Rising Stars

Employment: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall in South West

Ashfords LLP

The team at Ashfords LLP works on contentious and non-contentious employment matters for its regional, national and international client base. The practice is well regarded for its ability to handle TUPE matters, LGPS issues, business immigration issues, and whistleblowing and discrimination cases. Stephen Moore and Charles Pallot jointly lead the team. Moore is noted for his expertise in employment related anti-competition injunction claims in the High Court, while Pallot specialises in advising on the application of TUPE to business sales. Su Apps was promoted to partner in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Moore; Charles Pallot


Other key lawyers:

Su Apps; Kirsty Cooke; Laura Wonnacott; Rachel Barnet; Ellen Parker; Emily Bowden


Testimonials

‘Ellen Parker has managed some complex cases with true professionalism. She is a pleasure to work with. The papers she sends me are well prepared and presented and she ensures these are received in good time. They have a well deserved quality client base.’

‘Emily Bowden is an excellent instructing solicitor – very responsive, sensible and a great person to work with!’

‘The team is well organised with a range of expertise that makes dealing with them straightforward- prompt delivery of advice with clear ways forward in this complicated area of law.’

‘Both Charles Pallot and Rachel Barnet were highly professional and prompt in giving advice in a difficult employment scenario. Apart from this they are both very personable and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘They are so responsive. They work well as a team and ensure they all know what each other is covering, meaning that they can pick things up when someone is out.’

‘Ashfords is a top-notch law firm. They provide clear, concise, efficient legal advice, and are always friendly and available. When our go-to contact is out of the office, there’s always a team of equally helpful, quick, knowledgeable lawyers standing by to jump in.’

‘Laura Wonnacott is exceptional. She is highly responsive, quick and efficient, gives very high-quality legal advisory, and is approachable and able to break down “legalese” effectively, rather than communicating with confusing jargon and case citations.’

Key clients

Multiverse Group Limited


Ocado Group Limited


Nevaya Limited


Simpkins Edwards LLP


Bradleys Estate Agents Limited


Havana West Limited


The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust


Stef Langdons Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisting Multiverse with general HR support in relation to performance, disciplinary and sickness absence issues, as well as advising on employees working from overseas locations.
  • Handling all contentious and non-contentious employment law matters on behalf of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
  • Assisting Ocado Group with day-to-day employment and immigration advice and supporting its HR and management team with its internal query platform.

Foot Anstey

Foot Anstey‘s well reputed employment practice in the South West utilises a range of experts from across the firm to provide clients with cross-practice assistance; the team is well placed to advise clients on the full spectrum of employment issues, including pensions, immigration, restructuring, redundancies and contractual changes. Karen Bates heads up the practice from the Exeter office, and her experience ranges from large-scale restructuring and redundancy, to high-value employment litigation. Claire Holland is noted for her expertise in advising national and international companies on complex transactions and internal restructuring exercises.

Practice head(s):

Karen Bates


Other key lawyers:

Claire Holland; Nathalie Ingles


Testimonials

‘We can always trust the employment team to provide good, clear and pragmatic advice. What makes them stand out is their advice is easily understood by the wider business, even when it is on something complex. This is an invaluable asset that makes our lives as in-house lawyers much easier.’

‘Claire Holland and Nathalie Ingles are both a pleasure to deal with, but are also extremely knowledgeable in their field. We really appreciate their commercial and pragmatic advice, but also the speed at which they provide that advice.’

‘Karen Bates stands out. We appreciate her approach, reassuring style, and ability to always come up with a solution or route that is appropriate for our business, employee or situation. I always come away feeling thankful that we have Karen as our go-to person for advice. Karen also has such a breadth of experience that she draws upon to help us navigate potential routes of resolution or approach.’

Key clients

Flybe Limited


Ensono Limited


Supporting Education


Livewell Southwest


Danish Crown UK Limited


City Electrical Factors


Work highlights


  • Advising the senior leadership team at Flybe UK on the full range of employment matters, including issues involving aviation regulatory matters, employee relations, contractual matters, retention and recruitment, national minimum wage compliance and employee tax matters specific to the aviation industry.
  • Advised the Supporting Education HR team on the creation of a new visual contract to reflect the culture and brand of the group, as well as advising on TUPE information and consultation as part of the clients’ integration strategy.
  • Assisting Danish Crown UK with ad hoc HR queries, defending complex tribunal claims, and advising on business immigration issues to assist with recruiting overseas hires.

Lester Aldridge LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP fields a highly regarded employment practice in the Dorset area. The team handles a range of matters for its clients, including due diligence, TUPE, restructuring, and assisting with the employment aspects of large corporate transactions. Practice head Kevin Barnett provides strategic advice to corporate clients, as well as handling complex whistleblowing and discrimination cases.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Barnett


Testimonials

‘The team are always very helpful. There is always a very strong sense of team spirit.’

‘Kevin Barnett is always receptive, friendly and helpful. Always gets back to me when he says he would and he is knowledgeable in the area of employment law. I highly recommend him.’

Key clients

Curtiss Wright Corporation


Ceuta Holdings Limited


Osprey Europe Limited


FRP Advisory LLP


Lush Limited


Dorset Wildlife Trust


Durable (UK) Limited


Care South


Poole Lighting Limited


Global Maritime Consultancy Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented a care home provider in a discrimination and unfair dismissal claim relating to the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021.
  • Providing day-to-day employment advice to a large international company with over 12,000 employees.
  • Advised a start-up design consultancy on compliance and employment obligations both in the UK and Australia.

Michelmores LLP

The employment practice at Michelmores LLP handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, with sector specialisms in the education, health, retail, corporate and police authority fields. The firm’s immigration offering has been growing rapidly under the leadership of Philip Barth. The overall team is led by James Baker, who is noted for dealing with complex investigations and high-profile discrimination and whistleblowing tribunal litigation. Other notable individuals include Andrew Tobey and Rachael Lloyd, who was promoted to partner in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

James Baker


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Tobey; Rachael Lloyd; Philip Barth; Bethan Jones; Matt Warren; Siobhan Murphy


Testimonials

‘Available whenever a crisis hits, not just during office hours and not only ‘with reasonable notice’. A varied team that together cover a broad and interconnected understanding of all elements of employment law across each sector. They learn from each other and their collective experiences, and they help us to learn and grow as employers too.’

‘James Baker is simply exceptional. His knowledge is unrivalled. He is available whenever you need him to be and can always be relied upon for support and expertise. His advice is always tailored not only to the individual case at hand but also the wider strategic needs and vision of the organisation.’

‘Bethan Jones is clearly very experienced and knowledgeable, however the key aspect I really like is the clear and practical advice I get to any of the HR issues we have faced. For me this is invaluable.’

‘Rachael Lloyd and Matt Warren have been fantastic lawyers to work with. Their advise is always concise, clear and very business oriented.’

‘Always focused upon finding a solution that meets our needs.’

‘James Baker makes you feel like you are his only client. He is attentive and ensures you are able to achieve your goals whilst providing clarity surrounding any risks that may be associated with a course of action.’

‘The team have a strong understanding of the sector I work in, and a full awareness of our company policies. They have a pragmatic and timely approach, and are a pleasure to work with.’

‘I work with Siobhan Murphy regularly and find her approachable and proactive, she has a full understanding of the work we are doing with her, and her knowledge base and pragmatic approach, particularly in relation to our sector, is much appreciated.’

Key clients

Marylebone Cricket Club (Lords)


AXA PPP


Burrington Estates


St Austell Brewery


J Chandler & Company


Hawksmoor Investments


Bandvulc Tyres


Wilton Bradley Retail Group


LiveScore Group


First Databank


Photo-Me International plc


Macdoch Group


British Beer & Pub Association


Otter Brewery Limited


Wild Planet Trust (Group of Zoological Parks)


Jurassic Fibre Limited


Haynes Publishing Group plc


Relyon Beds Limited


Mint Velvet Fashions


Seasalt fashion


Mole Valley Farmers


Landmark Information Group


Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust


Northern Devon Healthcare Trust


NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group


Forthglade Foods Limited


British Limousin Cattle Society Limited


South West Ambulance NHS Trust


Succession Group


CDS (Superstores International) Limited


Tokyo Electron Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in a disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments claim.
  • Represented Academies Enterprise Trust in a race and disability discrimination, victimisation and harassment claim brought against the client by an assistant principal.
  • Acted for a substantial regionally-based mental health charity and care home operator in disciplinary proceedings taken against one of its senior mental health nurses relating to patient drug administration misuse and patient mistreatment.

Stephens Scown LLP

At Stephens Scown LLP the practice is divided into three sub-specialisms, namely litigation, corporate support and employer support. The offering, which has a ‘wide range of abilities, knowledge and experience’, is led by Ellie Hibberd, who also has strategic oversight of the HR express scheme, an innovative HR offering for employer clients. Verity Slater‘s expertise lies in employer support, while Joe Nicholls leads the litigation sub-department, which handles the gamut of whistleblowing and discrimination cases. Laura McFadyen heads up the corporate support sub-group.

Practice head(s):

Ellie Hibberd


Other key lawyers:

Verity Slater; Joe Nicholls; Laura McFadyen; Chris Morse; Mark Roby


Testimonials

‘Working with Verity Slater is like having a business partner. Verity has taken the time to get to know our organisation and to understand the outcomes we need. This enables her to really help support us with our employment practices. Verity offers us options and expert advice but allows us to make the decisions which are important to us.’

‘The team at Stephens Scown has a wide range of abilities, knowledge and experience. It is entirely possible to receive different areas of legal advice to a very high standard, with each member of the team connected and undertanding the wider implications to a business. Stephens Scown also pull off extremely well the balance of a high-value service, at low cost and with a local feel but comparable to a larger firm.’

‘Each individual is highly skilled, knowledgeable and as a client you quickly develop a deep trust in their contribution and commitment.’

Key clients

Age UK


Plymouth CAST (multi-academy trust of 38 catholic schools)


Exeter City Football Club


Rodda’s


Trago Mills


BPA Quality


Falmouth University


Cornwall College


Seasalt Ltd


St Austell Brewery Co Ltd


UK Direct Business Solutions Ltd (energy and water management)


Work highlights


  • Represented a GP in a whistleblowing claim against their former practice, following detrimental treatment and dismissal for having raised concerns.
  • Represented UK DBS in a litigated dispute being pursued by former in-house counsel, which relates to allegations of whistleblowing detriments and constructive unfair dismissal.
  • Advised on the employment aspects of the share sale of Brook Financial Management.

Browne Jacobson LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP fields a 'very knowledgeable team of employment specialists’ who offer specific expertise to clients in the health, insurance and education sectors. The practice continues to grow, with the team receiving new instructions from clients within the healthcare sector. James Tait oversees the national employment offering, while Bridget Prosser leads the team in the South West. Bettina Rigg heads up the focussed higher education group. Prosser has over 20 years’ specialist experience and focuses on advising key NHS, regulatory and third sector clients, while Rigg specilaises in equality, diversity and inclusion issues, and discrimination claims.

Practice head(s):

James Tait; Bridget Prosser; Bettina Rigg


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Billen; Daniella Glynn; Marie Ashton


Testimonials

‘A very knowledgeable team of employment specialists particularly in relation to NHS and education sector cases.’

‘Bridget Prosser – approachable, intelligent and highly knowledgeable. She is commercially minded and a complete specialist in her field. Clients know that they have the support of one of the best employment practitioners in the country when they instruct Bridget.’

‘Responsive, professional and friendly. Education focus and knowledge both excellent.’

‘Quick to respond and easy to deal with. Professional whilst still being friendly and they go the extra mile.’

‘The team are knowledgable, responsive and highly personable. Advice is never limited to one person, if other knowledge is required there is access to a plethora of partners and others to support. We feel safe with their advice and support in all matters HR and legal.’

‘The Exeter office provides us with excellent support across our range of needs. Daniella Glynn as our HR advisor is exceptionally accessible and supportive, providing great strength to our senior colleagues.’

Key clients

The First Federation Trust


The Castle Partnership Trust


Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT)


The Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust


Dixons Academies Trust


Farmor’s School


Hiscox Underwriting Limited


Kernow Learning Trust


Lighthouse Schools Partnership


NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly ICB


NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership


The Roseland Multi Academy Trust


South Devon College


The University of Brighton Academies Trust


University of Brighton Academies Trust


Westcountry Schools Trust


Work highlights


Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP fields a team of employment lawyers capable of assisting both employees and employers with a range of matters. The practice receives instruction from clients operating across the gamut of industry sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, education and charity. Kate Brooks heads up the practice; she regularly handles employment tribunal litigation and works closely with the firm’s commercial property team to assist with the employment law aspects of corporate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Kate Brooks


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Bennett


Testimonials

‘There was a dedicated partner/junior team working on the case I was instructed in, who were contactable and reachable at all reasonable times and dealt with everything in a professional, prompt and sensible manner. The team were live to the issues in the case and receptive to my advice.’

‘I felt the client had a great level of dedication and support in relation to the case.’

‘Kate Brooks and Rebecca Bennett were both dedicated to the case and supportive to the client. They were extremely accessible in terms of keeping in touch and in contact, and dealt with everything which arose promptly, professionally and sensibly.’

Key clients

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra


Skechers USA Ltd


Old Dairy Farm Nursery


Glow Green Limited


Christchurch Housing Association


Dorset Wildlife Trust


Quantum Marketing UK Limited


Eco Sustainable Solutions


Ecosafe Group


Work highlights


  • Advising Skechers USA on employment and HR matters on a retainer basis.
  • Advised the Old Dairy Farm Nursery on issues relating to its launch, namely the preparation of all employment contracts for directors, managers and bank staff, and assisted with the development of company policies.
  • Successfully represented Glow Green in a claim for automatic unfair dismissal.

Steele Raymond LLP

The team at Steele Raymond LLP covers both contentious and non-contentious employment matters, and is singled out by clients for its ‘friendly and approachable’ manner. The client base consists predominantly of employers and senior executives. The practice is led by Bournemouth-based Peter Rolph, who brings his additional experience as dispute resolution department lead to bear on litigious work in the employment sphere.

Practice head(s):

Peter Rolph


Testimonials

‘What makes this practice unique is their personal touch. You always get to speak with the lawyer that you would like to speak to within a very timely fashion. They are all friendly and approachable and it feels like a personal service rather than a transactional commercial service.’

‘Peter Rolph is very approachable and understands our business. He stands out from competitors as he is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain all of the risks and outline the best way forward. No question is silly and nothing is too much trouble. You feel very safe in Peter’s hands!’

‘Whenever I have contacted any of the team for advice I have received a timely reply and/or re-direction to the correct partner.’

Work highlights


  • Advising a major risk management group on all employment matters from board level down, including advising on updated terms for its directors and negotiating the employment and TUPE aspects of several significant outsourcing agreements with household name insurers.
  • Advised a major manufacturer on a highly sensitive bullying and harassment issue.

Tozers Solicitors LLP

Tozers Solicitors LLP primarily acts for employers in the commercial, public, housing, hotel and charitable sectors. According to one client, the team’s ‘skill and knowledge is exceptional‘. The practice is led by Stephen Jennings, who has over 20 years’ employment law experience; he handles the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious mandates for local and national clients.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Jennings


Testimonials

‘The team are always very helpful and respond to requests quickly and efficiently with robust advice.’

‘The individuals I deal with have been knowledgeable, efficient and able to provide timely advice when needed on a range of matters.’

‘The Tozers team are excellent. The communication and support is outstanding, they respond swiftly and professionally to all communication relating to employment law. Their skill and knowledge is exceptional. They provide outstanding value for money by introducing an easy agreement where we benefit from ongoing advice and access to them for a really great price.’

‘Stephen Jennings is exceptional. He conveys very technical legal advice in terms that me and my team can understand.’

‘Tozer’s are an approachable firm with strong knowledge of the housing sector, with an ability to provide swift, pragmatic and cost effective advice on our legal needs.’

‘Stephen Jennings is accessible and extremely knowledgeable, he will frequently think of nuances of cases that allow and enable us to navigate the legal minefield with the minimum of fuss.’

‘Very helpful and knowledgeable firm who are quick to respond accurately and helpfully.’

‘Stephen Jennings is just superb. Incredibly knowledgeable, adaptable, helpful and always available or gets back to you extremely quickly.’

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Trowers & Hamlins LLP receives instruction from a wide range of employer clients, with corporate businesses and charities making up a significant proportion of the key names. The team regularly advises on TUPE work and has witnessed continuous growth in employment litigation mandates. John Turnbull heads up the practice and is noted for his expertise in unfair dismissal claims and redundancy issues.

Practice head(s):

John Turnbull


Other key lawyers:

Tom Stephenson; Stephanie Taylor


Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge of subject matter to answer queries. Clear advice both verbally and in writing.’

‘The team get to know your business and what it is that you need. The team run a weekly event which looks at different relevant topics and also co-create training sessions to develop managers.’

‘John Turnbull and Tom Stephenson, in particular, are brilliant at adapting their communication and I really appreciate the honest conversations we can have which help us get to the best solution faster.’

Key clients

The Hyde Group


Sean and Sally Williams


Bob Fraser, Diane Fraser, Bruce Clothier


CareConcepts Limited (BVI)


Oliver Mason


Management team of Cakesmiths


Smiths (Gloucester) Limited


The Wiltshire Distilling Company Limited


Work highlights


Blanchards Bailey LLP

Blanchards Bailey LLP is well placed to handle the gamut of contentious and non-contentious matters in the employment space. The team, led by Paul Dunlop, is comprised of specialist employment and HR practitioners, with Jane Cordner standing out as ‘easily the most approachable, helpful, considerate HR solicitor‘. Stephen Woodman is noted for his litigious experience, and is regularly instructed to handle complex dismissal and discrimination claims.

Practice head(s):

Paul Dunlop


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Woodman; Jane Cordner


Testimonials

‘Stephen Woodman has been incredibly supportive with my case and has been very understanding regarding my situation at a time when I have felt completely overwhelmed and vulnerable.’

‘We employ Blanchards Bailey on a consultancy basis for their HR advice. They have assisted us with putting together employment contracts for our small company, and have provided invaluable advice and documentation as situations have arisen. We find them to be diligent, responsive and professional.’

‘We are regularly in contact with Jane Cordner, who assists us with all our HR requirements. She is brilliantly knowledgeable, very helpful and will come back to us quickly in response to any questions we have.’

‘We deal mainly with Jane Cordner, and her professionalism and expertise have assisted us with a number of quite sensitive issues over the years and we have built up a very good rapport with her. She is always available to answer even the most trivial of questions where we are perhaps unsure of the exact legislation involved.’

‘Blanchards Bailey are always incredibly professional. They are well staffed, attentive, and always on hand.’

‘Jane Cordner is easily the most approachable, helpful, considerate HR solicitor I have ever come across. She is always there for us as a business and has helped us happily over several years of working. I never have any fear approaching her for any of my concerns, big or small. As a new manager, having Jane on hand to help me is invaluable.’

‘The team are always approachable and readily available by email or phone which is a key consideration as a business who rely on them for employment advice.’

‘Jane Cordner is our point of contact and is always able to understand our queries, regardless of how convoluted and complex they are, giving the right advice to make sure we are legally compliant and also fair for the member of staff. She has a good understanding of our context and provides bespoke solutions to our issues.’

Frettens LLP

Frettens LLP advises its client roster – which predominantly comprises regional SMEs and owner-managed businesses, alongside several national and London-based clients in the care and education sector – on an array of employment matters. Paul Burton leads the team, which also includes Chris Dobbs, who is singled out as an ‘approachable and talented employment solicitor’.

Practice head(s):

Paul Burton


Other key lawyers:

Chris Dobbs


Testimonials

‘This is a very personable practice attracting key local commercial clients.’

‘Paul Burton is very thorough and dedicated. He has a very good knowledge of employment law, is reliable and is very organised in his approach to cases.’

‘Chris Dobbs is an excellent solicitor and I would highly recommend him. He prepares cases thoroughly and diligently and his hard work makes conducting trials as smooth a process as possible.

Key clients

United Taxis


Mtech Communications


Jewish Care


Royal Free Charity


Anindita Sarkar


Avon Magnetics Ltd


Color Brands UK


Brooks Gibbs Ltd


Connie Rothman Learning Trust


Sandown Mercedes


Purewell Electrical Ltd


Work highlights


  • Represented United Taxis in a tribunal matter concerning the employment status of driver.
  • Defended Jewish Care in cases brought by former employees with regard to Covid-related dismissals.
  • Obtained an award of nearly £40,000 in the employment tribunal for Lynne Spencer-Duncan concerning unfair dismissal and disability discrimination claims.

GA Solicitors

GA Solicitors is best known for its work on the employer side, and is well placed to advise its clients on a range of employment matters, including redundancy, employment contracts, terminations, greivances and maternity rights. Robert Zacal heads up the practice, and is noted for his work on complex TUPE transfers and corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Robert Zacal


Testimonials

‘I find this practice very personal, they understood my position from the very beginning, gave me advice, everything was explained to me fully, including the pros and cons of going forward with my case. I felt they took time to get to know me, and I wasn’t just a way of the business earning money.’

‘From the beginning of my case, I dealt with Robert Zacal, and on every occasion he explained things in simple terms.’

Key clients

The PH Group Limited


Brittany Ferries (BAI (UK) Limited)


The Angel Foundation (God TV)


Morris Engineering Limited


Wolseley Community and Economic Development Trust


Peninsula Finance PLC


Toad Hall Cottages Limited


Space Storage Limited


4D Architects Studio Limited


Westcotts LLP


Work highlights


Kitsons LLP

Kitsons LLP is known for providing commercial advice to employer clients, and is well placed to assist with a range of employment issues pertaining to corporate transactions. Litigation, TUPE transfers, employment status and HR advice are further areas of strength; the group is singled out by one client as ‘a flexible team full of knowledgePractice head Jayme Nicholson has extensive experience advising on the employment aspects of corporate transactions, including company and business sales and purchases, MBOs and mergers. Associate solicitor Rory Wakeling is noted for his work on post-termination restrictions, confidentiality and GDPR-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Jayme Nicholson


Other key lawyers:

Rory Wakeling; Rhodri Davey


Testimonials

‘The partner and associate invested the time to understand my issue, exploring the facts and background in full. They inspired confidence from the first meeting and were realistic on process and the range of potential outcomes. Their approach was different as it felt more personal.’

‘Very engaged and on hand when I needed them for what was, for me, a very difficult situation. They understood the impact to the individual and that is unusual and put me immediately at ease. They were clear in their guidance and advice and sought to understand clearly every detail of the issues I’d experienced before proposing a course of action.’

‘I’ve recommended Kitsons in a professional capacity previously and I’ll continue to do that based on my personal experience of their approach and professionalism.’

Key clients

Skills to Group Limited


Guild of Construction Workers Limited


Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited


Paramount 21 Limited


Trucksmith Limited


Braddicks Leisure Limited


Armada Investments Limited


Work highlights


  • Represented a national training provider in a multi-day disability discrimination claim.
  • Advising Kilnbridge Construction Services on a range of employment matters.

Paddle & Cocks LLP

Paddle & Cocks LLP fields a dedicated team which is well placed to assist clients with a range of employment issues. Verona Cocks heads up the practice. Other notable team members include Marc Jones and Rachel Bateman; the former regularly handles employment tribunal work, while the latter’s practice spans both contentious and non-contentious mandates.

Practice head(s):

Verona Cocks


Other key lawyers:

Marc Jones; Rachel Bateman


Testimonials

‘Helpful. Always have someone who is an expert in the field.’

Key clients

Davis & Co Property Lawyers Ltd


Brian Etherington Meat Company Limited


Trethowans LLP

Trethowans LLP provides day-to-day employment advice to clients across a wide range of sectors and is also known for its proficiency in resolving employment disputes. Practice head Kathryn Evans is experienced in all areas of employment law, with a particular specialism in strategic planning.

Practice head(s):

Kathryn Evans


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Crudge


Testimonials

‘Calm, give you convidenance, approachable.’

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

Key clients

Bacardi-Martini


Bacardi Limited


Glen Dimplex UK Limited


Farrow & Ball Limited


Flyct B.V.


Just Develop IT Limited


Agar Group


Storck UK Limited


Skinnydip Limited


Thatcham Research


White & Co plc


The Property Franchise Group


Pure Cremation Group


Riskstop Group


Wolferstans

The team at Wolferstans is well versed in advising both employers and employees across a wide range of industry sectors. The practice specialises in advising clients on restrictive covenants, directors’ duties, relevant competition law issues, and TUPE transfers. Practice head James Twine is a seasoned tribunal advocate, and also has extensive experience delivering employment law support to businesses and schools throughout Devon and Cornwall.

Practice head(s):

James Twine


Other key lawyers:

Victoria Sargeant; Steph Marsh; Mara Cunha


Testimonials

‘The team responds extremely quickly, efficiently and has a superb, fast grasp of all the issues. Their advice is sound, clear and thorough. They have been flexible in providing support over the phone, via video conferencing where necessary, and also face-to-face.’

‘We have worked directly with James Twine and Steph Marsh. Both have been exceptional in their support for some tricky issues and their advice is provided with a clarity and a “layman’s simplicity”, meaning that we are able to understand straightaway what it is we are being told.’

‘Wolferstans have a very client-centered approach to legal issues. They have provided us with employment support for a number of years and have always given us sound legal advice whilst having an understanding of the constraints and needs of our business.’

‘The employment team at Wolferstans are very approachable and friendly; they offer advice and guidance on any legal matter however big or small providing the best solution for us. All the team is accessible and ready to assist with any questions we may have.’

‘Victoria Sargeant is exceptional – she has taken the time to understand the complexities of our business with the many different sectors we service. The advice and guidance we receive is always clear, concise and easy to follow, nothing is ever too much trouble.’

‘James Twine is always honest and offers good advice and with a sense of humor and understanding on how difficult it can be for our members. Victoria Sargeant is great with the HR advice and helps to create that great team approach that Wolferstans gives.’

‘The team is approachable and will listen, understand and communicate with me in a language I can interpret. Their response is always timely and the support they have provided us with goes above and beyond.’

‘Mara Cunha is always upbeat, prompt, supportive and organised.’

Key clients

Theatre Royal Plymouth


Tor Bridge High School


Work highlights


  • Assisting Theatre Royal Plymouth with employment issues on an ongoing basis for over 10 years, with recent work including advising on the implications of the Harpur v Brazel decision on holiday pay.
  • Advising Tor Bridge High School on a range of employment law matters, including various performance management issues, attendance management procedures, and implementation of a change to terms and conditions for some staff.

Wollens

The team at Wollens handles both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Restrictive covenants, regulatory and complianceissues, employment tribunal cases, and unfair dismissal claims all form part of the core workload. Jon Dunkley leads the practice, and is well versed in a breadth of contentious and non-contentious employment law issues, as well as general HR advice.

Practice head(s):

Jon Dunkley


Testimonials

‘The Wollens employment team are highly responsive and able to promptly dissect each issue into its core parts, allowing clients to cost effectively focus their efforts to achieve the best legal outcome.’

‘Jon Dunkley is an exceptional operator in his area; immediately putting clients at ease with his phenomenal employment knowledge and ability to find pragmatic solutions to the case in hand.’

Work highlights


  • Advised a local business on restrictive covenants and confidential information in relation to a team of six senior employees joining from another practice.
  • Advised a national online organisation following the announcement that it was making up to 50 redundancies.
  • Defended a local authority against an employment claim brought about by a former employee who had been dismissed for gross misconduct and was representing themselves.