Devereux’s strong employment team acts across the full scope of employment disputes, receiving instruction from blue-chip multinationals, trade unions, and governments. Andrew Burns KC has acted for employers in multiple industrial actions and strikes throughout 2024, including acting for the NHS in the junior doctor strikes. Bruce Carr KC is acting for McDonalds in one of the largest group of claims to be litigated in the ET, as the chain faces over 500 claims of sex discrimination and harassment. Peter Edwards has acted in an appeal to the Supreme Court, representing the respondent in Mercer v Alternative Futures Group Limited, a case relating to whether striking workers can be subjected to a detriment, other than the deduction of pay, for striking. Christopher Stone KC was instructed by an employer to defend a claim brought by an ex-employee who alleges he was sacked for his belief in the power of dreams to tell the future.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Claire Darwin KC

‘Claire is technically excellent, particularly on complex discrimination issues. She is versatile and can turn her hand to advice for all types of employers.’

2024 Silks

Christopher Stone KC

Chris is brilliant with clients and is so intelligent he never misses a trick.'

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

Kate Balmer

Kate is fantastic. She's over the detail and the strategy in equal measure, she's calm and assured under pressure, and deadly in the courtroom. She is just all round excellent.'

Talia Barsam

Thomas Cordrey

Thomas is robust and impressive advocate who exudes confidence and calm, and is is particularly adept at dealing with challenging opposition parties.'

Peter Edwards

'Huge knowledge of the cross over between employment and personal injury - a scarce skill set.'

Jesse Crozier

Jesse combines warmth and wit with a sharp brain, tactical nous, and strong, well honed advocacy skills. He comes up with some audacious solutions and is an impressive all rounder.'

Georgina Hirsch

Georgina so bright and as an advocate she is great to observe - methodical but agile, unflappable, and with an ability to charm.'

Sebastian Purnell

Marianne Tutin

Marianne is excellent on her feet and able to pivot in order to get the best result for the client when the judge is not in favour of her position.'

Laura Bell

'Laura is a fantastic barrister, is very available and understands the client's objectives and helps to develop a strategy to achieve those objectives.'

Lucinda Harris

Lucinda is an outstanding barrister. She brings not only deep legal knowledge and a compassionate, client-centred approach, but also sharp strategic instincts that consistently deliver excellent results. Her advocacy is persuasive, measured, and precise.’

Georgia Hicks

Bayo Randle

Anna Greenley

Anna is a formidable advocate with excellent cross-examination skills.'

Samuel Nicholls

Samuel is a stellar advocate who is able to get his points across in a very simple, concise terms. He is very confident at cross-examination and is able to entirely discredit a witness in a very effective manner.’

John Platts-Mills

John balances the need for pragmatism and understanding with a robust defence in sensitive cases.'

Harry Sheehan

‘Harry is a persuasive advocate, who addresses witnesses and judges with a calm authority. He is fully on top of his brief, and instils confidence in clients.’

Sam Way

Sam gives pragmatic and commercial advice. He is a strong advocate, with a clear and concise style.'

Matthew Sellwood

Matthew combines outstanding technical knowledge of employment law with a strategic mindset and calm authority. His advocacy is clear, persuasive, and incisive, and he is meticulous in his preparation.'

Rising stars

Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.