Employment: UK
“Real class act” Mark Mansell receives high praise for his “technically superb work” and “highly composed and commercial” approach. He advised Virgin Money on the employment aspects of the GBP1 billion acquisition of Northern Rock from HM Treasury.
Karen Seward is “fantastic in combat,” “tough, commercial and client-focused.” She is particularly recommended for advising clients in the financial services industry.
Stefan Martin is rated for his “calm and highly astute” manner. He frequently advises clients on matters with an international dimension.
John Evason is described by sources as “really excellent” and “client-friendly,” and impresses in front of senior managers. His areas of expertise include boardroom disputes, union recognition and TUPE.
Monica Kurnatowska is “highly knowledgeable, business-focused, pragmatic and easy to work with,” clients say. She acted for Japanese purchaser ITOCHU on the purchase of Kwik-Fit and its assets across multiple jurisdictions.
Sarah Gregory gives clients “advice which is incredibly commercially driven.” She has notable expertise on diversity, discrimination and equal pay matters.
Emma Röhsler continues to impress clients with her sharp negotiation skills. One observer adds: "She has a down-to-earth approach combined with a commercial outlook." Röhsler practises from the firm's Paris office.
Andrew Taggart is commended by market sources as “highly knowledgeable about the law.” His practice focuses on employment litigation and the employment law elements of regulatory investigations. He acted on employment claims for the administrators of Nortel in the UK, Italy and Ireland.
Peter Frost is “incredibly sharp” and an “excellent litigator.” He advised the Church Commissioners on a case relating to the employment status of a priest in the Church of England.
Scott Anderson is qualified to practise law in New Zealand and brings recent experience of having worked in that jurisdiction. He has been assisting employers on disputes with senior executive employees.
Alison Clements has several years' experience of practising New Zealand employment law, having qualified there in 2002, as does Stephanie Delamare, whose track record includes working in the employment teams of two New Zealand law firms.
In her position as head of the firm's French group, Elizabeth Kilcoyne is a key contact for French clients with UK employment interests.
Employment litigator Toni Lorenzo oversees the work of Lewis Silkin's Hispanic group, delivering guidance to Spanish-speaking or headquartered clients on their operations overseas.
Michael Burd is highly respected for his advice on both contentious and non-contentious matters, and has notable experience of advising on senior executive departures. Market sources are keen to recommend his litigation capabilities.
James Davies is praised by clients for his “highly approachable and available” take on client service. He has particular experience in advising French companies on UK employment law.
Ellen Temperton is exalted as a “highly skilled and pragmatic lawyer.” Her areas of expertise include litigation relating to restrictive covenants, team moves and confidential information.
Russell Brimelow has built a "great reputation in Oxford." He is best known for his work in the media world, having represented a number of high-profile broadcasters and TV production companies over the years.
Mark Hewland's clients include AXA, Banif and BlueCrest Capital Management. He is advising Michael Woodford, the former CEO of Olympus turned whistle-blower, on proceedings in three jurisdictions.
Simon Watson is international practice group head and specialises in advising multinationals and City institutions.
Julian Taylor is noted for his tactical nous and skill in negotiations. He particularly excels at advising clients in the asset management industry.
Philip Bartlett is strongly recommended by clients for difficult drafting and advising on complex points of law. His areas of expertise include data privacy and the regulation of executive remuneration in the financial sector.
Rob Eldridge advised Balfour Beatty on the employment law aspects of renegotiating its joint venture with Royal Mail. His other notable clients include Burberry, The Belgian Embassy and Michael Page.
The “highly practical and affable” Fraser Younson is “one of the best in the City,” sources agree. He heads the team and advises clients on all areas of employment law.
“Every in-house counsel needs a Rebecca Harding-Hill,” says one satisfied client. She has particular strengths in advising clients on heavyweight injunction, discrimination and whistle-blowing claims.
Lisa Mayhew gives clients “good creative and practical solutions that work within a business context.” She is recommended for her advice to substantial clients on litigation matters.
Christopher Goodwill is “hugely experienced,” “commercially astute” and “has good judgement,” clients say. He regularly advises on all areas of employment law, including the protection of confidential information, redundancy, restructuring and discrimination issues. He assists International Power on employment issues raised by its GBP17 billion merger with GDF SUEZ.
Charles Wynn-Evans sits as a part-time employment judge and advises clients on all areas of employment law, including redundancy, unfair dismissal and industrial action.
Jason Butwick counts BNY Mellon, PIMCO and Bluegold Capital amongst his clients.
Tim Marshall is singled out for praise for his deft handling of restrictive covenant, team poaching and confidentiality matters. He is the national head of employment at the firm.
Nicholas Squire is "strategically sound and commercially astute," sources say. He frequently advises clients on high-level strategy matters.
Kathleen Healy is commended for her "straightforward" manner and her ability to "manage expectations carefully."
Caroline Stroud focuses on employment litigation, including high-value discrimination, whistle-blowing and breach of contract cases.
David Harper has particular expertise in advising clients on M&A, outsourcings and public/private partnership projects.
Elizabeth Slattery has impressed sources with a practice balanced between advising on employment disputes and collective employment law. She advises eBay and AOL on a range of employment matters.
Nicholas Robertson is “incredibly experienced, highly focused on what the client needs to achieve and really hard-working,” sources say. He advised Southern Cross Healthcare Group on the introduction of new terms of employment and collective redundancies.
Christopher Fisher is “technically gifted, dependable and easy to work with, and will provide commercial solutions,” clients say. He is recommended for both contentious and non-contentious work.
This team frequently handles cross-border transactions for international clients. Recent work includes advising Fila Korea on employment issues surrounding the USD1.225 billion acquisition of the Acushnet golf business from Fortune Brands. Alison Wetherfield is the key contact.
The “knowledgeable and commercial” Michael Leftley “does well for his clients,” sources say. He attracts the respect of the business community for his advice to clients in the financial services sector on the full spectrum of employment law matters. He acted for McBride on conducting a restructuring exercise in France.
As head of the firm's international HR group, Ian Hunter has particular expertise in advising clients on the employment aspects of outsourcing, restructuring and M&A projects. One impressed client notes that "he will stand up to be counted when it matters."
Sources state that Warren Wayne has "meticulous preparation and sound commercial judgment," and "has the stomach for the fight if necessary," yet is "always prepared to take a commercial view where it is in the interests of the client." He acts for many international clients, including Fujifilm, Ciena and Altera.
David Green has a notable practice advising clients on board appointments and terminations. He is also a highly respected option for clients seeking advice on TUPE and trade union disputes.
Robert Hill has notable expertise in advising clients on the TUPE aspects of mergers, acquisitions and outsourcing transactions.
The "impressive" Anthony Fincham delivers "high-quality yet common-sense advice," market sources say. He advised Quinn Glass on an application for union recognition by Unite.
Rachel Dineley is praised for her attention to detail and targeted advice. She leads the firm's national equality and diversity unit and is recognised for her advice to clients on the abolition of the default retirement age.
Edzard Clifton-Dey is qualified to practise in Germany and has experience of counselling German clients on cross-border employment issues.
Paul Fontes gives satisfied clients "extremely good advice" that is "to the point and practical." He frequently handles Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation, including whistle-blowing, discrimination, bonus and restrictive covenant cases.
Marc Meryon moved from Bircham Dyson Bell to head Eversheds' industrial relations group. He has particular expertise in acting for employers challenging the lawfulness of industrial action by trade unions.
Audrey Williams is recommended by clients for her high level of technical expertise and her ability to provide quality emergency advice. She focuses on discrimination, harassment and equal pay matters.
Martin Warren stands out for his responsiveness. He works with some of the team's highest profile clients.
William Dawson is highly respected for his advice to both senior executives and high-end employers. Sources praise him as a “highly pragmatic” lawyer who “knows how to get the best for his clients.”
Rachel Lewis is praised by sources for her intelligence and charm. She has noted experience in contentious and non-contentious employment law matters.
Charlotte Demegård splits her time between Linklaters' London and Stockholm offices. She advises on a wide range of matters, including disputes, executive remuneration and TUPE, and has been involved with the London team on bonus-related litigation.
Seán Lavin is "highly commercial in his advice, and supportive and willing to spend time getting to know our business," impressed clients say. He advised Collins Stewart Hawkpoint on the employment elements of its takeover by Canaccord.
Joanna Blackburn is praised by clients for her “complete professionalism” and “razor-sharp mind.” She heads the department and advises both senior executives and employers.
Sarah Keeble represented MSQ Partners in a High Court claim relating to the alleged unlawful acquisition of its business by the chief executive of, and the company, Porta Communications.
Tracey Marsden is a key point of contact.
This team regularly advises clients on high-value and complex litigation and reorganisation projects. The scope of the group's advice extends to the employment aspects of international transactions. Daniel Aherne is the key contact.
David Cubitt has "an encyclopaedic knowledge of employment law" and takes a "highly pragmatic and business-focused approach," clients say. He has particular expertise in advising clients in the financial services and technology sectors.
Julian Hemming is an experienced employment law expert who is "deserving of high praise." Sources describe him as "bright" and "a reasonable person to deal with." He acted for management on the venture capital-backed buyout of SPP Process Technology Systems from the company's Japanese parent company.
Roland Doughty recently advised UMECO on the employment law elements of the sale of its Pattonair division. He advises clients on all areas of employment law, including the TUPE effects of acquisitions and outsourcing projects, as well as senior executive work.
Senior partner Alan Julyan has particular strength in advising clients on the recruitment, retention and termination of senior executives. He is a popular choice with clients in the financial services sector. Julyan counselled BATS Europe on employment issues surrounding the integration with Chi-X.
Miriam Lampert heads the firm's Israel group and provides a useful channel of support for businesses with interests in Israel. She acts on a wide range of concerns, including TUPE transfers, redundancy programmes and tribunal claims.
David Whincup is recommended by clients for his solution-driven, commercial advice. He has notable strength in advising clients on the employment elements of the Approved Persons Regime under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
Caroline Noblet is a "straight talker who understands our business needs," clients say. She is global co-head of the firm's international labour and employment team.
Kate Brearley advised Keolis and Tramlink Nottingham Consortium on employment matters relating to the operation and development of Nottingham's tram system.
Anne Pritam advised the management team of First Assist following the acquisition of the company by Burford Capital.
Paul Callaghan's areas of expertise include restrictive covenants, team moves and restructuring projects. He offers extensive experience of representing US employers and is a speaker at events of the American Bar Association. Callaghan also contributes to material published by the ABA's Employment and Labor Law section.
Sean Nesbitt heads the department and focuses on advising clients on commercial transactions and the employment and termination of executives.
Andrew Lilley focuses on advising employers on workplace relations. He is a "highly astute and clear thinker who clarifies the legal issues quickly and presents pragmatic solutions," clients enthuse.
Caroline Carter heads the department at Ashurst and has a strong reputation for her advice to clients on all areas of employment law. She frequently advises clients on M&A and MBOs.
William Garnett of Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP is a
"terrier" who gives clients
"highly clear and useful advice." He has notable expertise in discrimination cases and counts a number of plc board members, senior executives and further education providers amongst his clients.
The
"pragmatic and reliable" Lucy McLynn, also of Bates Wells & Braithwaite,
"has a rare capacity to get under the skin of an organisation and find where advice is most needed," sources say. She represents Mid-Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau in an ongoing case regarding volunteers and discrimination that is due to be heard in the Supreme Court.
Amanda Harvey of Devonshires is commended for her
"highly pragmatic business sense." She heads the team, and her clients include NHS trusts, local authorities and corporates.
Graham Paul of Dundas & Wilson
"has good commercial acumen and is prepared to advise on pragmatic solutions," impressed clients say. He maintains a strong profile for his advice on the full range of employment law matters.
Jane Mann of Fox Williams LLP is
“unflappable” and
"highly responsive,” and
“finds pragmatic solutions,” clients say. She has particular strength in representing senior executives in sensitive and complex matters.
James Cox of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is
"clear, incisive and meticulous" in his approach. He advises clients on all areas of employment law, with highlights including defending Kroll in a claim for unfair dismissal.
Alison Downie of Goodman Derrick LLP acts for both employers and employees on the full array of employment law matters. She has particular prowess in discrimination law.
Naomi Feinstein of Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP advised AstraZeneca on the UK employment aspects of the USD1.8 billion sale of AstraTech to DENTSPLY International. She specialises in advising clients on transactional concerns, restructurings and reorganisations.
Howard Hymanson of Harbottle & Lewis LLP
“is highly responsive and exudes an air of calm confidence,” admiring clients say. He is best known for his advice to senior executives and employers on discrimination disputes, restrictive covenant injunctions and boardroom disputes.
The
"highly commercial" Tom Flanagan of Irwin Mitchell is
"outstanding for TUPE work," clients say. He is national head of the firm's employment and pensions group, and has a good understanding of European Works Councils.
Jules Quinn joined Jones Day from Nabarro in 2012. She has particular expertise in advising clients on labour issues and international project management. She acted for CBRE on TUPE and compromise agreements arising from the acquisition of the real estate arms of ING REIM, including helping to co-ordinate the work of overseas counsel in 11 European countries.
The
"highly pragmatic" David Williams of Kemp Little LLP provides
"strong support in negotiations" and
"gives clear advice," sources say. He advises clients on all areas of employment law, including collective disputes, discrimination and tribunal claims.
Richard Fox of Kingsley Napley LLP earns the respect of market sources with his
“very wide and impressive knowledge" of employment law. He is head of the department and also chair of the Employment Lawyers Association.
The
"highly personable" and
"creative" Yvonne Gallagher of Lawrence Graham LLP receives praise from clients for her solutions-focused advice. She frequently advises clients on TUPE matters.
Paul Griffin heads the team at Norton Rose LLP and has a good reputation for his advice to clients on litigation matters.
Robin Jeffcott of Reed Smith LLP is
"relentlessly thorough and incredibly hard-working in getting results for his clients," sources say. He focuses on employment disputes and international projects.
Nicola Kerr is team head at SJ Berwin LLP and offers notable strength in advising clients on heavyweight litigation and senior terminations. One client says she
"understood our requirements and sensitivities and acted accordingly." The
"really impressive" and
"extremely capable" Hilary O'Connor of SJ Berwin LLP has particular strength in advising clients in the finance, media and retail sectors. Her expertise spans restrictive covenants, board restructures and business sales and acquisitions.
Barry Mordsley of Salans advised Beats Electric on the establishment of its UK operations. He has an excellent reputation for delivering strategic advice to clients.
Elizabeth Buchan of Watson, Farley & Williams is
"bright, practical, concise and down to earth," clients approvingly report. She handles all areas of employment and labour law. She advised a client on a new contract with SC Jonson, which included dealing with international TUPE implications and compromise agreements.
The highly regarded
Meriel Schindler heads the team at Withers LLP and advises employers and employees on a range of employment law matters. She has a notable presence in the financial services sector and also advises charities.
Foreign Experts
Japanese-speaking
Crowley Woodford of Ashurst provides advice to Japanese clients on UK employment concerns. He acted for Toshiba on relocating employees to a new site at Stockley Park.
"You always feel in safe hands" with
Christina Tolvas-Vincent of Bond Pearce LLP, explains one client, adding:
"We particularly value her precision and forensic attention to detail on complicated issues. She has a highly tuned suit of abilities and explores issues fully to reach a constructive resolution." Tolvas-Vincent is qualified to practise Finnish law, and has now been appointed Honorary Consul of Finland in Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex.
Katherine Shea is resident in the London office of Isle of Man-headquartered Cains. She is a qualified Manx advocate with extensive experience of practising Manx law. She advised the Isle of Man government on the variation of terms relating to the introduction of a new unified public sector pension plan.
Bettina Bender of CM Murray LLP engages with German companies with operations in the UK and is a member of the British-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Her work extends to advisory matters as well as litigation.
Sharokh Koussari of Howard Kennedy can call on his growing litigation experience to advise on breaches of restrictive covenants, breach of fiduciary duties and whistle-blowing claims. He speaks a number of languages, including French.
Experienced US trial lawyer
Scott Cairns of McGuireWoods London LLP is admitted to appear before the courts of Virginia and Florida, and on two circuits of the US Court of Appeal. He provides employers with a range of advice relating to harassment, discrimination and labour law.
Sara Kennedy of Miller Rosenfalck LLP is a fluent Danish speaker and a member of the Danish UK Chamber of Commerce. She acts for Danish and Nordic countries on questions of UK employment law.
Emmanuelle Ries oversees the work of the French desk at Miller Rosenfalck LLP and is principally concerned with advising foreign companies on the UK employment angles of cross-border transactions. She is a member of the Franco-British Lawyers' Association and the French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain.
Her colleague
Melanie Stancliffe can call on a working knowledge of French law and experience of acting for French clients in dealing with a multitude of matters, including contractual, transactional and contentious matters.
Sybille Steiner is qualified to practise German employment law, and leads the work of the German team at Pritchard Englefield. She is also involved in the work of the British-German Jurists Association.
Peter Alfandary of Reed Smith LLP is a deputy president of the French Chamber of Commerce, with many years' experience of advising French organisations on employment and transactional concerns. He also heads the firm's French group.
Koichiro Nakada of Ashfords LLP is qualified to practise Japanese law and heads the firm's Japanese business group. His expertise covers a range of matters, including corporate transactions and employment law.
Ben Thornber of SGH Martineau LLP continues to provide
“the highest level of service” to a variety of private sector employers. He heads the firm's French desk, delivering advice to French clients in their native tongue and managing referrals from the team's alliance of law firms in France.