The employment practice at Howes Percival LLP is known for ‘client-focused pragmatism, backed up by deep knowledge and experience’. The practice operates across the firm’s extensive office network to service clients across the UK, and the offices in East Anglia play a pivotal role in that work. Key partner Matthew Potter in Cambridge ‘takes time to listen and then advises very pragmatic solutions’. Clients also praise Norwich-based legal director Laura Brown for her ‘commercial awareness, coupled with a human-centric focus’. They frequently handle domestic and cross-border matters in sectors such as leisure, technology, education, energy, motor, manufacturing and food.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Matthew Potter is a superb solicitor. His knowledge of employment legislation is extremely sound, he takes time to listen and then advises very pragmatic solutions.’
‘Our experience with the Howes Percival employment team has been incredibly positive. One of the firm's standout features is their commercially focused advice. They have an exceptional ability to balance legal advice with commercial decisions, understanding the real-world impact of their guidance. Their advice is not just legally sound it's tailored to be practically implementable in a business context. They always show us a deep understanding of the challenges and decisions businesses face daily.'
- 'What makes Howes Percival unique is their team's approachability and warmth. It's easy to engage with them, knowing you'll be met with friendly and supportive advice. This welcoming culture extends beyond the immediate points of contact to include their entire team—from interns, receptionists to legal professionals across various departments. Their approachability makes dealing with legal challenges less daunting and creates a genuine sense of support and collaboration.'
- 'Compared to other firms, Howes Percival's blend of legal and commercial acumen, coupled with their genuinely friendly team, truly sets them apart. It's not just the quality of their legal advice that impresses us but the holistic way in which they deliver it, always with a keen eye on practicality and client relationships.’
'What I particularly value in Laura Brown is her judgment-free advice and feedback. Her leadership has cultivated a team of like-minded professionals who mirror her approach, ensuring that every interaction with her team reflects the same level of understanding, empathy, and experience. Laura’s dedication extends beyond the immediate needs of our business. She makes a an effort to maintain regular contact, demonstrating a genuine interest in the ongoing success and well-being of our business and team. Her willingness to understand our business in-depth and to become acquainted with our team personally has significantly enhanced the support she provides.'
- 'Laura Brown's commercial awareness, coupled with a human-centric focus, ensures that the guidance we receive is not only legally sound but also tailored to our business context. Laura’s readiness to support our wider projects and offer advice beyond the conventional scope of legal services further illustrates her holistic and adaptable approach to client service.’
‘The excellent and pragmatic employment law advice received over many years now from Howes Percival. Very collaborative and professional approach in supporting clients.’
‘Both Matthew Potter and Jonathan Mumby provide friendly and helpful advice and manage to interpret client requirements and work with clients to support clients desired outcomes utilising the wealth of their experience in doing so.’
‘Howes Percival focus on us, the client, has always been exceptional. The practice has always made the particular legal process/engagement as painless as possible, whilst successfully achieve our aims. We have always found their approach and culture to be one of client-focused pragmatism, backed up by deep knowledge and experience. We were we were always taken along and included during the legal engagements, with the current situation and options being explained but with clear recommendations/guidance.’
‘Client focused and open! These two traits should be part of all law firms and every engagement (in order to provide unquestionable confidence in your professional advisers) but sadly they are not. However the individuals we have engaged with at Howes Percival have always demonstrated this. Not only were Howes Percival focused on our engagement when we needed them to be, their rapid response to us and our questions was exceptional. In particular partner Matthew Potter was exceptional in guiding us and in drawing on wider Howes Percival resource as required.’
Key clients
- Ben Burgess Limited
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Matthew Potter
Other key lawyers
Laura Brown; Jonathan Mumby