The employment team at HCR Hewitsons, led by Michael Stokes in Worcester, has a long-standing presence in the Cambridge market thanks to key partners Valerie Lambert (who is ‘diligent, conscientious, always available’) and Elizabeth Swinburn (who exhibits ‘expert knowledge and great empathy with clients’). The practice is a key adviser to organisations from diverse sectors, among them agriculture, architecture, biotech, charities, construction, education and transport. Its work encompasses High Court litigation, advice on restrictive covenants, confidential information and breach of fiduciary duty matters, Employment Tribunal disputes, TUPE transfers and more.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Val Lambert (Partner) is exceptional. She is very diligent, conscientious, always available on behalf of her clients to talk through their cases, and very hands on throughout the trial process. Without doubt one of the best employment solicitors I have worked with in over 20 years.'
‘Valerie Lambert is excellent. Strong client care; dedicated and hardworking; straight-talking. Fierce in defence of client's position but able and willing to provide clear and practical advice as to merits and strategy. Seems able to operate effectively under work pressure.’
‘HCR Law is very responsive to clients' needs. They take time to get to know the client and their issues and respond in a timely manner. We have found their advice to be sound and pragmatic. Communication with the solicitors is excellent.’
'Liz Swinburn is great to work with, has expert knowledge and great empathy with us as clients. It was almost a pity to conclude the cases since it was so refreshing to work with Liz and refresh our knowledge of employment law. We would thoroughly recommend Liz to anyone seeking advice on employment matters.’
‘All Harrison Clark Rickerbys's team have deep knowledge about Uk labor law and they always advise our company the best path to follow. We see them as part of the local team and we know that we can rely on them for all labor law related subjects.’
'The Employment team in Cambridge is led by Valarie Lambert who goes above and beyond with all her customers to ensure the advice is up-to-date and meets the current regulations. The knowledge of the employment team is up to date and the advice given in changing our procedures to current best practices is invaluable.’
‘HCR have a broad range of really experienced people that they leverage to great effect. They effortlessly pass things over with an eye on cost, and understand us as an organisation, as an executive team, very well. We've had a great balance of commercial and legal interest against pragmatism, which has in our case pushed us towards greater commercial confidence in negotiations, but providing assurance against risks and the comfort to take principled positions un-bowed by dispute or disagreement.’
- 'Elizabeth (Swinburn) has been absolutely brilliant in supporting us through some incredibly tricky employment issues. She has helped us fully understand and safeguard our interests, given us thoughtful feedback and insight, but most clearly helped us through the decision making to ensure ethical and commercial questions are addressed. It helps resolve matters, but it helps to know you've had such a thorough assessment of the path to difficult decisions or positions. More broadly, she has given great steer to our approach to employment law matters that has been most helpful.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Michael Stokes
Other key lawyers
Valerie Lambert; Elizabeth Swinburn; Virginia Henley