With instructions flowing either on a standalone ad-hoc basis or via the firm's popular retainer service (Acuity Counsel Service), Acuity Law continues to grow its employer-focused client base, appreciative as they are of the 'offer of City level expertise provided at a regional price point'. 'Exceptional' team head and new firmwide managing partner Claire Knowles has effectively driven the growth of the team over recent years, combining a tireless work ethic and deep overarching employment knowledge with an emphasis upon providing the 'best most practical solution, rather than the simplest'. As well as regularly advising on day-to-day HR/employment matters, the vastly experienced Juliette Franklin excels in advising on discrimination cases, as well as on matters where employment law overlaps with civil claims. Adam McGlynn is praised for his ability 'to communicate in a very direct, convivial fashion' across a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, and has also been responsible for developing a number of well-received legal technology tools.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They provide commercially focused, clear and positive advice.'
- 'The USP - as a client - appears to be the offer of City level expertise provided at a regional price point and without the unnecessary bravado that can accompany City firms. This is particularly attractive to SMEs and smaller firms or individuals.'
- 'Claire Knowles is exceptional. She has great knowledge of our business and is highly experienced in her field. She provides advice in a confident, commercial and clear way, and goes above and beyond to best serve us.'
- 'Claire Knowles is extremely personable in addition to being a superb, experienced and committed employment law advisor.'
- 'Juliette Franklin is excellent. She has a wealth of experience and it really shows in the way in which she offers a top-class service to her clients.'
- 'Juliette Franklin is responsive, experienced and extremely helpful and practical.'
- 'Adam McGlynn is very accessible yet able to communicate in a very direct, convivial fashion.'
Key clients
- Cardiff International Airport
- Dulas Limited
- Vista Retail Support Limited
- Lux Group
- Premier Forest Products
- Alamo Group Europe Limited
- Sinclair Garages Limited
- Bluestone Resorts Wales Limited
- Tri-wall UK Limited
- Student Cribs
Work highlights
- Advising Lux Group in defending Employment Tribunal proceedings, managing an internal whistleblowing review and handling with restructure and redundancy processes.
- Advising renewable energy company Dulas Limited with ad-hoc employment matters, including dismissals, capability procedures, and disciplinaries, as well as preparing and drafting agreements, including but not limited to, apprenticeship agreement, secondment agreement, and consultancy agreement.
- Advising technology company Vista Retail Support Limited in dealing with an employee with serious mental health complications, mitigating risks and dealing with problems as they arose instead of having to deal with litigation after the event, as well as on the exit of an employee on long-term sickness absence, facilitated via a settlement agreement, which allowed the dispute to be resolved without the need for litigation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Claire Knowles
Other key lawyers
Juliette Franklin; Chris Aldridge; Adam McGlynn