Praised for its ‘breadth of experience across sectors and specialist employment areas’, the Manchester-based group at JMW Solicitors LLP advises its clients on matters ranging from the appointment and reappointment of employees to the establishment of workplace regulations, documentation and policies. Its client portfolio includes household names such as Nando’s and Travelodge Hotels. Paul Chamberlain harnesses 25 years’ varied experience in employment matters, while Simon Bloch has particular expertise in recruitment-related matters; the two oversee the practice together. Marcus Difelice is noted for his work defending mid- and large-scale employers at the Employment Tribunal in disputes with reputational risk elements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Excellent sector knowledge, approachable and available partners and a strong support team.’
- ‘JMW are always a pleasure to work with. I take legal knowledge as a given, and they certainly have this a-plenty. They are easy to work with, have good client focus, are reasonable and transparent on fees, their cost estimates are reasonable and reliable, and the work they do with BMA members is very well-received.’
- ‘The team at JMW have a breadth of experience across sectors and specialist employment areas. We have worked with the team for a significant period of time and have found them to be very responsive to our needs and understanding of the uniqueness of our business.’
- ‘Simon Bloch has always been a great confidant for me to discuss business challenges and talking to him gives me an opportunity to get a balanced perspective and meaningful advice.’
- ‘Great communications and proactivity - nothing is too much trouble.’
- ‘Paul Chamberlain is extremely knowledgeable. They have a friendly yet no-nonsense approach. He provides a clear rationale and always backs it up with fact. Simon Bloch is also extremely knowledgeable, doesn't rush decisions and takes a pragmatic approach.’
Key clients
- Telecom Plus Plc
- Utility Warehouse
- Travelodge Hotels
- The Restaurant Group plc
- Wagamama
- Nando’s
- U & I Group plc
- British Medical Association (BMA)
- Freelancer & Contractor Services Association
- Honest Burgers
- The Employment Agency Movement
Work highlights
Re-appointed to the BMA’s legal panel to provide support to its members on employee relations matters.
Delivered around the country with the Travelodge People Team a training programme to members of its regional operational management teams, representing essential refresher training on key legal areas of employee relations, in particular addressing the area of Equality Laws in the UK.
Supporting Nando’s in undertaking a refresh of its core employment documents (contracts, policies and procedures) and in reviewing the rules and documentation for its management team bonuses.
Practice head
Paul Chamberlain; Simon Bloch
Other key lawyers
Marcus Difelice; Tom Capper