Farrer & Co is geared to support on a variety of employment matters, including Employment Tribunal litigation, business protection, and transactional matters. The group advises employers in regulated sectors, such as financial services, charities, and education. Practice head Kathleen Heycock is experienced in complex workplace disputes and independent investigations. Rachel Lewis is well-versed in discrimination and whistleblowing claims, while Alice Yandle is a key contact for employers in the financial services and education sectors. Charmaine Pollock became a partner in May 2024, and handles the full spectrum of advisory, litigation, and transactional support. The team also benefits from the expertise of David Smellie.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Maria Strauss is an outstanding practitioner with a deep knowledge of our area of work, which means that solutions are practical and grounded in reality. She is very good at explaining how legislation applies to our area and the ways in which we can implement the rules. She is also good at exposing the "myths" which get applied so that we are clear of our legal responsibilities rather than feeling that we are being overwhelmed in the areas of governance/compliance.'
‘What sets Farrers apart is their ability to truly listen and understand not only the legal aspects but also the intricacies of our business. They take the time to grasp the nuances of our operations, culture, and commercial priorities, which allows them to provide advice that is both legally robust and practically grounded. Their responsiveness, clarity, and strategic insight have made them a trusted and invaluable partner in navigating sensitive and high-stakes matters.’
‘I have had the privilege of working closely with Rachel Lewis and Hannah Taylor, who have been incredibly supportive both personally and professionally. Their empathy, integrity and sound judgement have made a meaningful difference during challenging moments. They not only bring deep expertise and insight to their work, but they also take the time to genuinely listen, offering guidance that reflects both a strong understanding of the business and a concern for me as an individual. Their support has been a steady and valued presence and I'm truly grateful for the positive impact they continue to have.’
‘The Farrer & Co legal team brings a rare combination of deep expertise, genuine care, and a nuanced understanding of the independent education sector that sets them apart. What makes this practice truly unique is the calibre of the relationships they build. They are not simply legal advisors, but trusted partners who work with warmth, integrity, and extraordinary attentiveness to the specific needs of their clients. They are consistently responsive, clear, and pragmatic in their guidance, often pre-empting challenges before they arise. What also stands out is their commitment to innovation and collaboration. The Farrer & Co team does not operate in silos - they bring together specialists seamlessly to provide holistic, joined-up advice, and they are consistently looking for ways to add value, most notably for us through thought leadership and briefings.’
‘Maria Strauss brings exceptional legal expertise combined with a calm, strategic approach that has been invaluable to us, particularly in complex matters where safeguarding and employment intersect. Her advice is consistently clear, pragmatic and attuned to the realities of working within a high-profile independent school environment.
- What distinguishes Maria is her ability to offer not only sound legal guidance but also strategic counsel that takes into account the broader reputational, governance and communications context in which decisions must be made. She understands our school well and brings a level of continuity and insight that allows her to anticipate challenges and guide us through them with confidence.
Work highlights
Advising a Higher Education institution on challenging employee relations issues, including representing it in several Employment Tribunal claims, involving allegations of whistleblowing and discrimination.
Providing specialist English employment law advice to a global technology company on a £300 million acquisition, affecting upwards of 500 employees globally, conducting extensive due diligence and coordinating across multiple jurisdictions to ensure legal compliance.
Advising a leading sports organisation on serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour against a senior individual in the context of an extremely high-profile event, providing comprehensive advice on the investigatory process and the strategic handling of the matter.
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Practice head
Kathleen Heycock
Other key lawyers
David Smellie; Rachel Lewis; Alice Yandle; Charmaine Pollock; Maria Strauss; Hannah Taylor; Sophia Coles; Chloe Westerman