With particular expertise in handling sexual and gender-based harassment matters, CM Murray LLP is best known for representing clients in the private equity, financial services, and biotech sectors. Firm founder Clare Murray continues to head the team, where she is well-placed to advise on an international scale. Merrill April is regarded for her work handling governance matters, while Emma Bartlett specialises in advising senior executives across the financial services sector. Alison Downie is a notable name for disciplinary matters and for issues involving whistleblowing and restrictive covenants. David Fisher bolsters the firm’s offering, with experience handling complex contractual, remuneration and exit-related mandates for clients in fast-growing sectors. Emma Sangeelee further strengthens the team, bringing extensive experience in disability discrimination claims. Sarah Chilton is another key contact.

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

Parrher, Beth Hale is a leading expert in employment and partnership law. She is also highly approachable and brilliant at providing clear and concise advice, even where the law is complex. You feel both of these things strongly across all interactions with her. Beth is a highly supportive presence. You want Beth on your team. She combines vast experience and strong communication skills with laser-guided and outcome-focused advice. Associate Marianne Johnson is calm, clear, and already very strong in her field of employment and partnership law. She has a strong eye for detail, the ability to quickly crystallize what matters, and she is a great communicator. She is outcome-focused, reassuring, and sharp.
I have worked primarily with Kelsey Murrell. She is very responsive, makes herself available, and has sound judgment. I would highly recommend her.
They are very approachable, efficient, always to the point, and very fast.
Clare Murray brings exceptional strategic judgment to complex senior executive matters. In cross-border contexts, she combines deep technical knowledge of English employment law with a clear grasp of the commercial and reputational pressures that senior executives face when negotiating exits, enforcing contractual entitlements, or resolving disputes with employers. Her advice is direct, well-calibrated, and reliable — qualities that are particularly valued when the personal and financial stakes are high and decisions must be made under pressure. Merrill April handles complex senior executive matters with precision and measured pragmatism. She assesses risk and leverage realistically — without overstatement — making her a trusted adviser for executives who need clear, actionable guidance at critical moments in their careers. Her advice is carefully tailored to each individual's specific circumstances and objectives, rather than relying on generic approaches, and she demonstrates genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for each client. David Fisher is a dependable and strategically astute partner, particularly strong in contentious matters involving restrictive covenants, injunctions, and executive terminations — areas where senior executives frequently require robust and decisive representation. In cross-border scenarios, his clarity and thorough preparation are consistent differentiators. He responds promptly and communicates positions in terms that are accessible and clearly structured, which is especially important for executives managing complex situations under time pressure.
Clare Murray is widely regarded for her deep knowledge in complex employment law and discrimination cases. Merrill April is highly respected for her exceptional legal expertise, strategic insight, and commitment to client outcomes.
Emma Sangeelee is a class act! Emma joining has been a huge boost to CM Murray's senior executive practice - a joy to work with, and passionate about each and every client.

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