Employment: Midlands

This team handles complex, high-value litigation and project work. It has significant experience advising clients on international matters. Recent work includes advising Wipro Technologies on IT outsourcing deals across 12 jurisdictions. Other notable clients include Kodak, Fujitsu Telecommunications and Virgin Holidays.   

Commercial Awareness "We send them anything complex, stuff where we want their commercial insight and technical acumen."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "outstanding" Nicholas Jew leads the team. He has a "commercial understanding of the issues" and "an astute approach to drafting." His practice includes specialist advice on employment matters relating to insolvency. Sandra Wallace heads the firm's equality and diversity team. Clients like her ability to form relationships and understand the commercial complexities of their work.  

This team is recommended for heavyweight tribunal work and for domestic and international projects and restructuring matters. It represents clients across a number of industry sectors, including financial services. Recent work highlights include successfully defending Premier Manufacturing Group against 35 claims for protective awards and automatic unfair dismissal, and advising Walsall MBC on the introduction of a new pay and grading structure for its employees. Other notable clients include Barclays Bank, Centrica, Experian and Rolls-Royce.

Client Service  "They are excellent at seeing how they could be doing better and helping us to save money."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team head David Beswick is a favourite with clients, who commend his "incredible foresight" and his "clear, thorough yet concise advice." Nicola Bennison specialises in providing advice to institutions of higher and further education. Mark Fletcher has particular expertise in advising on large TUPE matters. His recent work includes advising Bradford & Bingley on its merger with Northern Rock. Teresa Dolan joins the team this year from Hammonds. Clients rate her "practical, business-focused advice."

This "incredibly responsive" team provides clients with "practical, commercial and superbly accurate advice." The team acts locally, nationally and internationally for clients in the financial services, retail and construction sectors, and institutions of higher education. Recent highlights include advising ASDA on the employment law aspects of its acquisition of Netto Foodstores, and advising Midlands Co-operative on a merger with Thomas Cook.

Client Service "Ten out of ten for service."

Commercial Awareness "They make sure we don't fall into any bear traps."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team chief Linda Jones has a top-notch reputation for negotiating senior executive exits. She also manages the firm's relationships with clients such as John Lewis, Misys and Cadbury. Jonathan Coley leads nationwide on tribunal management and clients particularly recommend him for high-level disputes: "He really understands the practical and commercial elements of them." 

The team here is rated for providing clients with "commercially relevant business advice" and "innovative solutions to complex problems." It has substantial expertise and resources at its disposal which stand it in good stead in large-scale litigation, restructuring deals and employee investigations. Clients include high-profile public sector organisations and multinational companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "impressively switched-on" Jonathan Chamberlain has particular expertise in advising on global and European-wide projects. Martin Chitty has particular expertise in advising US-based clients on restructuring issues, and advising on executive severance. His advice is described as "business-relevant and sensible." Clients speak highly of the "creative" Trevor Gibson, noting that "he operates as an extension of our HR team." Anna Fletcher is well regarded for her highly commercial approach.  

This team represents a great many large public sector organisations in the region, but is also recognised for its work for private sector clients on a wide variety of matters. Recent work includes defending hundreds of equal pay claims for NHS and local authority clients, and delivering an outsourced claims handling service for Hiscox.

Commercial Awareness "Complex queries are met with comprehensive advice that is commercial and relevant to my business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Edward Benson is an experienced tribunal advocate. His practice also includes advising employers on contracts, policies and industrial relations. The "impressive" Robin Broughton sits as a part-time employment judge and is praised by clients for his "good, commercial advice." Team head Peter Jones' recent work includes advising on a restructuring which included redundancies and TUPE issues. Iain Patterson has a healthy practice advising NHS and local authority clients on equal pay claims. James Tait's clients praise his "down-to-earth, can-do attitude."

This team has an impressive client roster that draws from both the private and public sectors. It has been busy lately with complex tribunal and projects work. Other recent work includes advising The British Psychological Society on restructuring matters and TUPE issues, and advising a travel company on several high-value discrimination claims. Other notable clients include Aldi, AVG Technologies and E.ON.

Client Service "Their standard of response is very very high - they seem to have an infrastructure that works and a seamless approach."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extremely practical and technically knowledgeable" David Potter leads the team. Julian Middleton is "someone you can trust." His practice includes contentious and non-contentious advice for substantial corporate clients. Rebecca Sawbridge is experienced in both contentious and non-contentious matters, and Philip Pepper is commended for his "huge energy and the tremendous amount of work he does." Peter Gavin of KJD Freeth LLP in Stoke is widely respected as "a very capable lawyer."

The team here advises public sector clients, with an emphasis on the healthcare and education sectors. Notable clients include Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, NHS Institute for Information & Innovation, University of Manchester and Buckinghamshire New University.

Commercial Awareness "They have a good understanding of the healthcare sector - a proactive understanding rather than a reactive one."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Abbott heads the firm's higher education practice in the West Midlands and he is appreciated by clients for providing "practical solutions to problems." The "incredibly responsive" Martin Brewer is recommended for his tribunal, restructuring and complex TUPE advice. Jog Hundle is praised for her work advising NHS employers on equal pay claims, organisational changes and redundancies: "She goes above and beyond the call of duty and I know she won't miss a thing."

This team handles significant matters as part of a pan-European network of lawyers. Recent highlights include advising The Doyle Collection on restructuring exercises, and providing cross-border advice to GL Noble Denton. Other clients include GAME Group, Iron Mountain and Peugeot.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Frost has a diverse practice that ranges from advising companies in the financial services sector to advising football clubs and managers. Recent highlights include advising Roberto Mancini on his contract with Manchester City FC, and advising Aston Villa FC on the appointment of Gérard Houllier as manager.

This team is well regarded for the advice it provides to clients in the non-profit and SME sectors. Its clients include social housing, faith and educational organisations. "They deliver consistently high-quality professional advice." 

Client Service "They understand that the primary concerns of most clients are good service and quality, and the speed of their responses is exceptional."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Matthew Wort is "good at undertaking robust legal risk assessments and his advice has never faltered in this regard." He focuses on non-profits. Stephen Dalling's practice includes reorganisations, redundancies, and grievance and disciplinary investigations with an emphasis on the non-profit sector. Clients note: "He acts with integrity and confidence, which ensures that his reports stand up to thorough scrutiny at any hearing stage." Douglas Mullen "has the ability to weigh up complexity very quickly and find a path through it which is sustainable in business terms."

This compact team has an impressive mix of private and public sector clients. It provides commercial advice to clients on a national and international basis. Notable clients include the British Transport Police, Unimerco and Birmingham International Airport.

Client Service "The firm is responsive and we have a strong relationship with them - we feel well supported and have always felt valued as a client."

KEY INDIVIDUALS National head of the firm's employment and pensions team, Ashley Norman is "good at explaining the law without jargon." Kathy Halliday is "robust, technically good and pragmatic." She has particular expertise in the housing sector.

With offices in Birmingham, Leicester and Nottingham this national firm has a formidable offering in the region. Recent highlights include advising Morrison Utility Services on TUPE matters relating to the repair of Thames Water infrastructure, and representing BT in tribunal claims. Other notable clients include Mears Group, Taylor Wimpey and The Football League.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Finlay is an experienced practitioner with particular expertise in restrictive covenants. Victoria Garrad's clients praise her ability to "see things from our perspective and give honest guidance." Andrew Macmillan advises clients including large companies on all aspects of employment law. He is the firm's national head of employment.

This "practical, responsive, accurate and efficient" outfit acts for a variety of clients across the private and public sectors including multinational corporations. The team is frequently instructed in complex industrial relations matters and tribunal claims.

Client Service "They know us both as a company and as individuals. They know our policies and they know how we like to work." "They operate as an extension of our team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paula Bailey is "commercial, helpful and professional." Graham Irons is described as "responsive, timely and practical."

This firm is especially highly regarded in the healthcare and education sectors. It is also praised by corporate clients as "a friendly team which is well resourced and practical." Notable clients include the University of Cambridge and South Staffordshire Water. On 1st December 2011, Martineau merged with Sprecher Grier Halberstam to form SGH Martineau LLP.

Client Service "Their proactive, practical and pragmatic approach enables us to steer matters to a successful resolution."

Commercial Awareness "Martineau has a good understanding of the dynamics of our organisation and is able to position its advice to fit the context in which we operate."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the employment group Jane Byford focuses on litigation. She provides "practical solutions which work on the ground." Clients praise David Faulkner's ability to "navigate simply and clearly to the key points in extremely complex matters." The "concise and pragmatic" Ben Thornber has expertise in areas such as redundancies and restructuring. Karen Macpherson joins from DLA Piper and is well regarded for her expertise in mergers and outsourcing-related issues.

With a presence in Birmingham, Nottingham and Stratford-upon-Avon this team is a significant player in the region. It represents clients on contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. Clients say: "We don't have to explain our culture to them. They advise us remarkably efficiently." Clients include Getty Images, Red Bull and the MCC.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Hibbs is "practical, straightforward, approachable and easy to deal with," say sources. Nottingham-based Hilary Campion is "good on the law and understands the commercial goals." Team head Simon Gilmour has particular expertise in TUPE and restructuring matters. Lorraine Teague specialises in representing individuals in high-level disputes and is also a CEDR-qualified mediator. Sources observe: "She develops strong client relationships and is tenacious on their behalf." Paula Whelan specialises in contentious matters and "fights hard" for her clients.

The regional offering of this national outfit rises in the rankings this year on the back of significant work and satisfied clients. Recent matters have included advising Aston Villa FC following the departure of manager Martin O’Neill. Clients note: "They understand the pressures I am under and they support me as a partner."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Duff is "commercially sensitive and very practical and down to earth." His recent work includes advising Thomas Cook on its merger with Co-op and Midlands Co-op. Head of department Richard Santy is "an impressive operator" who clients "trust implicitly." He has particular strength in litigation and tribunal advocacy.  

This Solihull-based niche employment firm focuses on advising senior executives, directors and managers.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Jones is an experienced practitioner.

This team has particular strength in representing NHS trusts and local authorities. Recent work includes successfully defending several NHS trusts in complex equal pay litigation. The team's work in tribunals comes in for high praise, too.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extremely customer-focused" Alec Bennett has particular expertise in outsourcing and public sector reorganisations.

This East Midlands team has a presence in both Derby and Nottingham. It is highly regarded in the litigation sphere and clients include substantial employers such as Vision Express. A client says: "The whole team there is excellent."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team chief and respected litigator Mike Butler is "approachable and user-friendly," according to clients. Christopher Sing is "bright, professional and commercially aware." He has particular expertise in education-related work.

This compact team enjoys a good reputation locally and serves loyal clients who include regional SMEs and larger corporates.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "competent and able" Tim Lang acts mostly for employers and his effective advocacy and knowledge of TUPE matters has particularly impressed.

This Black Country firm continues to impress with its advice on complex employment tribunal cases including discrimination and unfair dismissal claims. The firm has particular expertise in advising clients in the transport and brewery sectors. Clients include Marston's and Erik's Industrial Services.

Client Service "The client service is excellent across the team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the team Tim Jones has "genuine empathy" and "understands the way our business operates on many levels." Damian Kelly has a practice which spans giving strategic advice to clients and appearing before tribunals. Debra Cottam is as appreciated for the training she delivers as she is for her legal advice.

This team acts entirely for corporates, mainly in the logistics, manufacturing and engineering sectors. It often acts for companies with a parent in the USA, France or Germany.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team head Ranjit Dhindsa's practice emphasises tribunal work. Clients note: "She gives clear, thorough, commercially realistic advice and always gives you her prompt attention."

This firm acts for a blend of corporate and insurance clients, with an emphasis on tribunal claims. Clients particularly rate the team for complex claims. Lawyers recently defended Birmingham City FC in an unfair dismissal claim.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Fergal Dowling leads the team of 16 lawyers in Birmingham. "He gives very pragmatic responses which are technically correct but go beyond the technical to become solutions." Christopher Piggott's approach is "pragmatic and very solutions-focused," say clients, who also value his "sound judgement."

This team moves up the rankings as a result of the quality of its work for public and private sector clients. It also offers a specialist equal pay unit. Clients include Pizza Hut, TGI Fridays and Leicester City PCT.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Lang is the main contact here.

This firm is the product of a merger in August 2010 between Lincolnshire firm Wilkin Chapman and Grimsby’s Grange Wintringham. The expanded team acts for a range of clients, notably from the food industry and the public sector. Clients say they are "extremely helpful" and "use a language we can understand."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Buckle is the main contact at the firm.