Notable for its strength in restrictive covenant, trade union and collective bargaining cases, the employment team at Stephenson Harwood is regularly sought out by employers from the financial services, transport and luxury goods sectors. Practice head Paul Reeves advises on employment contracts and policies, restrictive covenants, and internal investigations. Richard Freedman is a name to note for clients in professional services, hospitality, and private equity. Anne Pritam is an experienced litigator, and Natalie Edwards assists in senior appointments and redundancy issues. Edwards also defends employers against claims of unfair dismissal and discrimination in the Employment Tribunal.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Richard Freedman is very responsive, friendly, and helpful. ’
‘We have found Paul and the wider team at SH to be an integral part of our group's success. The pragmatic and realistic approach to the challenges we face allows us to base decisions on facts and solidity, rather than vague legalese.’
‘Paul Reeves is by far the best advisor we work with. He is pragmatic, always available, prompt with his advice and lays out scenarios in an 'easy to digest' format, allowing us to plan our expansion and activities in an efficient and dynamic manner. In situations that require tact and diplomacy, Paul always acts as a balancing and guiding hand in discussions, achieving our desired outcome. I cannot recommend him highly enough, and have done so to a number of clients and suppliers of ours.’
‘Their knowledge, common sense approach, and responsiveness.’
‘Paul Reeves is excellent. His down-to-earth and common-sense approach is a real strength in resolving difficult situations. He leads an excellent team who are always available.’
Key clients
- Mizuho EMEA Corporate Services Limited
- Edda Crewing Services Limited, part of the Østensjø Rederi group of companies
- Trenitalia c2c Limited ("c2c")
- Hunton Andrews Kurth (UK) LLP
- Harbour Litigation Funding
- International Transport Workers' Federation
- Big Motoring World
- Elinoil Hellenic Petroleum Company Sa ("Elinoil")
- WGSN
Work highlights
Advised Mizuho EMEA Corporate Services Limited and resisted an appeal in the Employment Appeal Tribunal in Vassallo v Mizuho International Plc and another [2024].
Advise Trenitalia c2c Limited ("c2c") on all their employment related issues, including implications and potential liabilities arising from railworkers' industrial action; advice on changing driver's working hours; providing training on workplace investigations; HR "business as usual" queries; and Employment tribunal claims.
Advised Hunton Andrews Kurth (UK) LLP on multiple employment law matters including the high-profile hire of a large team of energy lawyers from EY, widely reported in the legal and business press.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Paul Reeves
Other key lawyers
Richard Freedman; Anne Pritam; Natalie Edwards