Employment: Luxembourg

THE FIRM This magic circle firm's employment department is commended by sources for its proactivity and full-service offering. The team is considered particularly strong in the finance and investment funds industries, and represents a number of international financial institutions and asset managers. Recent activity includes major restructuring projects, collective dismissals and complex social plan negotiations. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eminent lawyer André Marc combines employment experience with broader legal and commercial expertise. He is highly regarded by sources, with one stating: "I have a very high opinion of him, he is always my first choice." 

THE FIRM This prominent firm is one of the best-known names on this market. The employment team advises financial institutions and industrial clients on M&A activity and restructuring projects, as well as handling collective dismissals and social plan negotiations. Further areas of expertise include individual terminations, business immigration and expatriation, industrial relations, benefits schemes and data protection. The group also has an excellent record of defending its clients in disputed dismissal and discrimination claims. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Louis Berns is highlighted for the depth of his experience in this field. One source describes him as "an extremely good technician and one of the best litigators in the jurisdiction." 

THE FIRM This niche boutique offers one of the most specialised teams on the market, and has an outstanding reputation for client care. It handles a diverse range of employment mandates for a raft of leading international clients: mergers, restructurings, collective bargaining agreements, collective dismissals and litigation are all regularly covered by the team. Recent activity includes advising global corporate groups on the reorganisation of their Luxembourg-based operations.

Sources say: "Strong technicians, focused exclusively on employment."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Firm founder Guy Castegnaro has an excellent reputation as an employment law specialist, and was recently appointed chairman of the European Employment Lawyers Association (EELA).

THE FIRM This global firm carries considerable weight on the employment market thanks to a varied offering which encompasses both contentious and non-contentious work. The team's advisory activity includes assisting clients with senior management contracts, termination agreements, collective bargaining, transfers of activities and employee data protection, alongside work on major corporate transactions. On the contentious side, the group defends employers against claims made by current and former employees. 

Sources say: "We have an excellent relationship: if we call requiring assistance within four hours, we get it. Urgent and complex matters are always dealt with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Albert Moro receives high praise from interviewees for his employment practice. One source states: "He is extremely well-rounded, with tons of experience and a pragmatic approach to everything. He is always a pleasure to work with and very understanding of the issues at hand."

THE FIRM This skilled team represents big-name local and international clients, including banks, industrial manufacturers, online retailers and telecoms groups. The team advises on day-to-day issues such as contracts, dismissals, company policies and corporate immigration, as well as on the employment aspects of company formation and M&A transactions. The group has also recently advised on a number of significant restructurings.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Key partner Pierre Elvinger is well regarded on the market, and highlighted particularly for his strength in litigation. 

THE FIRM Sources are impressed by the development of this employment practice, highlighting its solution-oriented approach and understanding of clients' businesses. The team's recent activity includes negotiating a number of safeguard plans, social plans and collective bargaining agreements, alongside issues including mergers, policies, employee confidentiality and individual terminations.

Sources say: "An excellent team which meets all our needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christian Jungers assists a broad base of high-profile clients with matters ranging from contracts to litigation. One client says: "He is an expert in labour law and gives very good advice. He is very responsive and helps us when we need to get information quickly."

THE FIRM Despite some recent departures, this team remains highly-regarded for employment work. Its clients include high-profile financial institutions such as BNP Paribas, HSBC and Citibank, as well as a number of global brands and corporate groups. A recent highlight saw the team advise ITT Corporation on the employment aspects of its split into three independently listed groups. 

Sources say: "The team took the time to develop a relationship with us. We would definitely recommend it in Luxembourg."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Catherine Graff is the key contact for the team.

THE FIRM This team provides wide-ranging advice, and has recently won a number of significant new mandates from clients. It advises financial institutions, multinational corporates and manufacturers, some of which are newly established in Luxembourg. The group's specialisations include restructurings, individual and collective dismissals, remuneration, confidentiality and harassment.

Sources say: "A great employment team which gives very good strategic input."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Marielle Stevenot has broad experience in corporate employment law, advising on issues ranging from day-to-day HR advice through to international restructurings and corporate transactions. 

THE FIRM New to the rankings this year, MOLITOR has a diverse and stable practice which assists major clients from industry sectors including retail, banking and hospitality. The firm advises on HR issues such as contracts, remuneration, transfers of undertakings, immigration and dismissals, as well as representing clients in litigation proceedings.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nadine Bogelmann is the key point of contact for the practice.