The team at CM Murray LLP is regularly sought out by senior executives in financial services, private equity and biotech for advice handling sexual harassment allegations, bullying and financial wrongdoing. The firm also excels at assisting in team moves, and counsel in cases of disability, age and sex discrimination. Market leader Clare Murray leads the practice, with particular expertise in partner conduct and performance issues. Experienced litigator David Fisher specialises in High Court injunctions, whilst Sarah Chilton excels at internal investigations. Merrill April represents a range of private equity clients, and Emma Bartlett is an expert in cases involving discrimination, bullying and whistleblowing. Nick Leale joined the firm from Armstrong Teasdale in February 2025, and Emma Sangeelee joined in June 2025 from Edwin Coe LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Extremely personable group of solicitors of diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Professionals who are also good people and colleagues. Clare Murray is exceptional leader and creative thinker.’
‘Merrill April— she brings clarity and is refreshingly honest as a lawyer. She cuts through jargon and was very supportive in what were very testing times.'
‘Merrill was an excellent lawyer and provided pragmatic and authoritative counsel. Her level of experience gave me confidence in the advice she provided, which was always well grounded. She was solutions focused whilst also being prepared to think more laterally. Yulia was responsive, thorough and reliable. She delivered what she promised on time and with helpful insights.’
‘Emma Bartlett is excellent - she's not only very knowledgeable and always able to find time to catch up or update, but also quite kind and sympathetic, which is what one would hope for and need when dealing with stressful situations with an employer.’
‘Emma Bartlett was the partner who led on my case and is simply superb. She brings a logical and systematic approach to the law while providing a personal understanding of the emotional dynamics behind employment cases. Emma has deep experience in negotiation and is a trusted advisor and defender of the rights of her clients. It is her personal and professional character that stands out as distinctive qualities.’
‘A truly exceptional culture. The overwhelming sense that you are in hands of superb experts who are highly compassionate. and understand the unique pressures their client has. Merrill April was the Partner looking after my interests; she is the embodiment of the firm’s culture. ’
Key clients
- Protect – leading Whistleblowing Charity
Work highlights
Act pro bono for Protect Whistleblowing Charity in the Court of Appeal whistleblowing case of Rice v Wicked Vision, which has been joined together with the whistleblowing case of Barton Turns Development Ltd v Treadwell.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Clare Murray
Other key lawyers
David Fisher; Sarah Chilton; Merrill April; Emma Bartlett; Nick Leale; Emma Sangeelee; Rachael Parker