Back to rankings
England - London • Employment
4

Senior executives

Cole Khan Solicitors LLP

More information
Boutique employment firm Cole Khan Solicitors LLP is known for representing senior individuals in complex and high-profile race, sex and disability discrimination cases. Representing clients from law firms, education and financial services, the group also has expertise handling grievances and senior exits. Experienced negotiator Shazia Khan represents clients in cases of unfair dismissal, discrimination and redundancy, whilst Emilie Cole focuses her practice on harassment and equal rights cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Cole Khan is a very strong firm for advising senior executives on discrimination, dismissal, and complex disputes. Their expertise in Equality Act claims is particularly strong, and they bring both legal precision and strategic insight to sensitive, high-stakes situations. The team understands the pressures faced at executive level — including the need for discretion, speed, and commercially and practical advice. ’

  • ‘Emilie Cole has particular expertise in whistleblowing claims where she has a strong record in high profile claims.'

  • 'Shazia Khan is outstanding and tenacious lawyer who fights hard for her clients with great strategic insight.'

  • ‘Shazia Khan was always professional and it was clear she wanted to best outcome for my dispute and approached it in a holistic manner.  Had Shazia not been so brilliant then I would have likely given up and left my employer without my case being settled.'

  • ‘Cole Khan were recommended to me by a barrister for their ability to balance practical legal advice with a deep expertise in employment law and the nuances that arise with senior executives working in global organisations. They have consistently brought in excellent specialist advice where needed and they really do bring the very best aspect of diversity and inclusion to live.’

  • ‘Shazia has a really good approach, she remains practical but balanced at all times and has a great network of specialists which we have called upon where necessary. Shazia cares passionately about her team and really focuses on their development. Shazia has proactively managed the costs of my case at every stage, making sure I have an estimate of costs whenever possible.’

Key clients

  • Dr Omer Karim

Work highlights

Acted for a Directly Elected Executive Mayor of a London Borough in respect of her race and sex discrimination claims against her own council, criticising her treatment by some councillors. Settlement was reached on highly preferable terms.
Defending Dr Omer Karim against the General Medical Council’s appeal. The Employment Tribunal upheld that the GMC discriminated against a Doctor because of his race. The GMC appealed the Judgement which was heard by the EAT in March 2023. Permission was granted to appeal to the Court of Appeal, and the case has now been remitted to the Employment Tribunal and is due to be heard in 2025.
Representing a former district judge in relation to her unlawful disciplinary reprimands and unfair removal from office. Currently instructed on a JR against the Lord Chancellor’s office for unjust and discriminatory treatment due to our client’s cognitive difficulties which amount to unlawful disability discrimination.

Practice head

Shazia Khan; Emilie Cole