Based in Nottingham, Shoosmiths LLP‘s team have been commended for its ’customer centric approach’ and its ‘extremely responsive and very commercial’ practice. Lauded for his ’outstanding’ expertise, Michael Briggs heads up the practice and specialises in complex and sensitive senior exits, redundancies and large-scale restructures. Charlotte Staples advises on post-termination restrictions and negotiations with trade unions. Noted for his ‘professional’ service, Rory Stone often represents clients in ACAS early conciliation negotiations, restructuring issues, preliminary hearings, and Employment Tribunal matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Charlotte Staples, Michael Briggs and Rory Stone have all assisted me. All of them are excellent with offering assistance, reassurance, advice and professionally worded policies, letters, scripts, agreements, contracts etc. They are exceptional and make me feel more confident in my own role knowing that they are on hand should I need them. They are all assets to Shoosmiths.’
‘Shoosmiths’ Employment Team is hands down the best we’ve worked with. They don’t just give legal advice—they work as an extension of our team, helping us solve problems quickly and strategically. Whether it’s handling a complex dispute, guiding us through a major restructure, or keeping us ahead.’
‘Michael Briggs is, without a doubt, one of the most outstanding employment lawyers we’ve ever worked with. His deep legal expertise is matched by a rare ability to combine sharp strategic thinking with a genuinely down-to-earth, approachable style. No matter how complex or high-stakes an issue is, Michael has a way of cutting through.’
- 'We feel that Charlotte Staples and Michael Briggs genuinely care for the success of our business. Many law firms can learn from this customer centric approach.’
‘Rory Stone is my contact and he is brilliant. he is professional and very personable. He always lets me know when I can expect a response and sticks to timelines.'
‘From first contact with the company, we had very personal, dedicated service. Charlotte Staples led the process for us and was ably assisted by Charis Brown. It was very evident that both Charis and Charlotte worked collaboratively on our case and provided excellent advice that ensured we were well prepared for meetings, this included template letters, documents and scripts where required.’
Key clients
- Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited
- ATS Euromaster Limited (including Tructyre Fleet Management Limited – an associated company within the Euromaster/Michelin group).
- Feldberg Capital UK Ltd / Feldberg Capital GmbH
- Sandvik Holdings Limited and Sandvik Limited (as well as Seco Tools Limited and MasterCam UK Limited – both part of Sandvik group of companies)
- Nottingham Trams Limited
- Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions (comprising British Gypsum, Celotex, Isover), Saint-Gobain PAM Limited and Kaimann (UK) Limited
- NATL Amusements Limited (t/a Showcase Cinemas)
- SC Johnson Professional UK Limited (and it’s UK group of companies and SC Johnson & Son, Inc.)
- British Retail Consortium
- John Deere Group of companies
- TTI EMEA Limited (as well as it’s UK group companies, including TTI UK Limited, TTI GmbH and Vax Limited)
- Boots UK group of companies
Work highlights
Advising on aspects of the sale of a commercial building in Bristol for £23m. Drafted related correspondence to affected employees.
Continued instruction to ATS Euromaster Ltd and its UK group companies on all aspects of HR and employment law related issues within the workplace, including advising its Leadership Team on strategy.
Advising Nottingham Trams Limited in relation to a ballot to strike by the GMB and subsequent strike action as a result of a pay dispute. Assisted the client with pay negotiations.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
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
Michael Briggs
Other key lawyers
Charlotte Staples; Rory Stone; Charis Brown