Paris Smith LLP offers a deep bench across a broad range of impactful employment law matters. A sought-after advisor within employment tribunals, senior-level exits, and TUPE claims, Clive Dobbin heads the employment team, complementing this expertise with a deep familiarity in regulatory proceedings. Coupling ‘extensive experience’ with a ’straightforward and open approach’, Claire Merritt is a key contact on discrimination claims, sexual harassment prevention, and senior-level exits. Tabytha Cunningham and Charlotte Farrell serve as particular experts on discrimination issues, unfair dismissal claims, and company sale-related employment law issues. With a deep specialism in senior-level exits, discrimination cases, and education matters, Andrew Willshire is a further key contact. David Roath departed the practice in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have found the team to be very effective and able to respond quickly to a rapidly evolving employment challenge and timeline, helping ensure issues are brought to a successful close for all concerned.’
‘Claire Merritt's straightforward and open approach, coupled with extensive experience, builds trust and confidence. Claire spends the time to understand the issues and nuances and provides guidance and documentation to gain a successful closure.’
‘Clive Dobbin is a trusted pair of hands, approachable, extremely knowledgeable and hard hitting. Charlotte Farrell is approachable, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. Tabytha Cunningham is a highly regarded lawyer who can quickly grasp complex areas of law. Andrew Willshire is a fantastic lawyer and advocate, he is clear and practical in his approach.’
‘The Employment Team at Paris Smith is excellent. They are knowledgeable, incredibly responsive, friendly and commercially minded. They are the most well respected Employment Law team in Hampshire. The team ethic is strong, they collaborate and work together extremely well.’
'Paris Smith are very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. They have a good reputation across the South Coast.'
'They offer lots of training and networking opportunities like their HR round table and Spring and Autumn Employment Conference.'
'We really enjoy working with Andrew Willshire, he has helped us with a range of matters over the last few years and is always approachable, knowledgeable, very quick to respond and so on. He is very thorough and diligent in his advice.'
'What truly sets Paris Smith apart is the exceptional speed of response and the depth of knowledge their partners bring to the table. They don’t just understand the law—they understand our business. Their ability to provide tailored, insightful advice and unwavering support makes them an invaluable partner.'
'It’s reassuring to know we have a legal team that’s not only highly skilled but also genuinely invested in our success.'
'Clive Dobbin is a true credit to the team at Paris Smith. His depth of knowledge and unwavering support are second to none. Clive consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that we not only receive expert legal advice but also fully understand it. His responsiveness and dedication make him an invaluable partner to our business'
Key clients
- AFC Bournemouth Limited
- Hampshire Cricket (Ageas Bowl PLC)
- Randstad UK
- Norwegian Cruise Line Broup UK Ltd
- Stannah Stairlifts Limited
- Churches Fire & Security Ltd
- Mayflower Theatre Trust Ltd
- Keltbray Limited
- Aureos Infrastructure Management Services Ltd
- Draper Tools
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Clive Dobbin
Other key lawyers
Claire Merritt; Tabytha Cunningham; Charlotte Farrell; Andrew Willshire