Alison Woods leads the team at CMS, and stands out due to her cross border expertise. The team assists a diverse client base of tech companies, financial institutions and publicly listed companies. Woods often assists clients with employee transfer negotiations, the introduction of benefits and internal reorganisations. Gillian MacLellan is a key contact for international banks and energy companies, offering TUPE advice and harassment investigation support. Catriona Aldridge routinely draws on her prior expertise working in financial services markets. Melanie Lane left the firm in October 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They have an open friendly approach that is extremely effective at quickly getting to the issues the client needs to focus on and then they provide proportionate and pragmatic advice.'
- 'I appreciate the collaborative approach which I think improves the service and advice provided as it ensures a strong appreciation of the employment issues, the context of them and also the particular requirements of the company and the industry.'
- 'They never revert to one size fits all advice and take the time to fully understand the problem and then present pragmatic and practical advice and solutions.'
- 'In addition to exemplary knowledge of all aspects of employment law, the team has true depth of experience at all levels, allowing them to simultaneously resource multiple substantive matters.'
- 'Gillian MacLellan stands out as not only a first class employment lawyer but a skilled manager and communicator who leads an extremely organised and highly competent team.'
- 'The team, headed up by Gillian MacLellan, is always incredibly responsive. Our matters are handled in a timely and pragmatic way, with consideration always being given to our business requirements.'
Key clients
- Accenture
- NatWest
- Coty
- Phoenix Group
- Equinor
- Vice Media
- Network Rail
- National Museums Scotland
- Tommy's
- Baillie Gifford
- ISIO Group Limited
- Scottish Enterprise
Work highlights
Advised Equinor UK Ltd on the employment aspects of the joint venture with Shell UK Limited to form a new company combining their oil and gas assets in the North Sea.
Defended Sky against unfair dismissal, discrimination arising from disability and failure to make reasonable adjustment claims brought by a former employee.
Advised Rothesay Life, the UK’s largest pensions insurance specialists, on the TUPE aspects of its acquisition of a c.£6 billion Scottish Widows bulk annuity portfolio from Lloyds Banking Group.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Alison Woods
Other key lawyers
Gillian MacLellan; Finlay McKay; Catriona Aldridge