Esteemed for the team’s ‘great skill in managing group litigation’, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is sought after for its expertise in representing police officers in group actions, and it also handles a broad range of discrimination claims, including those related to sex and disability. Leading the team, Binder Bansel brings extensive expertise in advising on claims relating to disability discrimination, sex discrimination, and discriminatory dismissal. Bansel is regularly instructed in complex employment disputes before the Employment Tribunal, representing groups such as police officers and trade union members. Considered by clients as a ’standout partner’, Anthea Christie leads on high-value and large group discrimination claims, with expertise in transitional provision issues. Birmingham-based Gemma Faulkner is a key contact within the team for disability discrimination, pension matters, and complex sex discrimination claims, while Saima Sarwar provides support on pension-related issues and unpaid overtime disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Invaluable grasp of the way that employment law and Police Regulations differ and how the interactions between the two work. There is a strong team led by fantastic partners whose advice and expertise have helped me enormously over the years. My go-to firm for all equality matters.'
- ‘The team managed my race discrimination claim against my employer with both empathy and efficiency. I was provided with key updates regarding case status and support to effectively evidence my case from the onset all the way through to hearing.'
- ‘Anthea Christie is a standout partner. She has an excellent legal brain with superb litigation instincts.’
- ‘Excellent employment team with particular expertise in group actions.’
- ‘Binder Bansel is in the uppermost echelon of employment law practitioners, combining unmatched experience in all areas.'
- ‘Penningtons is one of the very few solicitors in the UK that deals with the whole range of employment law, both individual and collective and both public and private. It has special expertise in large group claims.'
Key clients
- Police Federation of England and Wales Communication Workers Union Civil Nuclear Police Federation United Road Transport Union British Transport Police Federation Police Superintendents’ Association Association of School and College Leaders Unison School Leaders Scotland British Dietetic Association
Work highlights
Acted for a claimant successfully against the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police for disability discrimination; the claimant was awarded £1,168,561 in compensation.
Representing approximately 40,000 members of the Police Federation of England and Wales and the Police Superintendents’ Association in claims for discrimination arising out of the transitional provisions of the Police Pension Regulations 2015.
Advising Communication Workers Union on a collective consultation protective award claim for over 500 employees who were formerly part of the BT Fleet team who were subsequently part of a TUPE transfer.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Binder Bansel
Other key lawyers
Anthea Christie; Gemma Faulkner; Saima Sarwar