hooper Limited


Churchill Retirement Plc


Cowdray Estate


Darwin & Wallace Plc


Eliga Services Limited


Explore Learning Limited


Foxhills Golf and Country Club Ltd


Euronews Group


Firefly Capital Limited


Foreman Homes Group


Gravity Media Group


Hann Tucker Associates Limited


Sayer Vincent Chartered Accountants


Hozah Parking Limited


Hythe Marine Services Limited


Kartesia Investment Management


BSC Education Group


Menarini Stemline


Miltenyi Biotech Gmbh and Miltenyi Limited


Moorfields Eye Hospital


Harro Hoefliger Packaging Systems Limited


Workaround GmbH


PK Group Limited


Plum Products Limited


MeteoGroup (now DTN Europe Limited)


Vision Engineering Ltd


SiSaf Limited


Sir Richard Sutton Limited


Solventis Limited


Southern Communications Limited


SKS Business Services Ltd


Trident Garages Limited


Total Merchandise Limited


Traylen Enterprises Limited


ViewSonic


ETS Cable Components Ltd


World Sailing (UK) Limited


Waste Paper/ Cycle Link


Xenor Ltd


Work highlights


  • Acted for Teamcard Limited in successfully defending an Employment Tribunal unfair dismissal and breach of contract claim across jurisdictions, a matter which arose out of a restructuring with attendant redundancies.
  • Instructed by Moorfields, a London eye hospital, providing a range of employment law advice on complex matters.
  • Advised new client, Menarini Stemline, a fast growing Italian based pharmaceuticals business, on a wide variety of UK employment law matters over the course of 2022.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

The team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP offers ‘an exceptional level of service, is flexible in its approach, down to earth and very approachable’. Recent work has involved advising on flexible working issues and acting for companies, industry associations, charities and UK subsidiaries of overseas companies on corporate transactions as well as bullying, harassment and discrimination claims, claims for statutory rights, reorganisations and outsourcing agreements. Team head Michael Cole is ‘outstanding’ and ‘commercially astute’ and has substantial experience in acting for national and international clients in a range of sectors including the technology and financial services industries. Liz Cardy is well regarded and an ‘astute and tenacious negotiator’, active across contentious and non-contentious employment issues including work involving the education sector.

Practice head(s):

Michael Cole


Other key lawyers:

Liz Cardy


Testimonials

‘Penningtons always offers an exceptional level of service, is flexible in its approach, down to earth and very approachable.’

‘Michael Cole is outstanding, quick to respond and very approachable. He is commercially astute and has taken the time to understand our business and our needs. He always puts you at ease and takes time to explain giving clear guidance and advice. I’ve worked with Michael for many years and he is our trusted lawyer for all employment matters.’

‘Liz Cardy has provided excellent and timely support, is easily accessible and provides high-quality advice to the business.’

‘Liz Cardy is highly committed to her clients. She is pragmatic and solution oriented but also very calm under pressure and empathic to clients at a difficult time. She has excellent attention to detail and is an astute and tenacious negotiator. Liz provided me with excellent support to achieve the outcome I was looking for and combined the team’s talents very well.’

‘A very strong team with in-depth expertise in employment law, a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach at a time that can be very stressful for the client. They are quick to respond and always available for advice. They demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and are tenacious negotiators. Michael Cole and Liz Cardy are superb.’

‘I have requested support from their employment team on a number of occasions and they are so helpful and really understand how to focus their time on the key issues. Michael Cole and Liz Cardy are two of the best lawyers I have had the pleasure to work with in a career of over 25 years in HR.’

‘I am so grateful to Liz Cardy. She is highly knowledgeable, going above and beyond. Liz acted as an invaluable ally, especially when business relationships turned incredibly sour. Liz offered incredible support to both the company and me personally. She supported and advised on a number of matters including employment contracts, dismissal, theft of company property and IP and settlement agreements. Liz settled the matter swiftly and with huge support, providing the best possible outcome.’

‘Excellent support and advice from start to finish. The case they were advising me on was very complex and emotionally painful, and they took all the stress off of me and I had absolute confidence that they were able to negotiate and deliver in every area.’

Key clients

Wurth UK Limited


Future Biogas Limited


St Mary’s University, Twickenham


Domus UK Limited


Amelco UK Limited


Polymax Limited


The Handbook Venues Limited


Kent Pharma UK Limited


MCI UK Limited


Stevens & Bolton LLP

Stevens & Bolton LLP offers ‘clear advice delivered by proactive, engaging lawyers’ covering the full range of employment issues from day-to-day HR advice to Employment Tribunal litigation and a ‘specialism in immigration’. Recently, practice head Kerry Garcia has focused on growing the business immigration offering with clients highlighting her as an ‘excellent black letter lawyer but also a sound communicator’. Lloyd Davey, who is a member of the firm’s inward investment team, provides contentious and non-contentious advice in the technology, media and retail sectors. The ‘bright, engaging and articulate’ Hannah Ford assists both employers and senior executives with all aspects of employment law. Andy Williams joined the team from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP in August 2022 and focuses on negotiating severance packages and advising large corporates on reorganisations, TUPE transfers and changes to contracts.

Practice head(s):

Kerry Garcia


Other key lawyers:

Hannah Ford; Lloyd Davey; Andy Williams; Michelle Hobbs; Rebecca Berry; Hollie Ryan


Testimonials

‘Pragmatic and clear advice is delivered by the proactive and engaging lawyers at the firm. Their employment team are very easy to work with and understand our priorities well. Hannah Ford leads by example. She is very responsive, knowledgeable, and a lot of fun to work with too!’

‘Stevens & Bolton are an excellent non-London firm delivering sound advice. The specialism in immigration has been of particular value post-Brexit.’

‘Kerry Garcia in the immigration team is superb. An excellent black letter lawyer but also a sound communicator. She can distil difficult issues into practical advice. Hannah Ford is a sound lawyer and a friendly face. She knows our business and our style well.’

‘The employment team are very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. They provide practical advice and always respond promptly to requests for advice. Hannah Ford is very bright, engaging and articulate. She gets to the heart of a problem quickly and always responds with appropriate advice.’

‘Stevens & Bolton are a trusted partner to us and having worked with them on a number of complex issues over the past years I find them to be very attentive, helpful, diverse and their response rate is next to none.’

‘The specific individuals I have worked with who stand out are Kerry Garcia and Rebecca Berry. These individuals are not only very knowledgeable but professional in their approach. I trust the work delivered by them. I find they always have a solution and have worked to not only protect our brand but ensure we are best set up to succeed.’

‘As a collective Stevens & Bolton are very responsive, pragmatic and easy to work with. As a result we have developed a strong client relationship. There is strong collaboration across the team, with each member who we have been referred to providing sound and thoughtful advice. They cover the full spectrum of employment law.’

‘Lloyd Davey is thorough, quick at responding and personable. He understands our business, commercial challenges and the wider industry and accordingly provides tailored, high quality and pragmatic legal advice. He also understands our style of working.’

Key clients

Ericsson Limited


NEP UK Limited


Papa John’s (GB) Limited


Aegis Managing Agency Limited


BMJ Publishing Group Limited


Nintendo UK – a branch of Nintendo of Europe GmbH


Kia UK Limited


Belron International Limited (Autoglass)


Natures Way Foods Limited


Cornerstone OnDemand Limited


Work highlights


  • Providing advice to the HR and legal teams of longstanding client, Kia UK Ltd, on employment matters including advice on disciplinary and grievance issues and general HR issues.
  • Supporting Papa John’s on a wide range of HR matters, under a HR retainer, helping shape and implement the HR and regulatory strategy.
  • Providing employment advice to Belron International Ltd (Autoglass) in relation to holiday pay, hybrid working arrangements and contractor engagement.

Boddy Matthews Limited

The employment team at commercial boutique Boddy Matthews Limited in Reigate fields ‘specialists in the field’. The ‘unique’ practice regularly advises corporates, SMEs and owner-managed businesses on all aspects of employment law and also assists senior individuals with exit packages and settlement agreements. Heading up the team is Helen Boddy, who assists corporate clients and senior executives with contracts, exits, reorganisations and employment relations, and stands out for her ‘exemplary’ work and demonstrates ‘dedication, candour and honesty’.

Practice head(s):

Helen Boddy


Testimonials

‘Helen Boddy was recommended to me. I found her to be very professional, friendly, prompt and efficient. We discussed the issue that I faced and what I needed her to do. She did everything I needed very promptly and provided me with the solution I required.’

‘The main thing for me was the dedication, candour and honesty of Helen Boddy. She was exemplary in her behaviour and offered sensitivity and professionalism. She provided a precise and objective opinion on how things stand.’

‘The practice was unique in my opinion by demonstrating patience and ease of availability despite difficult timeframes and deadlines. My main dealings were with Helen Boddy. Helen was recommended to me for her professionalism and integrity. At all times she was diligent, considered and gave valuable insight into what was a stressful situation. Helen was always patient and diligent and was able to work under extreme pressures on deadlines.’

‘Boddy Matthews are specialists in their field. I have used them for personal legal advice on employment matters for several years. The assignment I approached them for recently was the most challenging yet. They were as assiduous and focused as I have always experienced them to be and quickly got to grips with this evolving field, providing practical advice on the possible routes forward and the potential pitfalls.’

‘Helen Boddy was excellent and got to grips entirely with my case. She was incredibly responsive and helped facilitate an advantageous position for me.’

‘The firm is small but more effective and personal than a large firm of solicitors. The firm offers London calibre without London rates. The team has individual and consistent points of contact, exceptional responses and extensive employment industry knowledge. You have peace of mind that you are in good hands. Helen Boddy should be the first port of call for all escalated employment issues.’

‘I have mainly worked with Helen Boddy. She is a consummate professional, always available and unafraid to give her advice clearly, concisely and determinedly or to probed on sensitive or unclear issues. It feels like a relationship of equals in which she knows her field completely but where she is willing to listen as well as advise and does not come to an issue with preconceptions.’

‘Knowledge, reason and clarity are the attributes of this team which stand out. The advice means I understand the framework within which I am making decisions.’

Key clients

Accounting for Contractors Ltd


Bollore Logistics UK Ltd


Denmech Ltd


East Surrey Performing Arts


Fileturn Ltd


FL Greenwood & Son


Focus Cloud Ltd


People Tree Fair Trade Group Ltd


Southern Piling Ltd


Saracen Horse Feeds Ltd


MSP Secretaries Ltd


Storm Building Ltd


Vecta UW Ltd


Wm Lillico & Son Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Bollore Logistics UK Ltd, a major international transport and logistics contractor, on the employment and TUPE aspects of a first and second generation outsourcing to Bollore in managing some of the world’s biggest retailers, delivering global transport and logistics services.
  • Advising Denmech Ltd, a mechanical engineering contractor, on the employment status of labour only subcontractors and related issues including zero hours contracts, holiday pay, CIS Scheme and IR 35 off-payroll working rules.
  • Advised and acted for Fileturn Ltd, a construction and interior fit out contractor, in two Covid-related employment tribunal cases including furlough and zero hours related issues.

Brachers

Led by the firm’s healthcare sector and data protection head Catherine Daw, who specialises in collective issues and employment tribunal litigation, the employment team at Brachers in Maidstone regularly advises clients in the education, manufacturing, automotive and healthcare sectors on employment advisory and litigation work. Colin Smith is an expert in TUPE matters and manages reorganisations for international businesses. Abigail Brightwell is another key lawyer who regularly advises on contract issues, restructurings, senior exits and employee tribunal claims.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Daw


Other key lawyers:

Colin Smith; Abigail Brightwell


Testimonials

‘Very responsive team that provides insightful and well thought out advice.’

‘They are happy to engage in testing various courses of action, weighing the various risks and possibilities.’

‘Brachers is a leading firm for healthcare clients in the South East. It has a high level of client care and a loyal client base.’

‘Catherine Daw leads the team exceptionally well. Other highly regarded individuals include Colin Smith, who is extremely strong on collective employment work and Abigail Brightwell.’

Key clients

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust


Hamton Environmental Services Ltd


Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust


Five Acre Wood School


Associated Asphalt


Benenden Hospital


Ebbsfleet Development Corporation


Royal British Legion Industries


Ashford Borough Council


Laing O’Rourke


Plumpton College


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented and defended Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in litigation involving five claims against multiple respondents, ten appeals and tens of thousands of emails from the claimant.
  • Assisted with the employment aspects of the sale of global company, Take 1 TV to Verbit, expanding its presence in Europe.
  • Successfully represented Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) in the widely reported case of Ibrahim v MTW which has clarified the law in relation to the payment of bank/temporary workers at times when their ability to work via a temporary work bank was suspended.

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell’s Gatwick-based employment practice regularly advises on litigation, IR35 issues and restrictive covenants across a range of sectors including the financial services and retail industries. The firm has recently expanded its work with a number of new clients in the education sector, offering advice on industrial relations as well as holiday pay and entitlement matters. The team is headed by English and German dual-qualified lawyer Sybille Steiner, who splits her time between London, Gatwick and Southampton and has experience advising UK-based and international businesses in the manufacturing and retail sectors. Charlotte Sloan joined Birketts LLP in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Sybille Steiner


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Irvine


Testimonials

‘The team make themselves available at short notice, are approachable and professional. They provide advice which is understandable and provide commercial options to support with decision making.’

Key clients

Softcat PLC


HE Space Operations B.V.


Bedford College


Weymouth College


Chichester College Group


Eastleigh College


Reigate Leaning Alliance


Buckinghamshire College Group


Gatwick Airport Ltd


Association of Colleges


Bridgwater and Taunton College


Work highlights


  • Advising Gatwick Airport Ltd as the sole legal provider of employment law services on a range of employment matters.
  • Acting as the sole legal provider of employment law support to the Association of Colleges and providing a dedicated advisory service to over 300 AoC member colleges across the UK.
  • Advising HE Space on a range of employment law matters.

Loch Employment Law

The ‘first-class’ employment and business law boutique Loch Employment Law, which is part of the Loch Associates Group along with Loch Law, Loch HR, Loch Training and Wellbeing and Loch Mediation, has ‘an overall pragmatic and commercial approach’ and a full-service employment offering for employers and employees, handling matters including investigations, employee management work, equality and discrimination claims, and restructuring and exit mandates. Jointly leading the team is ‘terrific lawyer’ and ‘excellent listener’ Pam Loch, who is dual qualified in England and Scotland, and Joe Milner, who clients note is a ‘really great asset to any team’ who has a ‘great legal brain’ and has experience in workplace immigration matters.

Practice head(s):

Pam Loch; Joe Milner


Testimonials

‘The team at Loch understand our business and culture so will never try and force an off the shelf solution to what we are trying to do. The team are quick to return calls and emails and are always friendly in their approach.’

‘Pam Loch is an excellent listener and is always able to give insight to industry trends and what people are doing. Pam also ensures that her team are in the loop if she is ever unavailable to talk or handle something. We can always get going quickly rather than having to explain things over and over again.’

‘Exceptional accessibility of partners and staff with swift response times. The whole firm offers an overall pragmatic and commercial approach to matters.’

Martin Searle Solicitors

Martin Searle Solicitors excels in employment and community care law matters. Instructed by both employers and employees, the Brighton-based team has recently advised on unfair dismissal and disability discrimination claims for clients in the education, healthcare, aviation and hospitality sectors. Practice head Fiona Martin, who is described as a ‘star’, is known for campaigning on important issues relating to maternity and sexual harassment, bringing claims on behalf of employees who have been discriminated against. Employment tribunal litigator Laura Donnelly represents employers and employees particularly in the finance, recruitment and retail sectors.

Practice head(s):

Fiona Martin


Other key lawyers:

Christine Gannon; Sarah Henderson; Laura Donnelly


Testimonials

‘Fiona Martin is a star. A very special mention to her on cases involving mental health and disability issues. Her style is very direct, she has no time to waste, but behind this there is immense compassion and a personal conviction that the client’s right must be vindicated even when the opposition is fierce. Laura Donnelly has a completely different style, she is a Swiss watchmaker, placing each element exactly. But like Fiona, blind alleys are closed promptly, the strategy is clear. And again, you feel an immense kindness, an understanding that behind the case there is an individual.’

‘My principal contact was Christine Gannon. My case involved claims of discrimination and was extremely stressful. Christine guided me with compassion through an acutely difficult process. I will always be grateful for her honesty, kindness and legal ability.’

‘Fiona Martin provides excellent accessible employment law information to help charities and other local community organisations run themselves with best practice and compliance at the forefront of their employment practices. Fiona Martin has consistently offered sound sensible advice and has always been a pleasure to work with over many years.’

Key clients

Oakley Commercial Ltd


Special Arts Service t/a SAS Graphics


Work highlights


  • Acting for the former sales director of a printing company bringing claims of automatic unfair dismissal and whistleblowing detriment.
  • Successfully representing a client in the Employment Tribunal in claims of unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal with an Acas uplift of 15%.
  • Negotiated generous terms of settlement and represented a client claiming race, pregnancy and maternity discrimination, where the discriminatory treatment commenced prior to the maternity leave and culminated in changes being made to her role while absent on maternity leave and being denied a promotion opportunity.

Outset Limited

Based in Kent, ‘one-stop-shop’ Outset Limited fields a ‘very professional and knowledgeable team’ with a ‘deep understanding’ across a range of matters including M&A support, collective consultation issues, Employment Tribunal claims and business immigration work. The trio of lawyers heading up the team includes expert in negotiating indemnity and warranty provisions Chloe Pereira, who is a specialist in employment matters in the maritime, higher education and hospitality sectors; Amanda Brown, and Lorraine Williams, who focuses on the employment aspects of business transactions, particularly across the healthcare and hospitality sectors.

Practice head(s):

Chloe Pereira; Amanda Brown; Lorraine Williams


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Smith; Melissa Nelson; Tessa Robinson; Will Chrusciel; Nicholas Moore


Testimonials

‘Daniel Smith was our standout lawyer. He was excellent in communicating and updating us on the case, breaking down the legal jargon and position into easy to understand English which enabled us to have meaningful discussions on how to proceed and progress our case. He was fair and honest and was always available to answer questions and explore alternative routes to resolve our case.’

‘We have particularly worked with Melissa Nelson over the past 2-3 years. She has got to know our management team and the culture of our organisation very well. Like all the solicitors I’ve worked with at Outset, she is pragmatic, very knowledgeable, and easy to work with.’

‘We have built up such good relations with the individuals we work with over a long period. Every query is dealt with professionally and efficiently and we always get a balanced view as to how best to mitigate any risk with some of the more complex matters. They are very knowledgeable and if there are occasions when they aren’t best placed to help advise on a specific matter, they are easily able and proactive in finding other subject matter experts internally who can. In particular, Chloe Pereira has been instrumental in effectively supporting us over the last few years. Her patience, support, knowledge, advice and proactivity has been phenomenal throughout this period. We are unable to comprehend that we could get better service and support elsewhere.’

Key clients

IVC Evidensia


Flight Centre (UK) Limited


SHL Limited


Fujifilm


Toppesfield


Charlton Athletic Community Trust


Charlton Athletic Football Club


Antalis


Holland America Group: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Yachts of Seabourn


Michels & Taylor


Thanet Earth


A Gomez Limited


Carnival UK


Ward Security


Wren Healthcare


STEM Learning


Kent Country Agricultural Society


Diocese of Canterbury


Be Wiser Insurance


DMA Group


Flint Insurance


The Royal Veterinary Group


Kent Crisps


Galago


Pearl Healthcare


Commodity Centre


ISMS


Mainstream Group


Mackenzies


Work highlights


  • Represented Princess Cruise Lines Limited (Holland America Group) in the defence of a complex tribunal claim involving multiple grounds of claims relating to seafarer jurisdiction, coronavirus job retention scheme and dismissal and re-engagement.
  • Advised a recruitment business on challenging an HMRC demand for SSP in respect of an agency worker, successfully securing HMRC’s agreement to withdraw its demand, avoiding potentially significant implications for the whole industry.
  • Provided advice and assistance in handling a complex equal pay grievance and appeal for a key retail client, enabling it to deliver a robust defence to a tribunal claim and achieve a commercial settlement.

Thomson Snell & Passmore

In Thames Gateway, Thomson Snell & Passmore regularly advises on employment status issues and off-payroll working rules across the education and charity/not-for-profit industries. It is also increasingly involved in Employment Tribunal claims that challenge dismissals relating to redundancies, restructurings and misconduct issues. Team head Nick Hobden is ‘professional, knowledgeable and assertive’ and has notable experience in contentious and non-contentious employment work. Ben Stepney is also noted for his work in the social care, technology and construction sectors.

Practice head(s):

Nick Hobden


Other key lawyers:

Ben Stepney


Testimonials

‘TS&P reacted extraordinarily quickly to an unfolding employment issue and worked with our senior management team to head off what could have easily turned into a long protracted legal dispute. I was impressed at the manner in which the issue was escalated to partner level immediately and all available resources were immediately thrown at the problem. At all times we have found them to be more responsive and efficient than many of the firms we used previously.’

‘The partner we dealt with, Nick Hobden, proved to be professional, knowledgeable and assertive, with considerable experience in complex employment matters. He inspired confidence from the start and quickly assimilated all the relevant information and was able to give us a number of clear options within hours. What almost certainly would have ended up in a costly and long drawn-out contractual dispute was settled within a matter of days with the complainant being made subject to a wide-reaching and creative agreement. Nick’s ability to brief our negotiating team was impressive and his foresight definitively contributed to the successful outcome.’

Key clients

Communications International Group Limited


Morgan and Co (Strood) Limited


Rivermead Inclusive Trust including Academy of Woodlands


Town and Country Housing Group Limited


Parallel Learning Trust


Skills for Life Trust


Bel UK Limited


Avante Care and Support Limited


Crowhurst Park


Work highlights


  • Acted for Rivermead Inclusive Trust, a multi-academy trust in Kent, on various employment matters and one of its academy chain schools in a parental dispute.
  • Acted for Parallel Learning Trust, a south east multi-academy trust, in an Employment Tribunal claim.
  • Advised timber merchants, Morgan and Co (Strood), on the closure of its business and collective redundancy consultation.

Girlings

The ‘excellent regional employment practice’ at Girlings in Ashford provides ‘efficient and timely advice’ with recent work concerning transfer of employees, day-to-day HR advice and Employment Tribunal claims concerning discrimination issues. The practice also offers advice in evolving areas of employment law including business immigration, menopause, cryptocurrency and transgender rights. Heading up the practice is ‘outstanding practitioner’ Carl Vincent, who is a ‘true leader in his field’ and is ‘robust, commercial and driven to get the best, practical outcome for clients’. Paul McAleavey provides a ‘clearly defined strategy’ to clients and focuses on advising on senior executive terminations. According to clients, associate David Morgan is an ‘excellent communicator’ and a ‘pleasure to deal with’.

Practice head(s):

Carl Vincent


Other key lawyers:

Paul McAleavey; David Morgan


Testimonials

‘Efficient and timely advice given with practicality and sympathy. A good mix of objective advice and understanding of a difficult emotional experience. Procedurally straightforward to deal with.’

‘Paul McAleavey provided a clearly defined strategy based on case law. He separated himself from the competition by his ability to provide innovative practical solutions to complicated situations. He was accessible and exceeded our expectations. We benefitted from the impact that can be achieved by a knowledgeable and professional solicitor. He was an integral and valued member of our team which led to our success.’

‘I’ve worked with Carl Vincent, who is robust, commercial and driven to get the best, practical outcome for clients.’

Key clients

Western Provident Association


Adelard LLP


Work highlights


  • Providing Western Provident Association, a medical insurance company, with day-to-day HR advice and advice on business immigration matters.
  • Providing Adelard LLP with advice regarding the transfer of employees and the negotiation of service contracts to the partners during an asset sale.

Markel Law LLP

Markel Law LLP is a full-service employment practice and has a tripartite team structure covering employment disputes, consultancy issues and advisory work relating to holiday pay, settlement agreements, dismissals and TUPE issues. The team is headed up by Craig McCracken from Manchester and employment consultancy manager Edward Pearce, who is based in Croydon. Andrew Bayjou is also noted and has experience representing high-net-worth individuals, companies and schools in whistleblowing and discrimination claims.

Practice head(s):

Craig McCracken; Edward Pearce


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Bayjou; Toby McArdle; Danielle Fox; Christine Garrett


Testimonials

‘It was just brilliant to have the team on our side. Everything about the service provided was exemplary which is not something that is common in this day and age. I always felt fully informed about what was happening, and they made me feel like they really cared which again isn’t easy in this line of work. It was an absolute pleasure to have been represented by this organisation.’

‘They listen carefully to the brief, explain how things may progress and update you on progress. They take time to understand your position.’

‘Edward Pearce was careful during his work with me. He approached the work carefully and explained his role. Edward approached the work judiciously, taking on board evidence carefully and reaching a considered conclusion. He was confident to identify how things could be better and communicating with all parties involved in a professional manner.’

‘The solicitor who represented our organisation was Christine Garret. Christine was excellent from the beginning to the end. She communicated, explained and advised to an exceptional standard. Her customer service skills are amazing. It was a pleasure to have her represent our company. To cap it all she achieved an outstanding outcome for our company due to her diligence. An amazing person to have working in our corner. Totally different experience from any other legal representative I have ever worked with. Excellent and great team.’

‘The team at Markel Law LLP were very helpful from the start, helping me through the employment tribunal and pointed out key issues to assist in my case. Danielle Fox was very professional from the start in helping us through the hearing and pointing out that the opposition had made errors.’

‘They were very professional from start to finish and ensured that any concerns or questions were answered promptly.’

‘Markel Law LLP were very professional in their approach to us as a small company that had no experience in defending an employment tribunal. They took care of the liaison with our insurers keeping us informed of all relevant developments and giving excellent advice as the case progressed to a hearing at which we were successful. Toby McArdle was a professional and reassuring presence. He was always available on the phone when we needed guidance or reassurance. He was fully on top of the details of the case.’

Key clients

The Federation of Small Business


Markel


IPC Europe (Subway)


Eva Airway Corporation


Evergreen Marine (UK) Limited


Lees Hall Golf Club


Bestcare (UK) Ltd


B.L.W. (INSURANCE SERVICES) LTD


Personal Care Services


Hafal


Wilton House Ltd


Thomas Sabo


Work highlights


  • Successfully defended Extraman Ltd in the Employment Tribunal against a claimant who sought £80,000 and alleged unfair discrimination and unfair dismissal.
  • Acted for Bondcare Limited at a final full merit hearing and successfully defended against a complex automatic unfair dismissal claim involving whistleblowing and multiple disclosures regarding health and safety practices in a care home.
  • Successfully had allegations of dismissal and whistleblowing detriment dismissed for Bagshot Rehab Centre in which the claimant valued his claim in excess of £100,000.

Pure Employment Law

Pure Employment Law ‘carries a reputation and ability far beyond its size’ and excels in advising employers on disciplinary and grievance matters, redundancies, TUPE transfers and Employment Tribunal claims. Based in Chichester, the team also offers an investigations, hearings and appeals service for matters involving senior employees. Nicola Brown, who has ‘excellent knowledge’ and has recently ‘provided practical and expert advice’ on redundancy and TUPE matters as well as Employment Tribunal cases, jointly leads the group with Peter Stevens, who offers employers, including small businesses and listed PLCs, ‘pragmatic and tailored solutions’ for a range of employment issues.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Brown; Peter Stevens


Testimonials

‘Despite being a relatively small firm, Pure Employment law carry a reputation and ability far beyond their size. The strength is in the ability to address the commercial and human elements of the claim with equal rigour and precision.’

‘Nicola Brown and Peter Stevens carry an impressive case load with claims often involving hundreds of claimants, yet they never lose touch with the human element of the claim. I really value their organisation and knowledge and can be sure that nothing will slip through the cracks with them. Nicola has had some particularly demanding clients and yet is able to deal with them with a smile and in a way that defuses the frustration they feel with the tribunal process. She carries this approach over to dealing with the other side and clearly has good relationships with litigants in person.’

‘The service is tailored to our specific needs, and they understand the particular issues associated with our complex business in employment law. They are a small team and are always available for advice which is always practical.’

Key clients

Study Group UK Limited


Baqus Plc


Daikin Airconditioning (UK) Limited


Belimed Limited


Southern Cranes & Access Limited


Flight Directors Scheduled Services Limited


Thesis Asset Management Limited


Alitex Limited


Peruvian Connection LLC


Chichester Cathedral


Work highlights


  • Defending a beauty and pharmaceuticals company in TUPE claims brought by over 120 claimants.
  • Advising Study Group UK Limited on all of its employment law issues on a retainer basis.
  • Dealing with a high-profile investigation for a public sector client involving 35 witnesses.

Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP

Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP provides a ‘very personalised and bespoke service’ in employment law to corporates and SMEs, and clients also benefit from the ‘responsive’ and ‘easy to use’ GatekeeperHR service. In Sevenoaks, Elaine Abbs is recommended. Amy White and previous practice head Bruce Hayter have left the firm, as has Victoria Regan.

Other key lawyers:

Elaine Abbs


Testimonials

‘The team are always polite and helpful, assisting when required.’

‘The firm offers a very personalised and bespoke service. As a growing SME we can utilise many of the services offered by Rix & Kay. Not only are they quick to respond and proactive, they also keep us regularly informed of up and coming legislation and best practice. Elaine Abbs has been particularly helpful with some complicated cases.’

‘I have dealt with Elaine Abbs and I have found her to be extremely helpful, reassuring and supportive. The team help guide us through processes step by step, I am very impressed by them all.’

‘A very approachable, friendly and professional team that is supportive. A good mix of disciplines which means that our business needs can all be met by the broader team.’

‘Rix and Kay have been able to provide a very professional and effective service in a very complex and emotive area of the law.’

‘We have engaged the services of Rix and Kay over numerous years and found them to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable where we needed help and advice on disciplinary matters and redundancies, we have no need to move solicitors as we have every confidence in the service they provide.’

Key clients

Buxted Medical Centre


Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust


Active Sussex


Sussex Bed Centre Holdings Limited


Blue Strawberry Group Limited


Shareholders of DutySheet Limited


Conservation Without Borders


Work highlights


  • Working with Buxted Medical Centre to assist the client in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and inspections.
  • Advising Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust in connection with a reorganisation and restructuring exercise which has involved the reviewing and standardisation of contracts.

Sherrards Employment Law Solicitors

The ‘extremely hardworking and conscientious’ team at Sherrards Employment Law Solicitors is instructed by a diverse range of clients including financial services companies and airlines such as Emirates and Lufthansa. Advising on the full spectrum of employment matters, the team also offers clients a CPD accredited learning and development platform; The Sherrards Academy. The team is led by West Sussex-based lawyers Harry Sherrard, who is ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ and offers ‘sound judgement’, and director Dan Soanes, who has represented clients in the Employment Tribunal.

Practice head(s):

Harry Sherrard; Dan Soanes


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Nicholas


Testimonials

‘A very professional and approachable team that provides high-quality advice and engaging employment law and HR training. This is a small and local practice and so you do not speak to a different person each time but build up a relationship. They place great importance on client service and cost-effective solutions. They have great collaboration with local businesses. The team is extremely hardworking and conscientious. It works cohesively and all solicitors are helpful and efficient in handling calls and cases efficiently.’

‘Harry Sherrard is very experienced and knowledgeable, with sound judgement and the ability to break down cases to find pragmatic and successful solutions. Clients feel safe in his hands with his wealth of experience. Rachel Nicolas is very approachable, professional, and supportive. She offers pragmatic and transferable advice and adopts a solutions-based approach.’

‘Sherrards provide a business friendly, risk-based approach to their advice, which is always useful and appreciated.’

Key clients

Emirates


CBRE


Cathay Pacific


Lufthansa


Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts


Air France KLM


Johnsons Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Linen


L3 Harris ASV


Air Engineering Group


Brooklands Museum Trust


Work highlights


  • Represented Riverstone Management in a widely reported Employment Appeals Tribunal matter focusing on the ability to have without prejudice documents included in an ET Hearing.
  • Assisted Axio on a high-value joint employment law and personal injury case with a matter value of £500,000.
  • Advising on an extensive restructure of the workforce of Clovis Oncology which involved a Chapter 11 event of a parent company in the US and required liaising with teams in the UK and US.

Thackray Williams LLP

Based in Bromley, the ‘outstanding’ and ‘well-prepared’ team at Thackray Williams LLP regularly provides HR and specialist employment advice to clients in the education, finance, retail and leisure industries; the group has also recently grown its involvement in matters relating to senior executive exits. Practice head Emma Thompson excels in assisting commercial clients with tribunal disputes and has a specialism in advising public and independent schools and nurseries.

Practice head(s):

Emma Thompson


Other key lawyers:

Lisa Rothon; Faye Shortall; Elliot Flockhart


Testimonials

‘I am always very impressed with how well prepared they are, everything is as it should be and I can focus on the case. The fee earners usually pick up their phones and if not, it is always clear where they are and when they’ll be in touch.’

‘Emma Thompson, Faye Shortall and Lisa Rothon are all outstanding. They are ably supported by Elliot Flockhart.’

Thomas Mansfield Solicitors

With several offices across the South East including bases in Tunbridge Wells and Guildford, Thomas Mansfield Solicitors is approached by companies, trade unions and SMEs, especially in the education, healthcare, logistics and sports sectors, to advise on litigation, working time regulations and restrictive covenants. Led by the ‘calm, knowledgeable and efficient’ Angie Crush and the ‘exceptional’ Meredith Hurst, the team also has expertise in advising on deferred compensation schemes and remuneration packages for senior executives. Alex Kiernan joined the firm in June 2022 from Loch Employment Law.

Practice head(s):

Angie Crush; Meredith Hurst


Other key lawyers:

Alex Kiernan; Julie Goodway; Jenna Ide


Testimonials

‘This was my first time engaging with a lawyer in any personal issue. All I can say is that they made the process simple, understandable, transparent, efficient, manageable and quick rather than long and drawn out. I hugely appreciated this. They also made efficient use of time, asking me to take the time to document the whole situation and then going through it with me, allowing me to collaborate on the written documents. All of this made it quicker and more collaborative. I felt that we were in this together.’

‘Angie Crush was brilliant to work with. She was calm, knowledgeable, efficient, honest but also had a sense of humour in a tough time. She kept me updated at all times. As someone who had not been through a process like this before, she gave me the utmost confidence that she had my best interests at heart. I have since recommended her to two people.’

‘The team was always extremely professional, caring and always went out of their way to help me, especially with my mental health issues. These affected how I was able to explain and move my case forward. I was always made to feel comfortable and able to openly discuss matters with any member of the team. I always felt that I was their number one concern, which made me feel at ease and confident that my case was being handled diligently and with a personal touch of understanding. Any advice was always explained in terms that I was able to fully understand and in an honest and straightforward way.’

Key clients

Scheidt & Bachmann (UK) Limited


FM Conway


Stagecoach


Bridges Fund Management


Council for Licensed Conveyancers


Newrest Group


LIFT Financial Limited


Kelly Services UK Limited


Hunter Design Limited


Ocasa Homes


Work highlights


  • Advising an international aerospace company on a complex dismissal dispute.
  • Acting for a company in the cleantech sector in bringing High Court injunction proceedings relating to breach of restrictive covenants and other claims.
  • Advising a senior executive on a potential move to a decentralised finance competitor in relation to comprehensive post-termination restrictions and a high-value remuneration package.

TWM Solicitors LLP

Located in Guildford, TWM Solicitors LLP offers ‘pragmatic and constructive’ advice to both corporate and individual employee clients on business reorganisations and redundancies, corporate transactions, bespoke employment training and termination packages. The team is co-led by Anthony Wilcox, who has substantial experience in industrial relations matters and conducting Employment Tribunal litigation across many business sectors. Co-heading the team is Patrick Stewart, who advises clients across the financial services and management consultancy sectors and is a specialist in restraint of trade and confidentiality disputes and GDPR-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Anthony Wilcox; Patrick Stewart


Testimonials

‘Patrick Stewart is very supportive. He listens and makes sure he understands the detail in order to give legal context. He is highly experienced and able to provide great insight to the relevant processes. I find him helpful and thorough.’

‘Engaged the services of Patrick Stewart primarily. Patrick came over as a seasoned professional, flexible and agile, listening intently to understand and grasp the complex situation.’

‘Knowledgeable and strong-minded team that is highly knowledgeable in this area.’

‘The team is very professional, achieves deadlines and always provides precise and clear advice. They focus on the client and take time to understand the unique circumstances behind events. They are very committed to the cause.’

‘TWM was highly recommended to me to assist in an employment dispute. They provided clinical objective legal advice, with the decisions ultimately coming down to me.’

‘The practice gave a very fast response to my initial enquiry and an efficient and personable service that was responsive to the needs of our company.’

‘Anthony Wilcox has been working with our organisation for many years. He has become an extension of my department and will always provide both the legal and commercial solutions to the issues we face. I find his approach collaborative and his advice and support workable rather than ridged and impractical.’

‘Pragmatic and constructive team that does exceptional preparation and blends their undoubted legal expertise with a realistic approach to their clients’ problems.’

Key clients

Bucher Municipal Limited


BMJ Publishing Group


Steelcomm Ltd


Work highlights


  • Represented Bucher Municipal Limited in Employment Tribunal proceedings featuring a dispute over geographical jurisdiction.
  • Advised a client on the termination of a complex commercial arrangement as IFA with supervisory organisation, including issues associated with post-termination restrictions.

Clarkson Wright & Jakes

The lawyers at Clarkson Wright & Jakes in Orpington are praised as ‘exceptionally personable’ and ‘good communicators’ and offer ‘high-quality, specific support’ on employment and HR corporate matters for clients in the healthcare sector as well as the charity and media industries. Practice head Laura Claridge is ‘helpful’ and advises national and international corporates on transactions, contracts and employment policies as well as disputes and disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Practice head(s):

Laura Claridge


Testimonials

‘The team are approachable and professional. They deal with queries in a timely manner.’

‘The individuals that I have dealt with have been exceptionally personable, good communicators and have offered high-quality specific support and guidance.’

‘The team listen, explain in detail and support with all HR concerns. They have always given helpful advice and support.’

Downs Solicitors LLP

Downs Solicitors LLP is described by one client as ‘a local firm with the expertise and clout of a national player.’ Led by David Seals, who offers ‘expert guidance’ on Employment Tribunal matters and data protection law from the Dorking office, the team assists both employers and employees with various matters including corporate transactions, redundancies and dismissals and general day-to-day advisory work. The practice also utilises the Employlaw scheme, offering HR support to clients.

Practice head(s):

David Seals


Other key lawyers:

Heather Love; Elizabeth Barrett


Testimonials

‘The team are extremely professional, knowledgeable, approachable and prompt. When dealing with very sensitive or urgent employment matters it is imperative you have a reliable and professional law firm to assist. There is always a warm, friendly and calming logical voice when you need one at Downs. It is an absolute pleasure working with their team.’

‘David Seal, Heather Love and Elizabeth Barrett always go the extra mile. Nothing is ever too much trouble, they will always ensure you are comfortable with the advice they have given before leaving you to implement or pursue the process.’

‘I deal with various departments within Downs both professionally and personally and have received an exemplary service throughout. The most remarkable aspect is the diversity throughout the company and the calm and professional approach to all legal matters it exudes. It’s as though there is a Downs mold of excellence as standard, and this ethos is carried from top to bottom of the organisation and throughout all disciplines.’

‘Every employee stands out to me for. Their dedication and performance of service towards their clients is great. They adopt a can-do attitude providing just the right amount of support needed and pinpointing the issues through careful consideration from the outset. Outstanding individuals include Heather Love and Elizabeth Barrett.’

‘Heather Love is our main contact. Heather is always quick to respond to my emails. Heather is also happy to discuss issues, approaches and options for resolution over the phone and has learned and retained a lot of information about our company. It’s this personal service that makes Downs Solicitors stand out.’

‘The department are very keen to understand your needs and how your business runs so that they can give advice and assist in the most efficient way possible. Heather Love is fantastic on every count. She always takes her time to listen and fully understand what it is you need and want to be doing. Heather is friendly, helpful and clearly knows her stuff!’

‘A local firm with the expertise and clout of a national player. A very personal service from highly professional lawyers. David Seals is always available for advice and expert guidance. Highly approachable and genuine people.’