A ‘top-quality regional firm with city credentials’, Howes Percival LLP is lauded for its ’wide scope of capabilities and expertise in all areas’ of employment law. Leveraging the bench strength of the employment team’s regional spread, the group is able to advise a wide range of local, national, and international clients on tribunal matters, redundancies and restructuring, TUPE issues, restrictive covenants, and senior executive exits. The team is headed by Simon deMaid, a key contact for clients in the retail, automotive, manufacturing, education, and healthcare sectors, who boasts deep expertise in disability discrimination claims, large-scale redundancies and restructures, and high-value executive terminations. Hannah Pryce, a seasoned advocate within the Employment Tribunal, delivers workplace training on equality, diversity, and inclusion, and advises on complex HR issues, including anti-bullying, harassment prevention, and strategic crisis management.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I've worked closely with Simon deMaid, who is an excellent partner. His advice is on-point, commercial, and he always sees the bigger picture. He punches above his weight in the market, and is much a better lawyer than many partners with whom I've worked in the City. He's also a joy to deal with, and he always knows when to alleviate deal-stress with a lighter touch. Simon is a real asset to HP.'
- ‘To say that HP are a top-quality regional firm with City credentials is a cliché - but in this case it's true. Employment partner Simon deMaid is a great leader. It's unusual for an employment partner to be so significant to the wider team, but for HP he really pulls everything together and elevates their offering.'
- ‘Simon deMaid and his team are always great to deal with. Clear direction given in all circumstances. Credit to Howes Percival, they know their business very well and always approach in a supportive manner.’
- ‘Hannah Pryce is very easy to work with, quickly grasps the issues, and explains the advice in 'easy to understand' terms.'
- ‘A very capable Employment team who are responsive and very helpful commercial advice provided. I have also valued the employment updates that have been provided by the team.’
- ‘Our main point of contact was Anna Bithrey who we found to be excellent throughout the whole process, always giving good prompt and sound advice and easy to talk.’
Work highlights
Advised Group 1 Automotive UK Limited on the employment aspects of the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz dealerships at Bishop’s Stortford, Hemel Hempstead, Hertford, and Stevenage from a BVI seller, L&L Investments Limited and ultimate sellers based in Hong Kong.
Advised the shareholders of The Tyre Store Limited, trading as ‘Just Tyres’, a national tyre fitting retail chain on the employment aspects of the successful sale of the company to Malvern Tyres, part of the Tyre Group.
Advised an education sector client on TUPE, redundancy and consultation with trade unions in relation to a merger and change of function of their service provision following a successful bid for a new site.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Simon deMaid
Other key lawyers
Hannah Pryce; Anna Bithrey