Birketts LLP’s employment law practice has expertise spanning the healthcare, education, transport, and social housing sectors. Matthew Newnham took over leadership of the cross-office employment practice in May 2025 and acts on all types of employment claims in the Employment Tribunal, the Employment Appeal Tribunal, and Court of Appeal, including discrimination claims and unfair dismissals. Abigail Trencher has experience acting for clients in High Court employment litigation, as well as in employment tribunals on contractual claims. The Norwich office houses Sam Greenhalgh, Tom Sharpe and Lucy Churchill, while in Ipswich, Catherine Johnson and Sonya O’Reilly are key names. Jeanette Wheeler, a notable name for employment law issues, is now head of the corporate services division at the firm.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team are professional and credible. I appreciate how they understand other firms practises to help in negotiations and are always able to respond promptly. I always feel a sense of pride when sharing our legal teams details as I think they are a calling card for efficiency, clout and expertise.’
- ‘Matthew Newnham is an iron gavel in velvet robes.'
Key clients
- Hexarad Group Limited
- Chestnut Inns Limited
Work highlights
Advised Hexarad Group Limited on its defence of an employment tribunal claim involving multiple complex disability discrimination and whistleblowing allegations.
Lawyers
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Leading associates
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Lucy Churchill
Practice head
Matthew Newnham
Other key lawyers
Jeanette Wheeler; Abigail Trencher; Catherine Johnson; Sonya O’Reilly; Sam Greenhaigh; Lucy Churchill; Olivia Toulson; Tom Sharpe; Catherine Hepworth; Ben Lewins; Jonathan Shevlane; Lara Small; Jenny Leeder; Samantha Cass; Josie Beal