The ‘exceptional’ Roger Spence heads up the Preston-based cohort at Harrison Drury & Co. Spence is equipped to provide strategic employment advice to clients, as well as to handle the contentious. Jamie Campbell is a noteworthy name, with a workload that features advising on executive terminations and settlement agreements. In Manchester, David Carmichael has experience advising on recruitment, dismissals, and restrictive covenants. Team changes include the February 2026 arrival to the Manchester office of Sally Tomlinson, and the 2026 departures of Katie Parkinson and Emma Butterworth, in January and March, respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The individuals I have worked with are knowledgeable, approachable, and highly responsive. Roger Spence stands out for his ability to explain complex issues in a clear, practical way and for his strong commercial awareness. Helen Russell is approachable, quick to respond, and communicate. In general, they are proactive in identifying risks and opportunities and consistently deliver high-quality advice under tight deadlines. Their personable approach and reliability make them trusted advisors rather than just legal providers.
- Helen Russell is amazing - personable, has a common sense approach, is knowledgeable, and has the magic touch when it comes to calming a situation and stopping our teams from panicking. We would be lost without her.
- Communication - information is provided in an easy-to-understand format. Conversations are always a pleasure and never feel rushed. Helen Russell was particularly helpful on two very difficult HR issues we had. Also, Alex Walmsley was excellent when dealing with an adjudication for us. Timescales were very rushed, but he remained calm and professional throughout.
- The team is approachable and very communicative. They always make you feel valued, and their advice is both reassuring and informative.
- It feels like you know them all, and are efficient and cost-effective. Nothing is too much trouble, and the team has all really gotten to know and understand our business so that the advice given is specific to our needs.
- Roger Spence always makes himself available to help us, no matter how big or small the issue is. He is extremely reliable, and his knowledge of all employment-related matters is exceptional.
Key clients
- Barron Wood Distribution Ltd
- Freudenberg Performance Materials
- Edge Hill University
- Walker Fire (UK) Ltd
Work highlights
Advising the client on day-to-day HR issues, TUPE matters, and succession planning, including assisting with Director Service agreements.
Advising the client in various disciplinary, performance, and redundancy issues and the full range of day-to-day HR and employment law matters, including Settlement Agreements.
Practice head
Roger Spence
Other key lawyers
Jamie Campbell; David Carmichael; Sally Tomlinson