Well-versed at handling 'all aspects of contemporary labour requirements', the partner-led team at Blake Morgan LLP has an excellent reputation among both private and public sector entities for both contentious and non-contentious work. As well as its strong legal and commercial expertise, the team also has deep industry expertise in core targeted sectors, including healthcare, an area that Paula Kathrens , who is appreciated for her 'great client skills', has developed a market-leading reputation for internal disciplinary proceedings involving doctors in NHS Wales. Matthew Smith has the ability to deliver 'an unusually business savvy level of service' across a range of contentious matters, including as it relates to unfair dismissal, disability discrimination and whistleblowing cases. Joanne Davies heads up the team and provides 'commercial, efficient and client focused' advice to private and public sector clients on employment issues associated with their transactional work, including as it relates to business acquisitions and subsequent reorganisations and integration.
Employment in Wales
Blake Morgan LLP
Practice head(s):
Joanne Davies
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Smith; Paula Kathrens; Ian Jones
Testimonials
‘The team is always quick to reply to any call or email, and if not available are great at managing expectations or passing it over to another member of the team who can help sooner.’
‘The employment team’s capabilities cover all aspects of contemporary labour requirements, and has been especially helpful in managing complex employment relations issues, and ensuring that matters are dealt with thoroughly; speedily; and satisfactorily.’
‘Genuinely strong in the health sector with a reputation and experience above all other firms and a proven ability advising in the wider public sector.’
‘Matthew Smith is readily available when I need, and is always willing to get on a call with me to discuss cases in detail. Rather than just tell me his advice, he always explains any risks or things to be aware of.’
‘Matthew Smith delivers an unusually business savvy level of service, appreciating the requirements of running a business while managing and resolving any ongoing employment law or employee relation issues. He is also skilled in providing alternative solutions to resolving complex situations (rather than just stating the legal parameters).’
‘Joanne Davies is commercial, efficient and client focused.’
‘Paula Kathrens is an expert in her field (health sector) and has great client skills.’
Key clients
Welsh Government
The NHS in Wales
Swansea University
University of South Wales
Gower College, Swansea
Russell & Bromley Limited
Trivallis Limited (formerly RCT Homes Limited)
Dolce & Gabbana UK Limited
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Charbonnel et Walker Limited
Wales Audit Office
Escatec
Strutt and Parker Farms Limited
Patch Gardens Limited
One Stop Recycling Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Hywel Dda University Health Board in a complex doctor disciplinary case.
- Provided employment-related advice pursuant to LDC’s £18m minority investment into TMC Pharma Services.
- Continue to act for the Health Board in the case of Agarwal v (1) Cardiff University (2) Cardiff & Vale University Local Health Board.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Led from Cardiff by the ‘exceptional’ Anthony Rees , and also able to leverage the firm’s UK-wide and international resources, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is a popular choice for large domestic businesses, as well as multinational corporates, across the full scope of their employment requirements. An accomplished advocate who has a strong track record of success for clients in tribunal hearings, but also effective at advising on international restructurings, Rees is praised for his ‘pragmatic, proportionate and very wise advice’, which he dispenses to clients from a range of sectors, including education providers. ‘Not just a great employment lawyer, but a great partner to the client as well’, Tom Bray excels in providing employment support on international M&A, outsourcing and restructuring projects, and has over the years developed a particular level of specialism advising clients (including Heathrow Airport) within the aviation sector. Thomas Player also excels in handling international employment mandates, including in the context of collective employment law, work which regularly sees him acting in an advisory capacity for many companies operating European Works Councils.
Practice head(s):
Anthony Rees
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Player; Huw Jones; Tom Bray; Sally Isaacs; Ellie Brown; Leonie McQuaide
Testimonials
‘The efficient team has strong levels of technical expertise.’
‘The employment practice in Cardiff offers a deep understanding of the national education sector issues combined with a local personal approach.’
‘The exceptional Anthony Rees provides pragmatic, proportionate and very wise advice.’
‘Anthony Rees has developed a deep understanding of the organisation and its mission to underpin his advice over a period of time. He will always respond when his advice is sought and offers pragmatic advice appropriate for the context.’
‘Tom Bray is not just a great employment lawyer, but a great partner to the client as well. He always makes time for you, speaks sense and is a decent human being as well.’
Key clients
Wolverine Worldwide/Sweaty Betty
Gresham House Plc
Heathrow Airport
SONY
Vale Europe Limited
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
Tinopolis PLC
Rubix
Cardiff University
University West of England
Work highlights
Lewis Silkin
Drawing upon a deep understanding of domestic and international employment law issues associated with ongoing business operations, as well as in the context of ad-hoc transactional work (including major restructurings, M&A mandates and outsourcing), the ‘very strong’ team at Lewis Silkin provides ‘commercially savvy’ advice to private sector employers, both on its own as well as alongside other practitioners spread across the firm’s UK-wide network of offices. Team head Lucy Lewis has ‘excellent retail knowledge’ and provides ‘very responsive and commercially pragmatic’ strategic advice to many high-profile employers on redundancies/restructuring; sensitive terminations and practical advice on the operation of TUPE. Richard Moore ‘provides business friendly advice’ on the employment law issues arising from corporate transactions and commercial outsourcing arrangements. At an associate level, Charlotte Morgan continues to impress (although her recent work has been largely made in the context of a secondment role for a large US bank), and Neil Dite has ‘an ability to explain complicated areas easily and thoroughly’, particularly in relation to international employment matters impacting clients in the manufacturing sector.
Practice head(s):
Lucy Lewis
Other key lawyers:
Richard Moore; Neil Dite; Charlotte Morgan; Amy Nevins
Testimonials
‘A down-to-earth, commercially savvy firm with a strong pedigree and desire to go the extra mile or their clients.’
‘A very strong team with excellent retail knowledge, always delivering immediately useful advice that is perfectly pitched.’
‘Lewis Silkin is great at overseeing Europe-wide projects, which requires them to coordinate with different law firms in each market, aggregate the information, and provide useful advice on how to proceed.’
‘Lucy Lewis is very responsive and commercially pragmatic.’
‘Richard Moore is always available, and provides business friendly advice on a timely basis.’
‘Richard Moore and Neil Dite are excellent and display an ability to explain complicated areas easily and thoroughly.’
Key clients
Marks & Spencer
Havas
Omnicom Group
Rockwool
DS Smith
Inditex (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka)
Interpublic
Daily Mail & General Trust Plc
DraftKings
Publicis
Work highlights
- Advising an online retailer on a significant global restructure which involved outsourcing parts of business as well as rationalising resources (which involved both TUPE and collective redundancies).
- Advising on all employment aspects of the purchase of a manufacturing business across 14 jurisdictions, including much of Europe, China, Brazil and Indonesia, relating to the implementation of pre-completion re-organisation steps.
- Supporting a multinational manufacturer on a high value Employment Tribunal claim involving sensitive allegations of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination with the successful result of all claims being dismissed.
Acuity Law
Under the very effective leadership of the ‘exceptional’ Claire Knowles, the ‘responsive, proactive and supportive’ team at Acuity Law continues to gain traction in the market and ‘has a good balance of experience and developing lawyers’. The arrival in February 2022 of the ‘very likeable, professional and sensible’ Juliette Franklin from Slater and Gordon has provided the firm with added gravitas on the contentious front, as a result of her claimant-side prowess in relation to discrimination claims. The recruitment in January 2023 of senior associate Rubel Bashir , also formerly of Slater and Gordon, enhances the associate ranks that also includes the ‘proactive and commercially focused’ Adam McGlynn . As well as his fee-earning work, McGlynn has also been very effective at developing technology-based products (alongside the firm’s existing longstanding Acuity Counsel subscription offering) including the Redundancy Costs Calculator and the IR35 Assist assessment tool.
Practice head(s):
Claire Knowles
Other key lawyers:
Juliette Franklin; Rubel Bashir; Adam McGlynn
Testimonials
‘The team is responsive, proactive and supportive.’
‘The team has a good balance of experience and developing lawyers.’
‘The calm and assertive Claire Knowles is exceptional; knowledgeable and incredibly practical.’
‘Claire Knowles provides excellent personal service. She is always proactive and responsive giving strong commercial advice at competitive rates.’
‘Claire Knowles is technically very good. She is very professional and reasonable to deal with as an opponent. It is a pleasure to have her on the other side as you know that she will be tough but sensible.’
‘The very likeable, professional and sensible Juliette Franklin has had an excellent reputation for being one of the leading claimant lawyers in Cardiff for a number of years.’
‘Adam McGlynn provides excellent support and advice. He is always contactable, proactive and commercially focused.’
Key clients
RTI Group Services Limited
Brickability Group Plc
Bright Network
Portman Healthcare Limited
Oliver Marketing Limited
CareMatch Limited
Cadwyn Housing Association Limited
Work highlights
- Representing RTI Group in a claim brought against them by a former Director and a former employee, who claimed that they had been dismissed for having blown the whistle.
Capital Law Limited
Capital Law Limited provides ‘sensible, responsive and practical advice‘ to a varied mix of private (including a growing number of technology and pharmaceutical clients) and public sector entities across a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Leveraging his knowledge gleaned from private practice as well as in-house, team head Richard Thomas has vast experience across a range of employment (including in relation to collective employment law) and data protection matters, knowledge which he effectively deploys in relation to both fee-earning work, as well as training sessions. The 'personable' David Lewis leverages his litigation expertise to good effect both from a risk management perspective, as well as on behalf of clients defending claims of alleged discrimination, where he will often undertake the advocacy himself. The ‘extremely helpful’ Sarah Austin provides ‘practical solutions’, particularly as it relates to corporate support, including the employment issues associated with the firm’s private equity roster of clients on their investments. Senior associate Gemma Bailey joined from Howells Solicitors in January 2023 and adds further weight behind the firm’s contentious employment, in particular.
Practice head(s):
Richard Thomas
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Austin; David Lewis; Mary Goldsbrough; David Sheppard; Alex Christen; Alison Flett; Claire Tait; Jonathan Walsh; Gemma Bailey
Testimonials
‘The team provides sensible, responsive and practical advice.‘
‘The team always provides straightforward, practical advice to reach a resolution, that is easy to follow and understand.’
‘Richard Thomas has strong political, governance and legislative knowledge that enables us to make strategic employment decisions that will support today and the future.’
Key clients
British Medical Association
SEGA Europe Ltd
University of South Wales
The Royal Mint
Verisure Services (UK) Ltd
Intellectual Property Office
Welsh Government
WestBridge Capital LLP
Newport City Homes
The Hendre Group
Cardiff City Football Club
Limejump
Eden Grove Properties Limited
Bellavista
Howard Tenens
Bridgend Schools
Cartrefi Conwy Housing Association
Marshmallow Financial Services
Tindle Newspapers Limited
Natural Resources Wales
Infineon Technologies (UK) Limited
Mango
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Work highlights
- Advising the BMA in a class action for age discrimination against the Department of Health and Social Care concerning the NHS Pension Scheme 2015.
- Advising Cardiff City Football Club in preparing a bespoke women’s professional footballer contract, tailored to reflect specific needs of women players, and meeting FIFA and FAW rules and regulations, and helping the development of professional women players in Wales.
- Advised WestBridge on the employment aspects of their investment in UK cloud and video IP specialist Techex Europe Limited from their highly successful second fund.
Darwin Gray LLP
Based out of Cardiff but recently extending its reach to clients in the north of the country through the opening of an office in Bangor, the ‘professional and reliable’ team at Darwin Gray LLP is popular among domestic private and public sector clients, which are appreciative not only of the firm’s ‘pragmatic and business focused approach’ but also its ‘commitment to engagement through the Welsh language and culture’. Bilingual team head Fflur Jones is central to this approach and provides ‘calm and considered’ advice, ‘regardless of how complex the situation is or could be’, for both employers and employees (including many within the public and third sector). The ‘very personable’ Damian Phillips provides ‘commercial and pragmatic advice’ to employers across a range of issues, including TUPE, while on the employee side, he regularly advises professional rugby players and coaches in relation to contract disputes and managed exits from employment. Welsh speaking partner Owen John ‘is very approachable and knowledgeable’ across a wide array of employment issues, including defending and bringing employment tribunal claims relating to unfair dismissal and discrimination. Senior associate Rachel Ford-Evans provides 'quick and sound legal advice' to employer clients, including those within the social housing sector, while on the litigation front her work includes cases for employees and employers involving sexual harassment, part-time working, and indirect age discrimination.
Practice head(s):
Fflur Jones
Other key lawyers:
Damian Phillips; Owen John; Rachel Ford-Evans
Testimonials
‘They were professional, honest and frank, and guided us carefully through the process.’
‘Their commitment to engagement through the Welsh language and culture as well as English is vital for work in Wales.’
‘Pragmatic and business focused approach. Holistic understanding of complicated employment issues and an amazing ability to simplify things down and advise on/ensure well considered action plans.’
Key clients
The Aloud Charity
Avidety
Chatime
Durston House & Harvington Prep Schools
Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST) Wales
Flowbio
London Early Years Foundation
M&M Mobile Crane Hire
Total Utility Connections
Waterco
Aberystwyth UCU
ACT Training
Adra Housing Association
Barcud Housing Association
Connect Assist
DICE FM
Farmers Union of Wales
Glenside Commercials
Guarding UK
Gwasanaeth Cerdd Gwynedd a Môn / Schools Music Service
Menter a Busnes
Mudiad Meithrin
National Library of Wales
Naitonal Centre for Learning Welsh/ Y Ganolfan Dysgu Cymraeg Genedlaethol
National College of Wales/ Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol
Plaid Cymru
UCAC (National Union of Teachers Wales)
Vizolution
Welsh Government (National Procurement Framework)
Welsh Language Commissioner
Work highlights
- Provided employment advice pursuant to the firm’s representation of the shareholders in Scientific Vacuum Solutions Ltd on its acquisition by SDI Group Plc.
- Acted for large security company Guarding UK Ltd in a multi-faceted Employment Tribunal claim brought by a casual security guard, successfully defending all claims and obtaining a rare £7,000 costs order against a litigant in person claimant.
- Conducted a wide-ranging review into the structure, senior management team, and job descriptions of UCAC (Teachers’ Union of Wales), a major Welsh trade union.
Geldards LLP
Informed by ‘a clear understanding of the public sector’, as well as acting for a robust portfolio of private sector companies – including a growing number of financial services clients – the ‘experienced and highly knowledgeable’ team at Geldards LLP provides a versatile offering that is underscored by a deeply rooted commercial perspective, as well as a core understanding of the underlying law. ‘Highly intelligent and astute’ team head Lowri Phillips is ‘practical in outlook and approach’, skills which she deploys effectively in an advisory context as well as in litigation, particularly as it relates to equal pay and whistleblowing cases. Joga Singh is ‘exceptionally robust in his advice’ on standalone employment issues, including workplace disputes and restructuring exercises, as well as in a corporate support setting.
Practice head(s):
Lowri Phillips
Other key lawyers:
Joga Singh; Helen Snow
Testimonials
‘The team is experienced and highly knowledgeable. They recognise there is a real world out there and advise accordingly.’
‘They are very knowledgeable and apply their thinking in a professional and innovative manner.’
‘Geldards is proactive, commercial and responsive, and are a delight to work with.’
‘They are very knowledgeable and collaborative.’
‘Lowri Phillips is a pleasure to work with, is responsive to client needs and understands the legal and commercial drivers that can be particularly sensitive in employment-related matters.’
‘Lowri Phillips – a highly astute partner with a very pleasing and reassuring manner. Lowri is the ideal problem solver – highly intelligent but always practical in outlook and approach.’
‘Lowri Phillips is very experienced and clear in her advice. She has a pleasant and calm manner which can prove very useful in stressful environments.’
‘Joga Singh is exceptionally robust in his advice and clearly understands the client’s desired outcomes. This gives me the confidence to make sometimes tricky decisions especially about dismissal.’
Key clients
Admiral Insurance
Fiera Capital Corporation
Fiera Capital UK
Archimedes Partners Ltd
Welsh Government
The Senedd Commission
The Senedd Commission (Member Support)
Sofa Brands International
Spectrum Internet
Toast
Target Group Limited
A F Blakemore & Son Limited
Novomatic Group
Ludlow Street Healthcare Group
Simbec-Orion
Tower Colliery Celsa Manufacturing UK Limited
Lewis Homes
Watts Aviation
Luxury Leisure
Sub2Technologies
Wales Millennium Centre
Vale of Glamorgan Council
Flintshire Council
Liverpool City Combined Authority
The Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales
The National Museum of Wales
The Arts Council of Wales
Sport Wales
Pembrokeshire College
Colleges Wales/Colegau Cymru
United Welsh Housing Association
Wales Air Ambulance
Hybu Cig Cymru
Bakelite Synthetics
Epoxy Westlake
Momentive Performance Materials Limited
Rotable Repairs Limited
Fiera Real Estate UK Limited
Creo Medical
Work highlights
- Defending the British Boxing Board of Control against a claim in the Employment Tribunal for discrimination and victimisation, in relation to the qualifications held by a (non-employed) licence holder.
- Advising Celsa Manufacturing UK Limited on the TUPE implications of a lease of premises and machinery, including drafting the relevant employment provisions for the various contracts and secondment agreements for the machine operators.
- Advising the Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales on the preparation and submission of the Agricultural Wages Order annually to Welsh Ministers including the agricultural minimum wage and terms and conditions of employment for agricultural workers in Wales.
Hugh James
The 'knowledgeable and attentive' team at Hugh James is adept at handling a broad spectrum of both individual and collective employment matters, for diverse range of clients, including domestic and UK-wide corporates, as well as many public sector entities. Team head Louise Price exemplifies the versatility of the firm's offering, being as comfortable handling corporate support work and large-scale TUPE transfers, as she is advising on pensions matters and defending clients in high-stakes employment litigation. Although she is a relatively new partner, Rhiannon Dale 'is able to pick up on points that other experienced partners may overlook', and is therefore a very safe choice for respondents in litigation, as well as on complex non-contentious work including on highly technical issues relating to the application of TUPE.
Practice head(s):
Louise Price
Other key lawyers:
Rhiannon Dale; Eleanor Bamber; Christine Bradbury; Elinor Corbett-Jones; Kate Walsh; Sali Owens; Harry Orbell
Testimonials
‘Their cases are very well prepared: they demonstrate excellent judgement in their advice to clients regarding i.e. merits, disclosure or witness statements; their approach to witnesses is careful and considerate; and they are very supportive to counsel during hearings.’
‘In respect of non-contentious work, I have been struck by the breadth of their clients and quality of their work, in both individual and collective matters.’
‘The level of knowledge, attention and professionalism is at a very high standard.’
‘Rhiannon Dale is fantastic at considering every angle of a case and is able to pick up on points that other experienced partners may overlook. Her knowledge of technical matters, such as the taxation of settlements or the application of TUPE, is impressive.’
Key clients
Cwmpas
Ensinger
Coastal Housing Group
REHAU Limited
PF Concept International B. V
Nile UK Service Company Limited
Welsh National Opera
Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association
Tai Calon Community Housing
Welsh Government
Work highlights
- Defending Welsh National Opera in a multi-party employment tribunal claim lodged by 12 claimants.
- Continuing to advise global company, REHAU Limited, in relation to all aspects of employment law, from providing day to day employment law support to policy drafting and advising on employment related data protection issues.
- Providing HR services under the Cwmpas (formerly the Wales Co-operative Centre) Organisational Development Framework (the Framework).
Berry Smith
Combining ‘outstanding subject matter knowledge’ with client care that is ‘second-to-none’, Berry Smith is a popular choice among regional employers, in particular, on their ongoing employment/HR needs, as well as in standalone projects. ‘Exceptional’ team head Sarah Alford is ‘pragmatic and compassionate in her dealings’ with clients, ensuring ‘outstanding results’ are achieved on standalone matters, as well as in a corporate support context.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Alford
Other key lawyers:
Michael Shutt; Selena Baker
Testimonials
‘The team has an excellent reputation for dealing with matters with the best interests of the client at the heart of all that they do. Their knowledge of their subject is outstanding and their client care is second to none.’
‘Sarah Alford is an exceptional solicitor. She always focuses on her clients’ well being and is pragmatic and compassionate in her dealings. She is quietly spoken but a very focussed individual who does her absolute best for her clients. The outcomes she delivers are outstanding.’
Key clients
South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
EKF Diagnostics Holdings Plc
The shareholders of Europest Environmental Services Limited
Yourgene Health Plc
Welsh Government – National Procurement Service
BBI Group Holdings Limited
Involve Recruitment Limited
Active Quote Limited
Brightwells Limited
CP Hire (GB) Limited
Centre for Digital Public Services
Elite Supported Employment Agency
Zenith Print Group
Tiny Rebel Brewery
Work highlights
- Advising the shareholders of Europest Environmental Services Limited on employment elements of their sale to a subsidiary of US-based Rollins Inc.
- Advised the shareholders of Vision Flor Limited on their sale to their management team, including assistance with drafting an employment contract for the selling shareholder.
- Advised Martyn Prowel Solicitors on the employment elements of their purchase of Gartsides Solicitors.
Morgan Denton Jones
Specialist employment boutique Morgan Denton Jones provides a ‘very professional and collaborative’ service across a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters facing employers and employees. ‘Experienced and technically strong’, Jennifer Jones has excellent market recognition among local businesses, which she regularly represents on day-to-day HR matters and ad-hoc projects. She is also regularly sought out by banking executives seeking to negotiate favourable settlement agreements. Jones co-heads the team alongside the ‘very approachable’ Mark Morgan, who provides employment law advice that is ‘second to none’.
Practice head(s):
Mark Morgan; Jennifer Jones
Other key lawyers:
Rhiannon John
Testimonials
‘Their support, advice and guidance in a very challenging and protracted tribunal case was second to none. They were efficient and made time for me as and when needed, which at some points was daily.’
‘They are very professional and collaborative.’
‘Mark Morgan is always immediately available, usually at very short notice. His employment law advice is second to none, he is discreet and very approachable.’
Work highlights
Morgan LaRoche
The 'exceptionally knowledgeable' team at Morgan LaRoche provide a 'totally personal and bespoke service' to South West Wales-based businesses across the gamut of their non-contentious and contentious employment/HR law requirements. 'Professional and personable' team head Hannah Belton provides 'pragmatic and legally sound advice' both on day-to-day employment and HR matters, as well as in tribunal cases, including in relation to discrimination and whistle-blower cases. Associate Sophie Ray regularly provides corporate support work, including on TUPE issues, as well as providing 'fabulous business support' to local companies, where she adds value by virtue of her previous in-house HR experience.
Practice head(s):
Hannah Belton
Other key lawyers:
Sophie Ray; Hannah Francis-Hopkins
Testimonials
‘Exceptionally knowledgeable team, not only in their respective areas of the law but also their commercial acumen.’
‘What makes them unique is the totally personal and bespoke service they provide.’
‘There is always a pragmatic approach to the case, a risk assessment and sensible, practical solutions provided.’
‘Hannah Belton is extremely professional and personable.’
‘Hannah Belton’s provides pragmatic and legally sound advice’.
‘Sophie Ray provides fabulous business support.’
‘Hannah Francis-Hopkins is a shining example of dedication to customer care and support. She is a tremendous asset to the team.’
Key clients
Morgans Hotel Limited
Natural UK Limited
Seren Group Limited
Protherics UK Limited
CWM Environmental
EA-RS Fire Management Limited
LBS Builders Merchants Limited
Cawdor Cars (Newcastle Emlyn) Limited
Holstein UK
M&D Care Limited
Work highlights
- Appointed as the sole employment law advisors to CWM Environmental, advising it on a range of matters through the firm’s monthly retainer scheme.
- Advising LBS Builders Merchants Limited on a wide variety of issues including sickness absence, flexible working, employee mental health, disciplinaries, grievances, subject access requests and providing in-house training.
- Providing bespoke technical advice to Protherics UK Limited on disciplinaries and grievances, employment contracts, dismissals and flexible working.
Douglas-Jones Mercer
At Douglas-Jones Mercer, team head Paul Shuttleworth provides ‘very responsive and supportive’ advice to local businesses, charities, and individuals across a wide range of employment matters, including ongoing HR issues and standalone projects. Shuttleworth also provides a considerable amount of pro bono advice through his work at Swansea University’s law clinic.
Practice head(s):
Paul Shuttleworth
Testimonials
‘The team is very responsive and provides detailed feedback and regular updates on matters.’
‘Paul Shuttleworth is very responsive and supportive and provides a lot of clarity surrounding technical matters.’
Key clients
Energist Limited
Community Lives Consortium
Mirus Wales
Skelton Thomas Engineering Ltd
Edyffi Ltd
Work highlights
Harding Evans LLP
At Newport firm Harding Evans LLP, team head Daniel Wilde has a strong reputation among local businesses and individuals across a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including in specialist areas such as industrial action, and in relation to complex discrimination and whistleblowing cases.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Wilde
Key clients
The Royal NAAFI
Golley Slater Group Limited
MSS Group Limited
Newport Transport
GAVO
Newport Mind
Bruton Knowles
FW Morgan
Heads of the Valleys Training Limited
Framatome Limited
Work highlights
- Advised longstanding client, the Royal NAAFI on employment law implications arising from the relocation of its head office in Germany back to the UK.
- Acted for a large number of employees (in excess of 30) leaving a medical diagnostics group to include advising on numerous settlement agreements.
- Provided advice to new client Framatome Limited in relation to the TUPE implications of the consolidation of various UK operating companies.
Howells Solicitors
At Howells Solicitors, senior associate James Watkins has 'excellent knowledge in the field' and is particularly adept at representing employees as claimants in cases before the employment tribunal. Watkins now heads the team following Gemma Bailey's departure to Capital Law Limited in November 2022.
Practice head(s):
James Watkins
Testimonials
‘The team has an excellent client manner and has a good deal of business clients, as well as individual claimants.’
‘It is an excellent claimant practice that provides sensible, commercial and pragmatic advice to individuals seeking employment law advice.’
‘James Watkins – employment specialist with excellent knowledge of the field. Good client skills. Strong team working ethos with counsel.’
Work highlights
Slater and Gordon
Slater and Gordon displays an ‘approachable and pragmatic’ service to employees, including union members, as well as a growing number of senior executives and private clients. ‘Down-to-earth’ senior associate Sian Clarke heads the team and is pivotal to the firm’s success in relation individual litigation claims (including as it relates to unfair and wrongful and constructive dismissal, wages claims, and whistleblowing) as well as group actions.
Practice head(s):
Sian Clarke
Other key lawyers:
Nayo Kirkpatrick
Testimonials
‘Down to earth, approachable and pragmatic in their approach to employment law matters.’
‘Sian Clarke is extremely professional and down to earth. She is pragmatic and is always willing to explore how best to move matters forward.’
Key clients
Unite the Union
Work highlights
- Representing Unite the Union (Unite) in a claim against a company upon behalf of 57 members under Section 189(1) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (the “TULR(C)A”).
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Praised for its ‘customer-focused and pragmatic way of dealing with difficult and emotive matters’, Harrison Clark Rickerbys‘ ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team has, since it was formed in February 2020, ‘established a formidable Welsh presence within a strikingly short space of time’. Key to the firm’s success is the reputation and leadership of team head Chris Mayers , who brings to bear significant experience representing claimants and respondents across a range of employment litigation, and who is able to ‘bring even the most intransigent opponent to the table’. Andrea Thomas is noted for her ability to provide ‘balanced and commercial advice’ to public and private sector clients both in a standalone advisory capacity as well as in the context of corporate support.
Practice head(s):
Chris Mayers
Other key lawyers:
Andrea Thomas; Nadine Maher
Testimonials
‘They are extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic, concise and friendly.’
‘The team has not only a huge amount of up to date legal knowledge, but an extremely customer-focused and pragmatic way of dealing with difficult and emotive matters.’
‘The team has established a formidable Welsh presence within a strikingly short space of time.’
‘Chris Mayers has a dominating presence, matched with charm and powerful wit. He is an exceptional negotiator and can bring even the most intransigent opponent to the table.’
‘I cannot praise Chris Mayers highly enough. He is a truly caring and fabulous solicitor. A rare gem.’
‘Andrea Thomas presented my business with a personable and very proactive manner of dealing with difficult decisions and tasks.’
‘Andrea Thomas has strong eye for detail, is good with clients, and a safe pair of hands.’
‘Andrea Thomas is quick to respond, offers balanced and commercial advice, and is a pleasure to work with. She acts like a true business partner.’
Key clients
allpay
British Airways Plc
Synetic Life Sciences Limited
Edmo Group Holdings Limited
Alltrust Holdings Limited
Janice Anyon & Others
Police Federation of England and Wales
Work highlights
- Representing the Police Federation of England and Wales in a number of claims against different Police forces, mainly involving allegations of discrimination.
- Handling the employment law advice pursuant to Synetic Life Sciences’ sale to Lucid Group.
- Provided employment law support to the firm’s corporate team on its representation of the shareholders of Alltrust Holdings Limited on the sale of the entire issued share capital of the company to The UAP Group based in Guernsey.
Harrisons Solicitors LLP
The 'friendly, helpful and informative' team at Harrisons Solicitors LLP provides 'very customer focused' advice to regional businesses and employees throughout Mid Wales across a myriad employment work, ranging from the negotiation of settlement agreements and drafting employment contracts, through to employment tribunal matters. Team head Charlotte Powell-Jones and Anne Smith are the main contacts.
Practice head(s):
Charlotte Powell-Jones
Other key lawyers:
Anne Smith
Testimonials
‘Friendly, helpful and informative.’
‘They are very customer focused want to give you time to understand your business and your issues to explore fully.’
Key clients
Wynnstay Group Plc
Charlies Stores Limited
Rees Astley Holdings Limited
Hafren Veterinary Group
Shoothill Limited
SWG Construction (Build and Renovate) Ltd
JTILC Limited
Work highlights
- Representing a client in an unfair dismissal employment tribunal claim involving a dispute which has arisen as to whether the dismissal arises from redundancy or some other substantial reason.
- Advising an employee in respect of a defective internal investigatory & disciplinary procedure arising from allegations of sexual harassment against the employee in question.
- Advised a Transferor substantively in respect of a TUPE business transfer and obligations arising.
Slate Legal
Making very effective use of technology to streamline processes, ‘very knowledgeable’ sole practitioner James Moss at Newport-based firm Slate Legal is well-placed to handle a significant volume of work for local employers and employees across the spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters. Moss is noted for his ‘very thorough’ advice in the context of employment terms and conditions, data protection, grievances, disciplinaries and discrimination-related disputes.
Practice head(s):
James Moss
Testimonials
‘The responsive James Moss is very knowledgeable in the field of employment law. His advice is always very thorough and he explores all possibilities with us to help us resolve our issue.’
Key clients
Copart UK Ltd
Patent Seekers Ltd
Euro Foods Group Limited
Cambria Consulting Ltd
Meddygfa Glan Cynon Surgery
Archer & Co (Chepstow) Ltd
CEASE UK
Lynn PR Ltd
Parochial Church Council of St Denys
Rossco Civil Engineering Ltd
Work highlights
- Representing longstanding client, Copart UK Ltd, in several Employment Tribunal matters, as well as advising across its 16 UK sites on operational HR and employment law issues.
- Advising international IP company, Patent Seekers Ltd, on commercially sensitive contractual issues, the enforcement of post-termination restrictive covenants, employee exits as well as other complex employment law issues.
- Advising strategic communications and behavioural insights consultancy, Lynn PR Ltd, on a variety of employment law matters.
JCP Solicitors
JCP Solicitors provides a wide range of employment and HR advice to clients both in a bespoke context, as well as through its monthly retainer service which continues attract a number of local businesses. Cardiff-based team head Catherine Almeida handles contentious and non-contentious work for employees and employers, and as well as standalone instructions also regularly provides employment support to transactional work handled by the corporate team.
Practice head(s):
Catherine Almeida
Work highlights
Thompson Darwin Limited
Providing a fixed fee service as well as a retainer offering, boutique employment firm Thompson Darwin Limited provides a ‘responsive and cost-effective service’ to Wales and England-based SMEs, start-ups and larger corporates across a range of their ongoing HR and employment concerns. In addition, Bethan Darwin, who is ‘approachable, sympathetic and down-to-earth’, also regularly advises senior executives on settlement agreements, as well as in litigation (including as it relates to potential breaches of restrictive covenants).
Practice head(s):
Bethan Darwin
Testimonials
‘The friendly and approachable team knows how to communicate in an understandable way for a non-lawyer to understand the jargon. They have a very good understanding of our business and needs.’
‘The team provides a responsive and cost-effective service.’
‘Bethan Darwin is approachable, sympathetic and down-to-earth with a very pragmatic approach.’
Key clients
Seasons Holidays Limited
G Tech (Grey Technology Limited)
Yubico
Zoobiotic Limited (Biomonde)
Health & Her Limited
Viscose Closures Limited
Magnet & Steel Limited
Specsavers Cardiff
Scarlets Rugby Club
Driftrock Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Grey Technology Limited on grievance and performance matters.
- Advising Scarlets Rugby on contracts for both playing and non playing staff.
- Advising cluster of Specsavers franchisees on grievance and performance issues.
Watkins & Gunn Limited
Spearheaded by the 'down-to-earth, hardworking and skilled' Lisa Guscott, Watkins & Gunn Limited remains best-known for its litigation expertise for trade union clients and its members, including in the context of industrial action. Associate Jonathan Williams ' 'rapid and accurate advice makes him the go-to-guy for employees who find themselves in a hole', with his recent caseload including disputes relating to disability and sex discrimination.
Practice head(s):
Lisa Guscott
Other key lawyers:
Clive Thomas; Jonathan Williams
Testimonials
‘The team has great depth and experience across a broad range of employment disputes.’
‘They have a fantastic knowledge of the marketplace and are able to relate to employees and employers with ease.’
‘Lisa Guscott is down-to-earth, hardworking and skilled.’
Key clients
Bakers Food & Allied Workers Union
GMB Union (Wales & South West England)
Community in Wales Union
Work highlights
- Advice and assistance to the GMB in relation to recent strike action in a workplace where the Union was not recognised and where issues surrounding derogation were brought into question.
- Advice and assistance in relation to industrial action in relation to a pay offer for refuse workers.
- Dealing with a claim on behalf of the GMB for Equality of terms (Equal Pay) and possibly some discriminatory issues which have arisen out of longstanding dispute regarding pay scales for care workers within the local authority.