Back to rankings
England - London • Employment
7

Employers

Payne Hicks Beach LLP logo

Payne Hicks Beach LLP

More information
Led by James Townsend and Peter McRoberts, the employment team at Payne Hicks Beach LLP is particularly impressive in business protection matters and restructurings. Townsend heads the employer side of the practice, with expertise in contractual employment disputes, executive terminations and tribunal litigation. Domonique McRae is a key member of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘We work very closely with James Townsend and his associate George Clough. James has provided us with excellent legal services over the years and I'd highly recommend him.’

  • ‘This employment practice is distinguished by its responsiveness, depth of understanding, and ability to deliver tailored, practical solutions. The team consistently demonstrates a strong grasp of clients’ organisational values, adapting their advice to reflect not just legal requirements but also broader cultural and operational needs.'

  • 'Clients benefit from a highly collaborative approach — both internally across the firm and in the way the team integrates with client organisations. Their communication is clear, timely, and solution-focused, helping resolve issues efficiently and with minimal disruption.'
  • 'The team’s strength lies in combining technical expertise with a people-centred perspective, offering advice that is pragmatic and aligned with longer-term goals. Innovations around flexible billing allow us to get support and advice we need.'
  • 'Compared to other firms, this practice offers a particularly strong balance of professionalism, empathy, and adaptability, qualities that build lasting trust and confidence.’

  • ‘Domonique McCrae, Legal Director in the employment team, stands out for her exceptional ability to combine legal expertise with deep emotional intelligence and a values-led approach. She brings a level of patience and attentiveness that is rare, consistently taking time to understand not just the legal matter at hand, but the broader context, culture, and impact on people and values within an organisation.

Key clients

  • Unite Group Plc trading as Unite Students
  • Carey Group Limited
  • GB News Limited
  • GRIDSERVE EMEA DEPC Ltd
  • Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Limited
  • Impact Food Group Limited
  • Itarmi UK Limited
  • Haventus Limited
  • Zing Environments Limited
  • Hestia Housing and Support
  • Cityscape Recruitment Limited
  • Enotria & Coe (Enotria Winecellars Limited)

Work highlights

Advising GB News in relation to general employee relations issues, large-scale restructures and other high-profile matters.
Advised the GRIDSERVE Group in relation to a large-scale restructuring and redundancy exercise and which included advice and support in relation to the employment aspects of a sale of a part of the business to Carwow.
Represented Zing Environments Ltd in relation a counterclaim it brought against a former employee and had her claims against Zing dismissed.

Practice head

James Townsend; Peter McRoberts

Other key lawyers

Domonique McRae; George Clough