Employment: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 in South East

Blake Morgan LLP

Blake Morgan LLP is frequently instructed by international corporations, Thames Valley-based SMEs and public bodies on a full-range of employment law matters, particularly those arising out of the tech and education sectors. Contentious work is a core pillar of the group’s practice and includes employment tribunal and High Court claims. In conjunction with employment, pensions and immigration group head Ron Burgess, Rajiv Joshi leads the Thames Valley-based contingent, focusing on the firm’s key clients in the tech sector. He is supported by associate Madeleine Mould on key mandates, who is the go-to name on the team for strategic and human resources advice. Partner William Downing  departed in 2022, joining Mills & Reeve LLP.

Practice head(s):

Rajiv Joshi; Ron Burgess


Other key lawyers:

Madeleine Mould


Testimonials

‘Madeleine Mould walked us through a very sensitive employee issue. Her attention to detail and quickness allowed us to have peace of mind with every response and decision we made.’

‘The team are so knowledgeable and personable. Very impressed with their customer service and their commitment to deadlines. We have recently had some difficult pensions changes – the final outcome was excellent and we achieved 100% consent, superbly helped by the Blake Morgan team.’

‘Having working with Blake Morgan now for several years all those I have worked with have been exceptional. They are knowledgeable of our sector, they listen before answering, they provide advice in a measured way. I find them very easy to work with, clear and to the point with guidance.’

‘Madeleine Mould is a pleasure to work with. Excellent customer service and she always keeps to deadlines. My HR team really appreciate working with her.’

‘Madeleine Mould always responds well with advice, supports the teams exceptionally well, and is knowledgeable. The reason I enjoy working with Blake Morgan is because of its people!’

‘Great attention to detail and client knowledge across the team. Always very responsive and great at forward planning.’

‘Madeleine Mould is very knowledgeable, shows great insight into the work of the organisation and always provides a very high standard of work. Maddy develops and maintains very constructive relationships with opposition firms.’

‘We are very happy to use the employment law services of Blake Morgan. The team we work with are exceptionally responsive, offer refreshingly commercial advice and are great value for money.’

Key clients

NTT Security


Thames Valley Police


Westcoast Group


HCL Technologies Limited


Anytime Fitness


Oxford Gene Technologies


Huws Gray


Oxford Technical Solutions


Fairhive Homes Limited


InHealth Group


Work highlights


Boyes Turner

Boyes Turner‘s employment practice group is among the largest in the Thames Valley and acts on behalf of international clients in the tech, leisure and hospitality sectors. Barry Stanton heads up the team and represents many of the firm’s high-end clients in this space. Helen Goss is another key contact within the team, praised for her ‘invaluable blend of legal guidance, support, encouragement and resilience’. She has particular expertise in discrimination, breach of contract and whistleblowing claims. Andrew Whiteaker handles the full-range of employment law issues, and is recommended by clients for providing ‘pragmatic advice in a user friendly manner’. Senior associate Claire Taylor-Evans is an experienced tribunal advocate and focuses her practice on complex discrimination claims and managing high-level exits.

Practice head(s):

Barry Stanton


Other key lawyers:

Helen Goss; Andrew Whiteaker; Claire Taylor-Evans; Emma O’Connor; Katie Harris


Testimonials

‘Very approachable, good expertise and easy to work with. The team understands our business and is able to provide tailored advice.’

‘Andrew Whiteaker is a trusted adviser to our in-house legal team and our HR department. He provides pragmatic advice in a user-friendly manner. We know that we can rely on Andrew for our most urgent, complex and sensitive matters.’

‘The team at Boyes Turner always put your needs as a client first. They are there for you whenever you need advice and support. Their internal collaboration across areas of expertise such as global mobility as well as local law is excellent. They are an extremely personable team working well internally making the service they provide very easy to access and responsive.’

‘Helen Goss has been just that, a partner, to our HR team. An invaluable blend of legal guidance, support, encouragement and resilience. Helen uses your time very efficiently to ensure that you get what you need as a client for that moment in time. She is extremely personable and enjoyable to work with and her attention to detail and ability to ‘tune into’ whatever case you are working with, is second to none.’

‘I enjoy our collaboration due to a semi-casual/relaxed tone of conversations which means it is much more comfortable to talk about difficult situations and try to find a solution together.’

‘I typically work with Claire Taylor-Evans who has a wealth of knowledge which I never doubt. Claire always tries to find the best solution for the business while keeping in mind all risks involved.’

Key clients

Porsche Cars GB Limited/Porsche Retail Group Limited


The Dorchester


Broadcom Europe Limited


Becton Dickinson


Hanson Quarry Products Limited


CH & CO


Maybourne Group


LEO Laboratories Limited


Frasers Hospitality


Origin Enterprises PLC


Work highlights


  • Advising a global video technology provider on group TUPE transfers, supporting two large redundancy programmes (including collective), internal reorganisations of senior teams and co-ordinating advice internationally for their many subsidiaries.
  • Advising a luxury hotel group, preparing a contract of employment for the engagement of a celebrity chef considering confidentiality, employment-related restrictions, marketing and intellectual property issues such as television appearances and book deals alongside typical employment terms.
  • Advising a global medical technology company on reorganisation and integration following intra group TUPE, including numerous exits of senior leadership and negotiating settlements.

CMS

The ‘professional, thorough and diligent’ Reading-based employment team of CMS acts on behalf of a high-end client list that counts multi-national blue chip corporations amongst its clients. Gary Henderson advises on all aspects of employment law and leads the team, which is adept across contentious and non-contentious employer-side mandates, including tribunals and High Court litigation. Edward Arnold is a key name here, focusing on employment tribunal litigation. Of counsel Anita Wisby is well-regarded by clients for ‘exemplifying the quality and high professional standards you expect from a top legal firm, whilst being friendly and engaged’. Rachel Zani is another key contact.

Practice head(s):

Gary Henderson


Other key lawyers:

Anita Wisby; Edward Arnold; Rachel Zani


Testimonials

‘The team are very professional, thorough and diligent, but offer practical and pragmatic advice. They are experts in their field, but personable and a great team to work with.’

‘Anita Wisby is particularly outstanding. She exemplifies the quality and high professional standards you expect from a top legal firm, whilst being friendly and engaged irrespective of other commitments. Highly recommended.’

Key clients

AMC Networks


Biogen


Bloomsbury Publishing


BMC Software


CareerBuilder


Delancey


Ernst & Young (EY)


Samsung


Shell International


Doyle Clayton

Employment law firm Doyle Clayton fields a team of ‘true specialists’ that represents both employers and employees alike on the full-suite of employment law issues. Defending employment tribunal claims, specialist data protection, workplace investigations and discrimination claims are among the team’s core work streams in the space. Seasoned practitioner and team leader Tina Wisener is an expert on whistleblowing and complex discrimination cases. James Anderson is another key fee earner, representing both employers and employees. Paul Hayward arrived from Blake Morgan LLP in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Tina Wisener


Other key lawyers:

Piers Leigh-Pollitt; James Anderson; Karen Holden; Adam Murdoch; Kate Kapp; Paul Hayward; Mike Hibberd


Testimonials

‘The team at Doyle Clayton were fantastic. During a highly sensitive and stressful time they made me feel safe and supported. Their systems and ways of working were fluid. Everyone I spoke with seemed to genuinely want to help me as a client, whether it was my solicitor or the accounts team. I would highly recommend them.’

‘While undergoing an exceptionally sensitive and stressful time, Karen Holden made me feel safe, supported and listened to. She heard what I was saying and took the time to understand the situation and what I wanted to achieve. She quickly gave me confidence in her capability to support me, it goes without saying saying she has a solid grasp of law and proved to be a good strategist (even under a changing situation).’

‘Doyle Clayton in Reading have acquired a team of true specialists in the field of employment law. The spectrum and depth of knowledge is gold standard. The process of recruitment within the team has been based on passion for this field of law and therefore the standard of service is maintained as first rate.’

‘Kate Kapp is a highly able employment lawyer and a first class litigator. She manages the pressures that come with litigation with consummate ease, always maintaining high professional standards and makes good judgement calls, despite the demands that come in the context of a live hearing. She is a good lawyer and makes accurate assessments applying the law to the evidence that is available. She has all of the abilities of a stellar solicitor.’

‘Mike Hibberd prepares his cases assiduously. His knowledge of employment law and procedure is excellent which he applies meticulously. As instructed counsel, one will receive an armchair ride in terms of your brief and the advice provided by Mike given to the client and the identification of a realistic and accurate case theory.’

‘The best employment lawyers in the M4 corridor by far. Always my top recommendation for anyone with employment issues.’

‘Tina Wisener is a partner with winning ways. Exceptionally good client skills. James Anderson has particular experience and expertise with education clients. Piers Leigh-Pollitt has a wealth of experience in data protection and regulatory issues. Kate Kapp is a very tough litigator who is clearly partnership material. Adam Murdock is very experienced at handling class actions and multi party disputes.’

‘I’ve been glad to have advice from Paul Hayward in the past in relation to a sensitive employment matter. He was always practical, always reassuring, and delivered a successful resolution with a creative angle that worked and frankly took a weight off my mind. I particularly appreciated his realism as to what might be possible and his explanations of the process and the likely timeframes, as well as his patience in explaining how, when, and when not, to challenge the most spurious elements of a claim.’

Key clients

Atrium Underwriters


Bank of Africa United Kingdom Plc


British Medical Association


Shepherd’s Bush Housing Association


Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal


Gillian Slovo


Bunzl UK Limited


EniProgetti


EV


Work highlights


  • Advising the Bank of Africa to defend whistleblowing, discrimination (sex, race, victimisation, sexual harassment and harassment) and unfair dismissal (both ordinary unfair dismissal and automatic unfair for whistleblowing) claims.
  • Instructed by Atrium to conduct an independent review of the conduct of various individuals and the employee culture at Atrium.
  • Instructed by the SDT to issue proceedings in the High Court to obtain an injunction, to prevent the harassment of SDT Members.

Draper Lang LLP

Draper Lang LLP is a boutique firm covering the full range of employment law advice while placing special emphasis on matters including complex injunctions, employment tribunals, TUPES, restructurings and redundancies, alongside continued day-to-day employment advisory services. Founder and managing partner David Blomfield heads the practice group and is an expert on restrictive covenants, TUPE, reorganisations, as well as executive and financial sector settlements. The ‘excellent and very knowledgeable’ Nicholas Snowden is a go-to name on the contentious side as a seasoned tribunal litigator and advocate. Emma Griffiths is well-experienced in all aspects of employment law – from complex exits and tribunal claims to developing employee forums and also restructuring relations with trade unions.

Practice head(s):

David Blomfield


Other key lawyers:

Nicholas Snowden; Emma Griffiths


Testimonials

‘Nicholas Snowden is excellent and very knowledgeable. We can always rely on his help!’

‘They provide quality service at pace. Very commercial and great business partners.’

‘Nicholas Snowden in particular has been supporting our business for a number of years. He always gives pragmatic advice balancing the legal context within commercial realities.’

Key clients

Dun & Bradstreet Limited


Crew Clothing Co. Limited


Prezzo Limited


DNEG plc


Fever Tree UK Limited


British Arab Commercial Bank plc


Majestic Wine Warehouses Limited


Smith Global Limited


Lonza Biologics plc


Hitachi Europe Limited


Herbalife Europe Limited


Goring Hotel Limited


Saltrock Surfwear Limited


Standard & Poors


Work highlights


  • Successfully resolving a high-profile and urgent Employment Tribunal application for Interim Relief for a household name business.
  • Defending a client in complex High Court restrictive covenant (non-compete) injunction proceedings.
  • Advising a client on significant collective consultation resulting in successful change of employment terms.

Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin‘s large Thames Valley offering has been praised by clients for its ‘innovative and practical approach to all employment law issues’. Core pillars of the group’s practice in the space include TUPE, complex litigation, employment aspects of transactions, and managing international projects – for which the team has a demonstrably strong track record. In terms of personnel, Russell Brimelow  is a pre-eminent employment lawyer in the Thames Valley. Advising on restructurings, redundancy exercises and employment aspects of M&A transactions are the key focuses of practice leader Jonathan Carr. Carolyn Soakell is highly recommended by clients and is well versed in advising law firms on their internal employment issues. James Storke focuses on restructurings, senior executive exits and strategic projects. At associate level, James Walters is known for resolving complex employee relations issues and defending employment tribunal litigation.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Carr


Other key lawyers:

Russell Brimelow; Carolyn Soakell; James Storke; James Walters


Testimonials

‘The team has wide-ranging capabilities and experience, including litigation where required.’

‘Carolyn Soakell is one of the best external lawyers I’ve instructed in 30 years’ of practice. She is pragmatic and well-informed about the industry in which we operate, and of course has taken the time to get to understand us as a client.’

‘Innovative and practical approach to all employment law issues.’

‘The team is hands-on and always offers practical solution-based advice.’

‘Subject knowledge, pragmatic solutions, understanding of retail and wholesale industry.’

‘James Walters is excellent to work with.’

Key clients

Oxford University Press


Exscientia


DS Smith


Hewlett Packard


Norton Rose Fulbright


Invesco


Intel


London Metal Exchange


Workspace Group


PZ Cussons


Work highlights


  • Advised an FMCG company and its new parent company on the closure of legacy London premises following a decision to relocate all employees to the head office of the new parent company.
  • Advised a financial services organisation on the TUPE transfer of IT staff from both the client and an existing supplier to a new supplier.
  • Advised a catering company on multiple employment tribunal claims from current employees who claimed underpayment in connection with periods of furlough during the pandemic.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is known for its strong sector-specific focus, with particular emphasis on work arising out of technology, charities, education, social housing, life sciences, and financial services. Practice leadership is shared between Daff Richardson  and Eugene Wojciechowski, both of whom have longstanding experience in employment matters. Partner Gemma Woodhouse is a go-to name for discrimination issues, and acts for some of the firm’s key tech and education sector clients. Katie Glendinning focuses her practice on representing clients in the education sector including independent schools.

Practice head(s):

Daff Richardson; Eugene Wojciechowski


Other key lawyers:

Gemma Woodhouse; Katie Glendinning; Victoria Spires; Tom Pimenta


Testimonials

‘We have been working with the employment team for a few years now and feel that they are an extension of our own team. Their understanding of our business and support with any legal updates has been crucial for the growth and development of our business.’

‘Eugene Wojciechowski has provided advice on some overseas workers – he has liaised with legal advisers in several countries meaning we had a “one stop shop” for our legal advice which was much appreciated. His advice was practical and balanced, enabling us to navigate a complex situation.’

‘They understand our sector and give you clear direction on what you should do. Gemma Woodhouse is a stand-out partner who is always there when you need her.’

‘It’s always been a pleasure to deal with Victoria Spires. She has always provided us with sound, pragmatic advice. Victoria understands the business needs which allows us to make confident decisions.’

‘Katie Glendinning provides practical and sensible advice without any fuss. She is quick to respond and her understanding of the duties of Court appointed Deputies when acting as employer for vulnerable individuals is second to none.’

‘The team in my experience give solid, pragmatic, and balanced advice, coming from a well-informed and commercially-savvy viewpoint. They are always swift and conscientious in their work, and have my complete faith.’

‘At the mild risk of being positively effusive (or effusively positive) I simply cannot give sufficient praise in respect of Gemma Woodhouse. I have worked with many solicitors in my career, and she is utterly superb. Every compliment I could make in respect of the excellent team at PMC, could easily be multiplied when applied to Gemma. A safer, more pragmatic pair of legal hands you will not find.’

‘I have worked directly with Katie Glendinnig with a particularly tricky employee relations issue. She has been responsive, supportive and with great knowledge of the law, pragmatic whilst maintaining our organisational integrity. She is a pleasure to work with, she understands our desired outcome and guides us to that in the most effective way.’

Key clients

The Automobile Association


Jesus College, Oxford


Castle Trust Bank


Playtech plc


Farfetch


OQEMA Limited


23.5 Degrees Limited (Starbucks franchise)


Marine Stewardship Council


Wellington College


Haberdashers’ Schools Elstree


CABI


City & Guilds


Hearing Dogs for Deaf People


Not Just Cleaning


Rayner Intraocular Lenses


United Reform Church


Work highlights


  • Advised OQEMA on a major inter-group restructure.
  • Represented the AA (AA Corporation Limited) in the successful defence of a disability discrimination claim and provided general HR support.
  • Advised a large housing association on the relocation to the UK of a number of employees permitted to work abroad during the pandemic, which involved consideration of the law of numerous overseas jurisdictions.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP ‘s national employment practice has a deep bench of experienced practitioners and maintains its strong Thames Valley presence. The team continues to handle significant employment tribunal disputes, alongside negotiating senior executive exits – especially those in highly regulated sectors including financial services and healthcare. Two lawyers jointly head the practice: Kevin McCavish  works out of London and leads alongside Thames Valley-based partner Jonathan Naylor, who has significant tribunal expertise and represents clients in the tech and logistics sector. At associate level, Michelle Morgan comes recommended for her advisory work on unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.

Practice head(s):

Kevin McCavish; Jonathan Naylor


Other key lawyers:

Michelle Morgan; Alex Lloyd


Testimonials

‘Kevin McCavish is one of the most respectful, knowledgeable partners I have had the professional privilege to work with. From an employment law point of view his support to me both has been invaluable. Kevin takes the time to listen to your concerns breaks the risks down in a pragmatic way and provides you with options.’

‘Kevin McCavish is a great negotiator and provided a gold-plated service, he kept the pressure up when required and skilfully negotiated what was needed. He displayed an exceptional ability to understand the context, advise within it, and offer commercial options. At the end of the day I was able to leave with a better outcome than I would were it not for Kevin.’

‘The team are the best I’ve worked in within this area. The core reason for this is that they are never afraid to give you a clear answer. It is refreshing to work with them and they make my role so much easier.’

‘Jonathan Naylor provides outstanding support. He has a fantastic understanding of people and how to achieve the right solution. Responsive, commercial and trustworthy.’

‘The employment team at Shoosmiths have taken the time and effort to get to know us. The result is that the advice we receive is tailored to not only the issue being considered but also taking account of our policies, culture and public profile. The members of the team are also very personable and provide advice and guidance that is (of course) legally sound whilst also being easy to understand for non-legal people within the organisation.’

‘Our main contact is Kevin McCavish. He is very approachable and available when we need to speak to him. His team are all similarly happy to chat through issues and they triage issues we put their way so that they are answered by individuals with a particular specialism or with availability if the question is more generic.’

‘They are great at responding with quality advice when aware you have a sense of urgency. Breadth of knowledge is excellent.’

‘Jonathan Naylor is just the best there is when it comes to general employment law knowledge and experience with different scenarios. He doesn’t keep you on the phone for long periods of time unnecessarily like so many lawyers he gets the job done efficiently and always provides quality advice.’

Key clients

DXC Technology


Calor Gas Limited


The National Trust


Kuehne


Nagel Limited


Pharm. Research Associates Limited


Jacobs UK Limited


ColArt International Holdings Limited


Hewlett Packard Enterprise


IW Group Services (UK) Limited


The Curve Group


Mabey Holdings Limited


Proximity Data Centres


BPP Professional Education Group


Chronomics Limited


Pharmacosmos UK Limited


Trivium London Consulting Limited


Bang & Olufsen


Chevron Group


Centralis Group


Amp Energy Renaissance UK Limited


University College of Estate Management


Verifile Limited


Work highlights


  • Supported The National Trust on the media-sensitive and politically delicate implementation of the Trust’s transformational change programme.
  • Provided support to Proximity Data Centres Limited on all aspects of employment law for a highly acquisitive company, for example, assisting with complex TUPE and legacy benefits issues arising from corporate acquisitions.

Blandy & Blandy LLP

Blandy & Blandy LLP acts on the full suite of employment law issues, with particular emphasis on unlawful discrimination and TUPE. The team also has extensive experience in relation to high-value and complex claimant work, in addition to business immigration issues and delivering in-house training. Head of team Sue Dowling is adept at providing strategic advice to employers in relation to a wide range of employment law disputes. Joint managing partner Tim Clark  is a stand-out name for  reorganisation, restructuring, redundancy and TUPE issues. A key contact on the immigration side, senior solicitor Andrea Corr handles both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Sue Dowling


Other key lawyers:

Tim Clark; Andrea Corr


Testimonials

‘The team are accessible, knowledgeable and very good to deal with.’

‘Tim Clark is excellent to deal with and service driven.’

‘Our relationship with Blandy & Blandy has been excellent throughout the years we have worked with them. The team are readily available to support, have excellent knowledge both of our business and the wider industry and always offer pragmatic and commercially aligned advice to support our decision making.’

‘Both Tim Clark and Andrea Corr are excellent to work with. The response to our often complex and urgent issues always offer us a balanced perspective on our options.’

‘Very knowledgeable, calm and practical.’

‘I love the pragmatic approach of the team.’

Key clients

Perfetti Van Melle UK


Launch Diagnostics Limited


HANDD Business Solutions Limited


Blue Square Marketing Limited


Prior’s Court Foundation


The Almshouse Association


Clarkslegal LLP

Clarkslegal LLP‘s multi-disciplinary team handles a full range of complex employment law mandates, particularly those with high value and international elements. Complex multi-party litigation, major corporate projects including restructurings and TUPE transfers, as well as redundancy programmes and industrial relations strategies are among the ‘truly exceptional’ team’s core specialisms. Helen Beech leads the practice group, predominantly handling restructurings, change programmes, TUPE transfers and contingency planning. Industrial relations expert Michael Sippitt remains a pre-eminent employment lawyer and is a key contact alongside managing partner Monica Atwal, who advises across all aspects of employment law.

Practice head(s):

Helen Beech


Other key lawyers:

Monica Atwal; Michael Sippitt; Louise Keenan; Caroline Lendrum; Deborah Scales


Testimonials

‘The Clarkslegal team is impressive. The team approach means they have specialists in areas other than employment to draw advice from quickly and efficiently where issues falling outside the confines of employment arises, meaning they truly are a full service law firm that can cater for and address all of a client’s legal concerns and issues.’

‘Within the employment team, from top to bottom a depth of legal knowledge is apparent. They regularly produce articles, undertake internal training and appear readily cognisant of the latest legal developments in this field.’

‘Monica Atwall and Helen Beech are both outstanding. Their significant legal knowledge across all areas of employment law and years of practical experience within the employment tribunal system puts them amongst the best instructing solicitors I have worked with.’

‘What sets them apart from their counterparts and makes them truly exceptional is the significant investment of their time and resources which is put into their cases and into understanding and appreciating their client’s needs and concerns whether or not strictly within the legal sphere. In addition they truly appear to have their finger on the pulse in terms of what practical issues are facing tribunals both in Reading and London which is invaluable when making strategic decisions on the conduct of a case.’

‘The team work in true partnership with us as a client. Monica Atwal is exceptional and the team at Clarkslegal are all incredibly professional. Clarks work collaboratively with us and in a very commercially focused way.’

‘Monica Atwal is outstanding, she balances the need for pragmatism and commerciality in providing successful outcomes. She is very passionate and genuinely cares for us as a client.’

‘Excellent service. Responsive, knowledgeable, and committed. They feel like they are on your side, but always remain realistic. They fight hard when required.’

‘Helen Beech is a top-class employment lawyer. Always available, always on top of the issues. We have used her for some of our most difficult situations and she always leads an efficient and committed team.’

Key clients

CBI


Delaware North Companies


Reading Transport Ltd


Imerys Minerals Ltd


Pacific Life


Cignpost Diagnostics


Poundland


News UK & Ireland Ltd


Tetra Tech


Cab Automotive Ltd


Legends International


Work highlights


  • Advising Delaware North on amendments to employment contracts and policies, including in connection with flexible working and working from home.
  • Advising Pacific Life on UK employment and immigration.
  • Advising lImerys Minerals Ltd on a range of matters including settlement agreements with employees, sensitive disability cases, resignations and the interpretation of contractual terms.

ESP Solicitors

ESP Solicitors is frequently instructed across all aspects of employment law by a client base that comprises famous independent schools, publicly listed companies, retail corporations and NHS trusts. Practice leader Nathan Millard is highly experienced in the education and health sectors alongside outsourcing, acting on some of the team’s critical mandates that include discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE and safeguarding issues. Stephen Conlan is the go-to name for contentious work and represents respondents in employment tribunal and court proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Nathan Millard


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Conlan; Lisa Harris; Colin Henney; Adil Zaidi; James Davies


Testimonials

‘Nathan Millard always thinks through issues from all dimensions, not just the obvious ones and offers robust, practical advice on practical options as well as the strict legal position.’

‘Apart from their obvious employment law knowledge, the practice are keen to build a good relationship with us as clients and to understand the nature of our organisation. Knowing us at this level allows the practice to provide advice and guidance tailored to our needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.’

‘We work closely with Lisa Harris who is friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable.’

Work highlights


  • Acted for a NHS Trust in a reported case at the Employment Appeal Tribunal about whether there was a breach of an unless order to provide a witness statement when the claim form was copied and submitted as a witness statement.
  • Acted for a NHS Trust in a reported case at the Employment Appeal Tribunal which considered whether a dismissal is unfair if the reason is linked to the reopening of an internal disciplinary decision.
  • Advising multiple independent schools on the strategy and procedure for removing the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and replacing it with a less costly alternative.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

The ‘customer-focused, efficient and responsive’ employment team at Field Seymour Parkes LLP has the bandwidth to handle the entire spectrum of strategic employment law matters. Team leader Katie Burley specialises in defending employment tribunal claims, senior executive appointment, dismissal management and advising upon restrictive covenants. She works alongside key employment partner Ian Machray, who is praised as 'knowledgeable and proactive'.

Practice head(s):

Katie Burley


Other key lawyers:

Ian Machray; David Clay


Testimonials

‘FSP is very much focused on individualised support, where you get to know the member of the team who is helping you. They have a range of colleaguse they can then refer to as needed. I have found all members of FSP to be knowledgable, approachable, and professional.’

‘Ian Machray always responds quickly, and is incredibly knowledgable and approachable. He gives excellent advice.’

‘Strong team with a strong and varied client list. Supportive of each other. For matters outside of employment (yet which are linked) they are always ready to bring in other departments/individuals to provide an inclusive and rounded response.’

‘Always ready to listen to perspectives from the HR community and provide “grounded” advice in simple terms, not legalese.’

‘Ian Machray is my go to, he has been exceptional in the advice he has provided, not least walking us through the issues of covid, returning to work but also some tricky individuals.’

‘Ian Machray keeps a very level head, not only using his huge technical ability, but also advises with a human touch. He is very pragmatic and the solutions/assistance he has offered us when it comes to personnel matters has been second to none.’

‘The Team at FSP are customer focused, efficient, and responsive. They have all the resources and innovations that you would expect from a successful law firm, but it is the people that make the difference. Having worked with a number of employment lawyers over the years, I have found the advice, support and service from FSP exceptional.’

‘The relationship, team are responsive, balanced and pragmatic. Willing to listen and adapt as necessary based on our requirements but always within the legal framework. Provide training sessions for the HR management team to ensure we are up to date with employment legislation or a specific topic that we have identified.’

Key clients

Whistl


HR Wallingford


TP Group Plc


Superbowl UK


North


Operational Solutions Limited


M S Macbeth Limited


Hansford Sensors


Business Moves Group


Planit Software Testing Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising the Whistl UK Limited HR team to resolve all of their internal HR and employment issues.
  • Advised Operational Solutions Limited on the employment elements of a multi-million-pound investment from BGF.
  • Advised Hansford Sensors with a key change to their shift pattern structure, including the necessary contractual amendments and dealing with general legal implications.

Herrington Carmichael LLP

Herrington Carmichael LLP acts on behalf of an international client base on a full range of complex matters, including discrimination claims, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing employment tribunal proceedings, cross-border senior exits, restructurings, and GDPR projects. Partner and practice head Alistair McArthur comes highly recommended, and excels when it comes to enforcement of complex employment tribunal litigation, post-termination obligations and TUPE. Leisure and hospitality sector expert Darren Smith continues to focus on rapidly expanding the team’s client base in the area.

Practice head(s):

Alistair McArthur


Other key lawyers:

Darren Smith; Hannah King


Testimonials

‘Alistair McArthur is an exceptional, charismatic, sharp and personable employment specialist. Alistair ensures that client’s get the best possible outcomes but is very pragmatic and defends his client’s position robustly.’

‘Alistair McArthur is very pleasant and professional. He always has his clients’ interests at the forefront of every decision. Darren Smith is equally capable. Hannah King is very efficient and an up-and-coming partner in the making.’

‘In the Thames Valley the employment team at Herrington Carmichael stands out as an excellent one. They have some impressive clients and are efficient and knowledgeable.’

‘Alistair McArthur is a fantastic employment lawyer. He leads his team from the front. He is tenacious where you need him to be but also commercially aware and user-friendly. He also always has a good grasp of how his clients’ interests would be best served.’

‘Darren Smith gives guidance as well as legal advice, based on his experience. Pragmatic. Fast to respond.’

‘I work mainly with Alistair McArthur. Alistair is, in my view, beyond compare. He knows his subject better than anyone I have ever come across and really is an expert in his field. He is always upbeat and positive, always honest and to the point, and explains things in simple, easy-to-understand language.’

‘Alistair McArthur is the best employment lawyer I have worked with. His advice and guidance is always so detailed, providing options and risks, whilst giving you his recommended course of action. He always takes the time to ensure you understand and follows up telephone advice with a detailed email.’

‘Alistair McArthur has gravitas, excellent knowledge and a flexible approach that gives our company confidence in moving our legal matters forward. He has a strong relationship style and balances key messages with appropriate humour, making our interactions informative and enjoyable.’

Key clients

Silvesea Cruises (UK)


Vistry Group


Andreas Stihl


CLEAN Linen Services


proAV


Royal Caribbean


Fourwalls


Tech 21 (UK)


Aldermore Bank


MotoNovo Finance


Vineyard Group


Infor (United Kingdom)


Work highlights


Osborne Clarke LLP

Danielle Kingdon leads a cross-border focused team at Osborne Clarke LLP, offering strategic advice, project work and employment-related litigation on behalf of the team’s strong client list that includes major Thames Valley players and multi-national blue chip corporations. The employment group’s core work streams are in the technology and digital business sectors, and include business restructurings, TUPE, data privacy work and employment litigation. Associate director Emma Ladley is another important port of call for advice on employment and HR issues as well as the employment aspects of corporate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Danielle Kingdon


Other key lawyers:

Emma Ladley


Key clients

OnePLM Limited


Bloomsbury Genetic Therapies Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised OnePLM Limited on employment matters relating to its sale to the European Digital Transformation consortium.
  • Advised UCL Technology Fund on its investment in Bloomsbury, which was founded as a spinout from UCL and supported by UCL Business.

BDB Pitmans

BDB Pitmans is notable for its deep industry expertise in the technology, entertainment, automotive and transport, as well as manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors, handling a broad range of both contentious and non-contentious matters. Brian Gegg leads the team out of London, whilst Nicholas Le Riche is an important point of contact for work involving redundancies, restructures and TUPE transfers. Praised as ‘an excellent lawyer who puts her client’s needs first’, Laura Binnie is the key name in Reading and focuses her practice on tribunal proceedings, particularly those involving disability discrimination, alongside strategic HR advice.

Practice head(s):

Brian Gegg


Other key lawyers:

Caroline Yarrow; Nicholas Le Riche; Tim Hayes; Laura Binnie


Testimonials

‘Very helpful, explained the steps they were taking thoroughly. Highly recommended!’

‘I felt comfortable telling Laura Binnie the ins and outs and never felt like I was rushed for time to explain the situation.’

‘The team work very well, everyone working on a case seems to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the case. This provides the benefit of being able to work through the best approach from a number of different possibilities.’

‘They are able to deal with complex and sophisticated matters. They always make the correct strategic decisions for the particular case.’

‘Caroline Yarrow – the advice she gives is second to none. Commercially astute but also appreciates what the client is seeking to achieve and prioritises accordingly.’

‘Laura Binnie is an excellent lawyer who puts her client’s needs first. Able to balance the realities of the case with the client’s expectations to achieve the best result.’

‘Pitmans are a very proactive firm with very up-to-date and professional team. They do not provide an exhaustive list of options available but instead provide a concise list with recommended options together with the potential risks. They help you make the right decision rather than being indecisive and this is invaluable.’

Key clients

Panalux Limited


Jones Lang LaSalle Services Limited


Content and Cloud Limited


Waylands Automotive Limited


Jonas Group UK


Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust (Endurance 22)


Accolite Digital LLC


Datasite UK Ltd


Tenpin Limited


Elivia Holdings Limited


Sondrel (Holdings) plc


Inspirit Management Limited


Sullivan Street Partners Limited


Work highlights


  • Providing daily HR support on all employment law related matters to a leading entertainment group of companies.
  • Advised the owner and manager of Karali Group Limited on employment issues associated with the sale of Karali Ltd and Karali Leisure Ltd (Karali) to Burger King UK.
  • Advised on the employment aspects of Sondrel (Holdings) plc’s successful admission to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and associated fundraising.

Crossland Employment Solicitors

Significant experience in not-for-profit sectors including education, charities, housing associations, and NGOs is a defining characteristic of the practice at boutique firm Crossland Employment Solicitors. The team specialises in all aspects of employment law and is praised for its track record of providing ‘commercially sound legal advice’. ‘Titan of employment law’ and practice head Beverley Sunderland is an expert in obtaining injunctions on behalf of employers and also advises on complex employee relations matters alongside undertaking high level investigations.

Practice head(s):

Beverley Sunderland


Other key lawyers:

Kevin Charles; Barry Ross; Owen Dear; Maria Hoeritzauer


Testimonials

‘Great people which are top of employment experts. They are also able to adapt to a firm’s changing needs.’

‘Owen Dear is like an extension of our company, available when required for urgent work but also has an easy-like manner that makes him very approachable for all levels of our organisation. Will gives opinions when asked, not just legal text book answers. Excellent.’

‘Provide legal advice that is clear and without legal jargon. Their commercial understanding how the businesses approach dealing with employment issues has been refreshing.’

‘Our main contact that we have worked closely with is Owen Dear and he has provided us with our views and perceptions of Crossland as our preferred legal counsel. His responsiveness and support has been invaluable over the time I have worked with him.’

‘The standout on dealing with Crossland is their ability to provide commercially sound legal advice. They take into account the organisation’s needs and desired outcome whilst providing clear advice. They work in partnership with us to achieve the preferred outcome, whilst challenging our thought process.’

‘Beverley Sunderland is a titan of employment law. She is tenacious and appropriately robust in the successful pursuit of her client’s claims.’

‘As teams go, Crossland Employment Solicitors are outstanding. Crossland provides very regular email updates and hosts quarterly HR seminars and forums for clients and non-clients alike. The Crossland team is well grounded and dependable. The difficulty I find is which partner to recommend – they are all so good!’

‘Beverley Sunderland is an outstanding and authoritative leader with unparalleled subject knowledge. Great communicator Barry Ross – reassuring, approachable, and superb all-round employment law knowledge. Maria Hoeritzauer – the contract queen! Gives detailed constructive advice. Owen Dear – Great communicator within public events, dependable and excellent knowledge.’

Key clients

Yell


De La Rue


M&C Saatchi


Institute of Practitioners in Advertising


Association of Optometrists


Work highlights


  • Advising a large manufacturer specialising in 3D printing on injunction proceedings to secure and return confidential information.

Julian Taylors Solicitors

Julian Taylors Solicitors acts on both employer and employee-side mandates that encompass the full spectrum of employment law issues – chiefly documentation, workplace HR issues, GDPR compliance, negotiating top-level exit packages and settlements, TUPE and dispute resolution. Founding partner and seasoned litigator Julian Taylor heads the team. Nicola Wallbank left the practice in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Julian Taylor


Other key lawyers:

Paula Rome


Testimonials

‘This team punches well above its weight, particularly in the high quality of legal advice, client care, responsiveness and experience. While the team is small, they provide an excellent service, on a par with some of the best London employment teams.’

‘Julian Taylor is a fantastic lawyer. He is knowledgable, sensible and clear. He is usually my very first recommendation when asked for an employment solicitor.’

‘We instruct Julian Taylor on all of our employment issues and find them to be sensitive, commercial and practical in their advice.’

Work highlights


SE-Solicitors

Carol Shaw heads up the team at SE-Solicitors, which provides a full range of services to both businesses and private individuals including  employment contracts, discrimination claims, harassment, TUPE, working time regulations, and grievance and disciplinary procedures, among others. Philomena Price  comes highly recommended, receiving praise as an ‘experienced employment lawyer, with specific expertise in food and drinks, and hospitality and leisure sector’.

Practice head(s):

Carol Shaw


Other key lawyers:

Philomena Price


Testimonials

‘Carol Shaw leads the department and offers clear and practical advice.’

‘Carol Shaw works proactively and is commercially focussed which ensures employment issues are resolved timely and successfully. Carol Shaw is highly knowledgeable and at critical times has always been available to give pragmatic advice by telephone – with other firms this has sometimes been days later in a letter.’

‘Philomena Price is an. experienced employment lawyer, with specific expertise in food and drinks, and hospitality and leisure sector. She is hard working, tactically astute and very good with clients hence the loyalty of her clients. Impressive has been her handling of difficult situations and her skill in negotiating.’

‘I was seeking an expert in employment law and I don’t think I could have found a better one than Philomena Price. She displayed a masterly grasp of her specialisms and the advice she gave me proved invaluable in helping me to secure a successful outcome to my case. I cannot recommend her highly enough.’

‘The ability to completely understand their client’s business and how best they can support them. A personal approach that makes you feel listened to and that working with them is a collaboration.’

‘Carol Shaw is professional yet personable, takes time to understand your queries or concerns, and works with you for the best solutions. The HR breakfasts are a great initiative and allow you to meet with other HR professionals and share thoughts and ideas, guided by Carol.’

Work highlights


Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors

Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors has a robust track record for providing specialist advice to clients in the technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors. Alison Gair leads the department, lending her expertise to both contentious and non-contentious matters including TUPE, harmonising terms, and dismissals. Dispute resolution partner Robert Cherry also frequently acts on employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Alison Gair


Other key lawyers:

Robert Cherry


Testimonials

‘Clifton Ingram – all contacts friendly and helpful.’

‘Robert Cherry gave advice on my case, which was complex, he read in detail my agreement, picked up some issues and gave excellent advice on areas the company had not considered. I felt totally confident with his help and support. His approach was friendly and helpful as well as giving brilliant advice.’

‘Clifton Ingram were recommended to me from colleagues who had used them before. They were very professional, gave objective and direct advice based on the information given to them. They provided a level of confidence in a time when it could have become emotional.’

‘My legal support and advice came from Alison Gair. She was very clear and impartial on all aspects of business. Her knowledge was good and always had time to consider all options available for the best outcome of all parties.’

‘We have used Clifton Ingram LLP for years, always finding them resourceful and reliable.’

‘The Clifton Ingram team have a good understanding of our business.’

Work highlights


Gardner Leader LLP

Gardner Leader LLP‘s employment team is headed up by ‘outstanding’ partner Julie Taylor, who is well-experienced on high value litigation, particularly discrimination claims. Traditional work streams for the group include TUPE, redundancy and unfair dismissal but an increased emphasis on flexible working issues alongside ESG strategy advice have been growing features of the practice over the past year. Employment partner Belinda Walters left the firm in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Julie Taylor


Other key lawyers:

Peter James; Rabika Basran


Testimonials

‘The experience was excellent right from the start. Even the simple process of onboarding as a client was straightforward and used technology to make it easy.’

‘The benefit of the practice is that they are friendly which makes working with them really easy and pleasant. This also makes it easier to discuss worries and concerns which Gardner Leader are more than happy to listen to. However in my experience they were also firm with me where they needed to be when I was suggesting or thinking of things that were not worth it.’

‘I worked almost exclusively with Julie Taylor who was outstanding. Julie got up to speed with my issues extremely quickly. She was very firm with me in certain areas which saved me time and money. She also collaborated well with other law firms which became part of my matter.’

‘I was so pleased with Julie Taylor that I have since recommended her team to others.’

Key clients

Cordell Health


Barco Limited


Work highlights


gunnercooke LLP

Rebecca Ireland is the employment name at gunnercooke LLP. Praised as ‘very commercial and pragmatic’, Ireland runs a broad practice which encompasses both non-contentious and contentious matters, alongside advising senior executives and directors.

Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Ireland


Testimonials

‘Rebecca Ireland is very commercial and pragmatic and has a good ability to break down complex matters into a logical sequence of decisions or options. She feels like a real partner and is always accessible and willing to help.’

‘Rebecca Ireland has always gone above and beyond to ensure that she understands the situation in hand, give advice relevant to it and is happy to be challenged and to challenge to ensure the full depth of the situation has been explored and the advise given is relevant to all possible scenarios.’

‘Rebecca Ireland is always understanding and patient.’

‘We have worked exclusively with Rebecca Ireland who has provided valuable support and guidance across various aspects of employment law. She takes time to listen, understand and propose options in a clear and straightforward way, allowing us to make informed decisions. Her advice has been spot on and has allowed us to navigate some tricky people challenges which have resulted in positive outcomes.’

‘The key differentiator for Gunnercooke is that you are dealing with a partner for all interactions and that you do not work with any associates who are learning their trade, so that you have all the skill and experience of a partner for all aspects of the legal process.’

‘Rebecca Ireland provides excellent employment law advice that is pragmatic and balances the law, the level of risk and the client requirements.’

‘Rebecca Ireland stands out. The advice that she has provided has always been measured and clear. Rebecca quickly learned the workings of our business and over the years has developed an excellent rapport with members of our business. This has proved invaluable as she has a complete understanding of the stakeholders involved in our decision making.’

‘Rebecca Ireland is simply the best employment lawyer I’ve ever worked with. Pragmatic, direct, empathetic, nuanced. She has helped us navigate complex situations involving complicated individuals with ease.’

Work highlights


Rowberry Morris

Rowberry Morris has extensive experience in complex claimant work and sensitive investigations for employers in heavily regulated sectors. The employment team is headed up by Anna Illingworth, who specialises on claimant discrimination and whistleblowing cases, alongside dispute resolution partner Liam Connolly.

Practice head(s):

Liam Connolly; Anna Illingworth


Key clients

Activ Adventures Ltd


Active Camps Ltd


Reading Commercial Spares Ltd


Mercury Systems Inc


Valentine Equipment Ltd


JAS Road Freight (UK) Ltd


JAS Forwarding (UK) Ltd


NGS Distribution UK


Robert Lee Distribution Ltd


Quanta Recruitment Ltd


GiGL


Work highlights


  • Advising the claimant on her sex and age discrimination and whistleblowing claims against her global employer.
  • Advising the claimant and negotiating settlement in their claims for unfair dismissal and age and disability discrimination against a global IT company employer.
  • Advising the claimant and negotiating settlement in their claims for unfair dismissal, and race discrimination settling after favourable and emphatic judgment for a substantial but confidential sum.