With a strong presence across the financial services, insurance, and logistics sectors, Cripps is noted for its strength in employment litigation. The ‘exceptional’ Melanie Stancliffe leads the team and is well versed in the dismissals of senior executives and boardroom disputes. Another name to note is Laura McMaster, who is often engaged to advise on agreed exits and transitional arrangements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The professionalism combined with a true dedication to ensuring the client feels valued and supported is without doubt the unique feature. They explaining with compassion the facts and give a balanced opinion of the potential outcome based on experience. They provide guidance and support above and beyond expectations, quick analysis and fast responses. I cannot recommend this legal practice enough. Totally trustworthy and you know your interests will be protected.'

  • ‘Melanie Stancliffe is an outstanding lawyer. What makes her stand out is her ability to be concise, her depth of experience and speed of analysis of the facts and swift responses, regardless of any pressures or other demands she may be facing, and a unique ability to prioritise her clients' needs, as well as her empathy and incredible skill in providing the exact level of support and understanding the stress and worry her clients are experiencing. She knows when to proceed to litigation and when to step back and undertake strong negotiation. She is very special.’

  • ‘Highly professional, detail oriented, and solution focused. Easy to work with in terms of initial contact and speed of responses (same-day responses), and operationally (e.g fees are clearly detailed and no surprises in billing).’

  • ‘I got the true sense that the individuals were focussed on the best outcome for me (short and long term), which isn't always an expensive, long-drawn-out claim, but rather clear, helpful guidance on navigating a compromise. Staff take great efforts to understand you as an individual, building strong rapport and trust.’

  • ‘The employment team at Cripps tailor their support depending on your case so as not to 'overcharge' for advice by a partner when it is not necessary. This is definitely not common practice in London employment law firms. They are compassionate, professional and commercially aware, giving pragmatic guidance and advice to achieve company objectives.’

  • ‘Melanie Stancliffe is exceptional. She is hugely knowledgeable about our industry. She takes the time to understand the whole issue and what we want to achieve before giving tailored advice. This cuts down time and helps to achieve our aims quickly, managing the risk accordingly. I cannot recommend her highly enough.’

Key clients

  • Carine Rautureau

Work highlights

  • Represented a former teacher with ADHD who had worked at the Lycée Francais Charles de Gaulle, in Kensington, London, and helped her to succeed in her unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal claims and to achieve the full 25% uplift in compensation for the procedural failings of the school.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Melanie Stancliffe

Other key lawyers

Laura McMaster