The ‘high performing’ team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has the strength-in-depth to handle a tremendous volume and range of contentious and non-contentious matters for a plethora of large UK-based global organisations. The size of the team affords it the ability to have a strong degree of individual partner specialisms, both in workstream and industry focus. The ’exceptionally knowledgeable and pragmatic’ Thomas Player has a core focus on collective employment/industrial relations matters, work which often involves multi-jurisdictional aspects, including negotiating European Works Council structures in foreign jurisdictions alongside international colleagues from other network offices. Player also regularly advises on complex international restructuring projects, as does team head Tom Bray as part of his broad transaction support offering. In addition, Bray has deep knowledge of the employment issues impacting the aviation sector, including providing advice on change management and employee relations. The ‘highly talented’ Sally Isaacs maintains a market-leading equal pay practice, which continues to see her defending Morrisons supermarket against thousands of equal pay claims. Huw Jones also has equal pay expertise, which forms a part of his broad employment offering which includes a considerable volume of public sector work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'It is a high performing team that has always delivered a quality service in a timely manner.'
- 'The team will always take a rounded commercial approach.'
- 'The team is terrific, professional, responsive, and pragmatic.'
- 'Thomas Player is exceptionally knowledgeable and pragmatic in relation to industrial relations matters.'
- 'Huw Jones' knowledge of the sector and ability to guide us through the intricacies of these complex cases is appreciated by senior officers.'
- 'Sally Isaacs provides high-quality advice on often complex matters.'
- 'Sally Isaacs is a highly talented lawyer with particular expertise in equal pay. Able to handle the defence of large class actions with great skill and effectiveness.'
- 'Julie Young is a first-class employment litigator, will always have a great understanding of the dynamics of a case, and will always look outside the box for solutions.'
- 'Exceptionally knowledgeable on all aspects of employment law, friendly and helpful approach, and available at short notice to respond to queries.'
- 'Eversheds are always thinking strategically, and have the wider picture in mind. They have an encyclopaedic knowledge of industrial relations law, and are superb at client handling, and managing client expectations. The preparation for hearings is immaculate, and the team is always incredibly supportive of counsel.'
Key clients
- Wolverine Worldwide/Sweaty Betty
- Heathrow Airport Limited
- Ryanair DAC
- Ryanair DAC
- Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited
- Just Eat Takeaway N.V
- Norgine Ltd
Work highlights
Representing Ryanair DAC in the Court of Appeal in the case of Ryanair DAC v Morais & Oths - the leading authority on the interpretation of the Blacklisting Regulations during periods of industrial action.
Representing Wm Morrison Supermarkets Ltd in its defence of thousands of equal pay claims.
Advising Heathrow airport on a whole range of employment issues including collective disputes, tribunal litigation and board level advice.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Tom Bray
Other key lawyers
Thomas Player; Huw Jones; Sally Isaacs; Ellie Brown; Jennifer Pinder; Julie Young; Leonie McQuaide; Mared Griffiths