Operating out of Leicester, Lincoln, and Nottingham, Shakespeare Martineau LLP is reputed for its capabilities in employment tribunal litigation, as well as the employment-related aspects of corporate and commercial transactions. Philip Pepper works out of Leicester and is experienced in representing organisations seeking injunctions against trade unions for unofficial strike action. Rhys Wyborn is proficient in disciplinary and grievance issues, while Lincoln-based Danielle Lister handles discrimination and unfair dismissal cases. In Leicester, Sandeep Leighs is noted for her strength in cross-border TUPE transfers, and Ewan Carr works on employment contracts. Oscar Ciaurro is a key contact for food and drinks manufacturers, high street retailers, and professional bodies. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Nottingham unless stated otherwise.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Timely and clear responses to any query or issue on every occasion. They are a diverse team and treat their clients with respect, quickly building a good rapport.’
  • ‘They have the ability to respond instantly with often several suggestions to overcome the most complex issue, providing likely scenarios of outcomes.’
  • ‘I always find the team extremely responsive. They will work with me to schedule meetings and are always friendly and approachable.'
  • 'Shakespeares run some really informative employment law seminars to ensure that I am aware of upcoming changes in legislation and the impact this will have on the business I work for.’
  • ‘I work mostly with Sandeep Leighs and her team. Sandeep is fantastic at providing pragmatic, commercial advice. She is thorough and considers alternative solutions to limit risk and cost to the business.'
  • 'Through the most complex employment cases, Sandeep Leighs provides reassurance and support and is readily available to answer questions and queries.'
  • ‘Ewan Carr has been very responsive and despite a full caseload, the turnaround of documents was prompt. He spent sufficient time listening to our views and steered our efforts to gather relevant information to support the response.'
  • ‘Danielle Lister has excellent customer relations and experience to advise on processes and potential gains and risks for adopting each unique attribute and seeing the process steps from both employer and employee perspectives.’

Key clients

  • Servol Community Services
  • Ragdale Hall (1990) Limited
  • Boulevard Care Group
  • Kindred Concepts (t/a F1 Arcades)
  • Orbit Housing Group
  • M&E Mills Manufacturing Ltd
  • Blackfinch Group Limited
  • Projx Services Limited
  • McNeil & Co
  • CPC Foods Ltd
  • The Bridge (East Midlands)
  • South West Trains Limited
  • Rock Fish Restaurants
  • Field Lane Foundation
  • Iceland Foods Limited
  • Individual Restaurants (IRC) Limited
  • MTR Crossrail t/a MTR Elizabeth Line
  • HAE Group Ltd
  • Karcher
  • Toyota Materials Handling (UK) Limited
  • Everards Brewery Limited
  • The Chartered Institute of Marketing
  • Preci Spark
  • Fisher German Limited
  • Becketts Foods Limited
  • Whitworth Bros. Limited
  • Ford & Slater Limited
  • Leicestershire Action For Mental Health Project
  • Jelson Limited
  • Carrs Flour Mills Limited
  • University of Leicester
  • Nottingham Trent University

Work highlights

  • Advising KIWA Group on the employment implications of a pre-completion hive down and TUPE process, including agreeing complex terms for the exit of the incumbent CEO.
  • Represented Field Lane Foundation on their defence of a claim arising from a class action of claimants pursuing “no jab, no job” unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.
  • Represented Karcher UK on their successful defence of disability discrimination claims.

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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Philip Pepper, Rhys Wyborn

Other key lawyers

Sandeep Leighs, Ewan Carr, Oscar Ciaurro, Danielle Lister