Thompsons Solicitors LLP specialises in trade union law and demonstrates strong capabilities across a range of sectors, including the public sector, transport, healthcare, journalism, and education. Based in Bristol, Richard Arthur leads the practice and is highly experienced in high-value matters concerning industrial action and pensions, with regular appearances before the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. Neil Todd leads on matters involving high-profile pension issues and unequal pay matters, while Rachel Halliday is well-versed in judicial review matters, disability issues, and industrial disputes concerning working conditions. Other key practitioners include Iain Birrell and Kate Fox.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The standout firm dealing with union and employee employment work. The team have decades of experience, great strength and depth.’
‘Neil Todd is the best solicitor in the UK on industrial action and other collective employment law issues, for unions.'
'Rachel Halliday is excellent on individual and collective claims.'
‘Thompsons has unrivalled experience and expertise in all matters involving trade unions - industrial action injunctions, internal trade union matters, and industrial relations.'
‘Neil Todd is tactical and astute lawyer.'
- 'Iain Birrell is a genius, both in terms of his formidable knowledge of employment law and his creative application of it to devise and implement a successful strategy for his trade union clients. He is immensely experienced in particularly novel and complex trade union cases of strategic importance. Having worked with him on many cases, his legal analysis is second to none.'
Key clients
- Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen
- Fire Brigades Union
- National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers
- National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
- Prison Officers’ Association
- Prospect
- Public and Commercial Services Union
- UNISON
- Unite the Union
- University and College Union
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Richard Arthur
Other key lawyers
Rachel Halliday; Iain Birrell; Kate Fox