Cambridge-based Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has ‘unparalleled experience of employment- and discrimination-related issues’, though it handles the full range of employment law matters, particularly for clients in the technology, life sciences, charities and education sectors. Practice head Hilary Aldred, who is ‘a standout lawyer and tactician’, has a diverse client base that includes listed companies, not-for-profit institutions and high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs, as well as numerous universities and colleges and private education providers. Managing associate Sophie Whitbread (who is ‘knowledgeable, thorough and an efficient and effective communicator’) and ‘very pragmatic and highly intelligent’ senior associate Charissa Upton are highly recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Hilary Aldred (Partner) is a standout lawyer and tactician, who knows the law back to front, and has an impressive client following. The team has unparalleled experience of employment- and discrimination-related issues in the education and university field. They also undertake and manage complex and sensitive investigations with aplomb. They are very well organised, across the detail of their cases, and hardworking. Sophie Whitbread (Managing Associate) is a partner in the making, and one to watch.’
‘I have always been impressed with the balance of legal advice and commercial acumen, taking into consideration the business culture for a more tailored approach. The team have always been open surrounding their level of expertise and when it is appropriate for other team members to take the lead. In the case of requesting international legal advice, this could not be accommodated in house, however the team went out of their way to suggest other firms within their wider network and who could support.’
‘Sophie Whitbread is a fantastic employment associate. She is quick, very clever and excellent at taking a commercial approach to litigation: balancing fiercely protecting her clients best interests against not incurring unnecessary costs.’
'Client relationship is an outstanding feature of the practice. I speak to the same person and they understand our organisation so there is no need for time consuming background information - they know us and how we work. When my contact is on holiday I know who to contact in their absence and service level remains at the same high level of professionalism. I always feel very supported.’
‘Outstanding knowledge and experience with the ability to deliver advice in easy to understand and clear terms. I feel very confident using Penningtons. Their response time is exceptional.’
‘Charissa Upton - very pragmatic and highly intelligent.’
‘Amazing quality particularly within the education sector where the knowledge and experience is unparalleled.’
‘The team's knowledge and confident advice is very reassuring. I've worked with the team for almost 10 years and their advice and professionalism has always been excellent.’
Key clients
- Christ Church, Oxford
- Abcam Plc
- Abzena (Cambridge) Limited
- Ubisense Limited
- Unifrog Education Ltd
- Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge
- Churchill College, Cambridge
- UCL Business PLC
- Vix Technology Limited
- Elixir Consulting Limited
- Flatiron Health
- Jesus College, Oxford
Work highlights
- Providing day-to-day employment advice to Christ Church, Oxford in respect of academic and non-academic staff.
- Providing day-to-day employment advice to Country House Weddings Limited which owns a number of large wedding venues across the UK. Over the past 12 months, we have advised on a number of issues including disciplinary and grievance investigations, managing poor performance and employee absence and negotiating settlement agreements.
- In addition to day-to-day advice on relocating staff, redundancies and managing/exiting poor performers, advised Unifrog Education on a potential action against a competitor.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Hilary Aldred