Ward Hadaway LLP’s employment team offers strength and depth across a range of sectors, with particular expertise in the healthcare, education, and HR Protect spaces. The firm regularly advises on complex employment law matters, including agency worker issues, IR35, business immigration matters, industrial relations, and trade union issues. Jamie Gamble leads the team and is a trusted adviser to employers, known for his tribunal advocacy. Paul Scope brings board-level insight, especially within recruitment, sports, and the third sector. Gillian Chinhengo handles collective consultations and union negotiations, while Graham Vials heads the education team, advising on both employment and specialist education law. Mark McKeever supports clients across varied industries, and Alan Kennedy joined the team in late 2024. The firm also merged with Stockton-based firm Endeavour Partnership LLP in August 2025, which added immigration expert Laura Wilson and Natasha Robson to the firm's bench.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is very experienced in the sector, knowledgeable and supportive. They work with us to solve problems and really understand our context.'
- ‘A real problem-solving and sector-aware approach. They understand our work and will work with us as a team to be proactive as well as reactive in relation to HR and employment law issues.'
Key clients
- Newcastle United Football Company Ltd
- Inn Collection Group
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Paul Scope
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Gillian Chinhengo
Graham Vials
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Mark McKeever
Alan Kennedy
Practice head
Jamie Gamble
Other key lawyers
Paul Scope; Gillian Chinhengo; Graham Vials; Mark McKeever; Tom Shears; Alan Kennedy; Laura Wilson; Natasha Robson