Kuit Steinart Levy LLP‘s Manchester group is headed up by Kevin McKenna, who is ’the employment lawyer you would wish to be beside you in the trenches’. McKenna has expertise handling senior executive matters, complex terminations, unfair dismissal claims, and large-scale redundancies. The team advises clients across a wide range of sectors, including leisure and hospitality, sport and education. Sally Bird advises directors in relation to restrictive covenant breaches and boardroom disputes, among other matters. ‘Trusted advisor’ Mark McKeating is well-equipped to defend employers in the full range of disputes at the Employment Tribunal. Notably, Claire Hollins was promoted to partnership in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have found the team to be extremely responsive. This is really important when there are real-time employment issues that need to be dealt with promptly. I have recommended the team to friends and family who all say the same. Kuits can deal with all my employment needs.’
‘Sally Bird is exceptional - not only is she a gifted lawyer but she is pragmatic, highly commercially aware and fearless in giving advice. I would not instruct anyone else.’
‘Strength-in-depth - deadlines are always met and we never have to chase - partner availability and engagement is excellent. Their advice is always clear. They are a pleasure to work with.’
‘Mark McKeating is a trusted advisor. Mark is able to take the heat out of situations and always provides well-timed, practical advice which is backed-up by a wealth of experience. Mark also provides training on a range of HR issues; he is a great communicator.’
‘Kuits focus on solutions which are right for the client, with particular regard to real life needs. The team works seamlessly across the range of expertise required as well as the allied regulatory fields. They are individually and collectively formidable.'
‘Kevin McKenna is peerless. He is charming, with a razor-sharp mind. In advisory work, he sees and avoids problems before they have arisen. In litigation, he is a tough and effective opponent and a formidable negotiator. He is the employment lawyer you would wish to be beside you in the trenches if everything is on the line. James Howarth is the 'go to' for GDPR and compliance analysis. Lauren Ogden will go far - she has a good head in difficult situations and clients are reassured by her calm authority.’
Key clients
- Handelsbanken plc
- Autotrader Ltd
- Lyreco UK Ltd
- University Academy 92
- Clarity Travel Limited
- Portman Travel Group Limited
- YKK (UK) Limited
- Prescient Healthcare Group Limited
- Danish Crown UK Limited
- Crown Oil Limited
Lawyers
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
Kevin McKenna
Other key lawyers
Sally Bird; Mark McKeating; James Howarth; Lauren Ogden; Claire Hollins; Claire Treacy