Employment: The South: Kent, Sussex & Surrey

This team moves up the rankings this year in recognition of its prowess in advising substantial clients in the aviation and travel industries. It also advises clients in the charity sector. Lawyers recently advised the Association of British Travel Agents on restructuring matters and easyJet on a range of contentious and non-contentious issues. Other notable clients include Swissport, Monarch Airlines and the RSPCA.

Commercial Awareness "They make it their business to understand your business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rebecca Thornley-Gibson's practice emphasises clients in the travel and aviation sectors. Clients describe her as "thorough and hard-working across the board." The "extremely efficient" Andrew Knorpel advises on matters such as corporate restructurings and outsourcing. Clients rate his "commercially astute" approach, which "gets solutions." The "commercially minded" Gregory Burgess advises clients on strategic matters such as restructurings and transfers. The "highly personable" Claire Singleton conducts training sessions for clients and advises on tribunal claims and policies and procedures.

This strong team is recognised for its advice to local, national and London-based employers on the full range of employment matters, with a recent emphasis on TUPE matters. It also advises both employers and senior executives on terminations. The team counts Alexander Mining, Omnicom Media Group and Goodenough College among its clients.

Client Service "They are extremely good at delighting the customer."

Commercial Awareness "They know our business and our people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "highly experienced and knowledgeable" Roger Byard heads the team. He advises employers on all aspects of employment law and executives on appointment and departure issues. Gavin Tyler has particular expertise in the employment aspects of corporate transactions and is "notably technically sound," according to clients. Camilla Beamish is frequently instructed on tribunal claims.  

This stellar team acts for substantial clients in the public and private sectors, frequently acting in tribunal proceedings. The group successfully defended the London Borough of Croydon against recent equal pay claims. Other clients include the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and the Disabilities Trust.

Client Service "They respond quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the team Rustom Tata frequently appears before employment tribunals. The "pragmatic and thorough" Jenny Thorp "explains issues clearly and in understandable language." She acts mainly for public sector clients, often on discrimination claims and TUPE matters. Simon Bellm advises clients in both the private and public sectors and counts Medway Council and Brighton Rugby Club among his clients. Julie Jones focuses on private sector employers, which agree that her advice is "spot-on" and "she knows her stuff."

This Guildford-based firm advises large employers on contentious and non-contentious matters. It recently advised Papa John’s GB on restrictive covenant and TUPE matters. Other clients include Amazon.co.uk and AES Electric.  

Client Service "They are responsive and helpful."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Stephanie Dale covers the waterfront on employment law for her clients. Helen Boddy is "good at strategy and tactics" and "gives direct advice which is not open to misinterpretation."

This team acts for significant employers with a focus on multiple discrimination claims and restructuring work. It recently successfully acted for Kinetics Group Limited in respect of protective award claims brought by several unions on behalf of their members. Other clients include EDF Energy and Ericsson.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andy Williams represented "X" in the Court of Appeal in a discrimination claim brought against Mid Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau. Interviewees praise his "outstanding work."

This team advises regional employers and employees on matters such as tribunal claims and TUPE matters. It has a notable practice advising clients in the medical sector, such as Kent Local Medical Committee.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rosalie Brennan "secures good results through her preparation," say sources.

The Guildford team has seen a recent increase in instructions in complex contentious matters. It recently represented ISS UK in multiple TUPE-related equal pay claims. The team also advises Zara UK and Chubb Fire. On November 1st, 2011 Barlow Lyde & Gilbert merged with Clyde & Co. The merged entity will trade under the Clyde & Co banner.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Astute tactician" Steve Blunt is "commercially focused." He gets brought in on company restructurings and is frequently involved in the hiring and firing of senior executives.  

This team advises private and public sector organisations and focuses on Kent-based clients. It has particular expertise in the education sector. The team is "highly communicative and effective," say sources. 

Client Service "Their responses are always timely."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the team Andrew Masters is described as "hugely competent" and a "good communicator." He frequently acts for educational institutions. The "highly personable" Amanda Okill advises clients on all aspects of employment law and has particular strength in discrimination matters.

This team is recognised for its work advising corporate clients on restructurings and senior executives on redundancies. It also advises employers on employment disputes of all types. Notable clients include Newsquest Media Group, the British Institute of Innkeeping and Wurth UK.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "highly responsive" Mike Cole gives clients "clear and realistic advice." Clare Coley's practice emphasises employment status matters and issues relating to employment agencies.

This team focuses on disputes and tribunal claims, including bringing and defending substantial discrimination claims. It also advises clients on non-contentious issues such as TUPE matters. It counts a numbers of substantial employers in the private and charities sectors among its clients, including Opodo, Suzuki GB and Scope.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the department Antony Hyams-Parish is an employment specialist with particular expertise in litigation.

This boutique advises and trains employers, including several airlines. It provides "commercial and practical" advice on matters as diverse as policies and procedures, tribunal claims and severance packages.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly regarded Harry Sherrard is "very good at what he does."

The "friendly and professional" team at Thomas Eggar advises significant employers on a range of issues. Recent highlights include advising Yell Adworks on a national restructuring project. The team also advises Flight Centre and Pret A Manger.

Commercial Awareness "The main reason we work with them is that they are commercially savvy and understand our business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Catherine Wilson is a key contact.

This team handles a healthy volume of tribunal and High Court litigation. Recent highlights include advising Royal British Legion Industries on an unfair dismissal and discrimination claim. The team also advises Sterling Finance and Colas.

Commercial Awareness "The advice and assistance given is invaluable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susanna Gilmartin is "proactive and the advice she provides is highly practical." She focuses on contentious work at tribunals and in the High Court. Head of the practice Nick Hobden is praised for his "firm and highly competent" case handling.

This East Sussex team advises a mix of employers and employees on the full range of employment law issues. Recent highlights include advising Pharma Supply on the employment aspects of purchasing several pharmaceutical businesses.

Client Service "They are highly responsive and knowledgeable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the team Samantha Davis has "huge presence," say sources. The "highly personable" Cathy Hoar has particular expertise in employment law matters with a company law dimension. Amy Richardson receives praise from clients for "not spouting legalese but giving advice which is reasonable and relevant."

This team advises corporates on restructuring projects and has a presence in the education sector. It recently acted for estate agency LudlowThompson.com in a High Court injunction claim.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Ludlow counts United Drug and Photo-Me International among his clients. Clients praise his commercial acumen.  

This team advises on tribunal claims and industrial relations matters. It has also significantly increased its representation of employees and has handled a strong flow of tribunals work over the year.

Commercial Awareness “Very proactive in approach.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Catherine Daw is "highly knowledgeable and helpful in her specialist area of union recognition." She advises a number of NHS trusts. Head of the department Joanna Worby is a litigation specialist. William Addis recently joined the team from Clarkson Wright & Jakes.

This team is recognised for its "good commercial advice" to employers on tribunal claims. It has also seen growth in instructions from individuals. Clients include Employment Services Partnership and Autoclenz.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Lorna Valcin is the key contact here.

This specialist employment firm advises employers and executives on the gamut of employment issues. It has recently seen an increase in instructions on restructuring projects. Europa and the Police Credit Union are among its clients.

Commercial Awareness "They have got to know our business and its idiosyncrasies."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients appreciate Pam Loch for her "responsive, clear and technically strong" approach.

This team advises employers on the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters. It also advises senior executives on exit packages. Clients include TM Lewin & Sons.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Denham Bell is experienced in all areas of employment law.

This Chichester-based employment boutique advises clients on the full complement of employment law. It also provides clients with specialist training.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Stevens has a broad and varied practice, while Nicola Brown has particular expertise in discrimination and pay and benefits matters.

This firm has a good track record in representing clients at employment tribunals. It also advises on matters such as dismissals, confidentiality and working time. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Mansfield advises both employers and employees on the full range of employment law issues and frequently represents clients at tribunals. Antonia Brewer has particular expertise in substantial commission and bonus claims.

This Tonbridge-based team enters the tables this year on the basis of a reputation gained by representing employers and individuals in Kent and beyond in contentious matters. Clients appreciate the service provided by the team's lawyers: "They kept me informed and gave me good advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Recent arrival Michael McNally has particular expertise in advising rural businesses and organisations in the country sports sector.