A leading firm in strategic employment litigation, A&O Shearman has a longstanding reputation for representing employers in cases involving culture and conduct issues. The firm is also sought out by clients in the banking and financial services sector for its regulatory expertise and advice on transactions and remuneration matters. At the helm of the practice, Sarah Henchoz stands out for her work in business protection and workplace conduct issues. She has a proven track record in whistleblowing and discrimination claims, and conducting sensitive internal investigations. Robbie Sinclair is noted for his capabilities in complex reputational matters and is well-versed in Employment Tribunal and High Court claims. Promoted to partner in May 2024, Kate Pumfrey handles the full range of transactional, advisory, and contentious employment matters. She is a key contact for remuneration and corporate governance advice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The elite employment litigation outfit in the City. They easily match their rivals in the Magic Circle for corporate support, advisory work, and investigations. But in addition, unlike most of their direct competitors, they are also genuine market leaders in high-stakes, high-value litigation in the High Court, the Employment Tribunal, and the appellate courts. ’
'Both very brainy and highly commercial. They offer a complete Rolls-Royce service to their clients. They are by far the most well-resourced and effective team of solicitors I have worked with.'
- 'Robbie Sinclair is an experienced litigator who is highly dedicated and attuned to his clients' needs. He is able to draw on vast experience to develop creative litigation strategies and win cases that others would lose.'
- Hannah Crisp must be one of the most experienced High Court employment litigators in the City. She is intelligent, strategic, and calm under pressure. She is already effectively acting at the partner level, and I would expect her to be formally promoted before too long.'
‘Huge strength across the board. Extremely hard working. Great to work with. Partners who are extremely hands-on, with sophisticated strategic thinking, great feel for cases, and commercial acumen. And able to throw very substantial resources at any case where necessary. A class act.’
‘Robbie Sinclair - fantastic. Totally committed. Extremely hard working. Really good on the law, strategy and commercials - the complete package. And great to work with. Sarah Henchoz - also fantastic and totally committed. Wears a fierce intellect lightly. Unflappable. Again, the complete package with high-level skills across the board- law, strategy, commercial drivers and levers. And also great to work with.
Key clients
- Exscientia PLC
- HSBC
- Direct Line Insurance Group plc
- Accenture
- Dare
- SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.
Work highlights
Advising HSBC on high-profile, business critical, strategic and complicated matters. This includes their particularly litigious matters, those with a regulatory overlay and those with a global dimension.
Advising Accenture and four individual named Respondents (including the CEO and former CHRO of Accenture) in relation to an Employment Tribunal claim brought by a former senior executive containing allegations of unfair dismissal, disability discrimination, discrimination by association, and victimisation.
Advising Direct Line Insurance Group plc on the employment law aspects of the sale of its brokered commercial insurance business lines to RSA Insurance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Robbie Sinclair
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Kate Pumfrey
Practice head
Sarah Henchoz
Other key lawyers
Robbie Sinclair; Kate Pumfrey; Hannah Crisp