Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Employees/unions

Kilgannon and Partners’ practice was bolstered in January 2024 with the arrival of experienced employer adviser Dominic Holmes from Mishcon de Reya LLP. Gerard Airey is another key contact in the group.

Employees/unions in London

Leigh Day

The team of ‘fearless lawyers and very creative thinkers’ at Leigh Day is noted as ‘the best in the country’ by its clients. The group harnesses expertise across the remit of employment and discrimination matters, and is at the forefront of conversation regarding equal pay and workers’ rights in particular. The team’s client list is formed solely of individual and Trade Union claimants, and it frequently handles large-scale group litigation claims made against renowned names, an area which Chris Benson has particular experience in. Michael Newman has strong capabilities handling sector-spanning litigious matters at Supreme Court level; ‘absolute powerhouse’ Kiran Daurka acts across age discrimination and victimisation, and equal pay matters, often in collaboration with the ‘endlessly enthusiastic’ Paula Lee. Further names to note include Elizabeth George who is also well-equipped to act on prominent equal pay claims, Nick Webster who is an expert in handling individual claimant matters, and Liana Wood who is developing a specialism in employment status and gig economy litigation work. The group is co-led by Nigel MacKay and Emma Satyamurti.

Praxisleiter:

Nigel Mackay; Emma Satyamurti


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Chris Benson; Michael Newman; Paula Lee; Kiran Daurka; Elizabeth George; Lara Kennedy; Annie Powell; Nick Webster; Liana Wood; James Husbands; Jessica Hunt; Mandy Bhattal; Sam Velody; Simon Cuthbert; Tom Hewitt


Referenzen

‘A formidable firm, and hands-down the best claimant employment solicitors in the country. They have strength at every level of seniority and know the law back to front. They are also fearless lawyers and very creative thinkers. They are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Nick Webster is a fantastic lawyer with incredible judgment; Michael Newman is the leading solicitor in the country for mass equal pay claims; Tom Hewitt is also a key name.’

‘Leigh Day’s employment team is in my view the pre-eminent employee rights team in the country, particularly in relation to multiple claims. They have shown huge innovation in the way they run these claims in a viable manner whilst maximising recovery for their clients.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing employees of a global chain in a group claim relating to sexual harassment.
  • Representing the claimants in an equal pay claim against a well-known retailer.
  • Acting for the group claimants in a case brought against a well-known retailer regarding the employment rights of delivery drivers.

Cole Khan Solicitors LLP

The ‘determined, battle-ready and brilliant’ practice at Cole Khan Solicitors LLP is led by ‘stand out performers in the employment field’ Shazia Khan and Emilie Cole. The group is well-regarded for its abilities in handling matters relating to the array of workplace injustices on behalf of its claimant clients. Complex claims of race, sex and disability discrimination are all prominent features of the team’s workload. Further areas of specialism include cases wherein it represents employees and Union members in claims of unfair dismissal and in whistleblowing actions. Colin Davidson is experienced in acting for employees with complex medical needs who have been subject to discrimination as a result.

Praxisleiter:

Shazia Khan; Emilie Cole


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Thomas Moore; Colin Davidson; Sacha Sokhi; Rebecca Collins


Referenzen

‘I have worked with Shazia Khan, Emilie Cole and Thomas Moore. They work very hard to obtain the right outcome for their clients. Any legal or factual difficulty is approached as a challenge to be overcome. Where an injustice is identified, the guiding principle is that there must be a route to obtaining redress.’

‘Their caring nature and wanting to win every case for every client is key. Emilie Cole and Shazia Khan are both stand-out performers in the employment field.’

‘Determined, battle-ready and brilliant.’

Kernmandanten

University College Union


Accord Union


Equality & Human Rights Commission


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for the client who won his claims of direct race discrimination against the GMC and continuing to represent them at appeal.
  • Represented the client at the London Central Employment Tribunal in summer 2023 regarding their employer’s alleged sex discrimination.
  • Advised the client in the Court of Appeal case against Coventry University Higher Education Corporation following alleged breach of the Equality Act 2010.

Irwin Mitchell

Acting for claimants in complex employment, discrimination and professional discipline disputes is the focus of Irwin Mitchell’s practice. The team is well-equipped to advise across a range of industry sectors, but has particular specialisms in medical and healthcare, and banking and financial services, a key area of focus for Deborah Casale. Shah Qureshi, who ‘goes above and beyond’ for his clients, is at the helm of the practice and has noteworthy expertise in handling whistleblowing and discrimination cases for public bodies and large corporations. ‘First-class partner’ Danielle Parsons is a standout practitioner, as is Shazia Shah, who advises individual employees and senior executives. Tina Din joined the firm in March 2024 from Bindmans LLP.

Praxisleiter:

Shah Qureshi


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Deborah Casale; Danielle Parsons; Shazia Shah; Tina Din; Celine Winham


Referenzen

‘Shah Qureshi has deep knowledge of whistleblowing and discrimination; I felt she was going above and beyond.’

‘Deborah Casale is empathetic, practical and gets results.’

‘I am delighted that I chose Deborah Casale to represent me. Deborah and her team were incredibly helpful and supportive. Deborah gave frank and constructive advice and negotiated fiercely on my behalf. I felt like Deborah was on my side personally as well as professionally.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing a published author in a gender critical belief discrimination case against her former publisher Harper Collins and book packaging company Working Partners.
  • Representing multiple Forensic Medical Examiners in a group action against the Metropolitan Police Service to determine worker status and associated rights and benefits, such as holiday pay.
  • Represented the client in her Employment Tribunal claim for unfair dismissal, race discrimination by victimisation, unauthorised deductions from wages and breach of contract.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

The team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has a strong reputation for its capabilities in handling group action claims, frequently doing so at High Court and Court of Appeal level. The team’s client roster features employees, union members and staff associations, who it assists with the range of employment issues, from redundancies and reorganisations to sex discrimination claims; discrimination matters are an area of specialism of Saima Sarwar. A standout aspect of the team’s workload is its work for the Police Federation of England and Wales. ‘Doyenne of police employment law’, Binder Bansel oversees the group, key members of which include Anthea Christie and Clare Walsh, both are noted as working ‘far beyond expectations’ for clients.

Praxisleiter:

Binder Bansel


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Anthea Christie; Clare Walsh; Gemma Faulkner; Saima Sarwar


Referenzen

‘Outstanding service from Anthea Christie and Clare Walsh who achieved an outcome far beyond my expectations.’

‘A level of commitment far above what I expected. Fantastic communication throughout the process.’

‘The team have been working on my case since 2015 and have shown commitment and dedication throughout. Their communication has been excellent throughout.’

Kernmandanten

Police Federation of England and Wales


Communication Workers Union (CWU)


Civil Nuclear Police Federation


United Road Transport Union


British Transport Police Federation


Police Superintendents’ Association


Association of School and College Leaders


National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers


School Leaders Scotland


British Dietetic Association


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing approx. 40,000 claimants in claims for discrimination arising out of the transitional provisions of the Police Pension Regulations 2015.
  • Representing over 170 claimants under the Part Time Worker (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000.
  • Represented the claimant in a successful claim for sex discrimination, sex harassment and victimisation.

Slater and Gordon

Praised for its ‘compassion and dedication’, Slater and Gordon is well-placed to assist its sector spanning clients with the the array of complex claims. Experienced practitioner Edward Cooper represents private and public sector employees further to his trade union work, with particular expertise in handling whistleblowing matters. Race discrimination matters are a key aspect of the team’s workload and an area of expertise for Laura Thompson, whose practice also includes assisting clients with sexual harassment, conduct dismissal, and TUPE matters. Private employment specialist Doreen Reeves is well-regarded for her ‘unwavering commitment’. 

Praxisleiter:

Edward Cooper; Doreen Reeves; Laura Thompson


Referenzen

‘The team not only had a deep understanding of employment law but also approached my case with compassion and dedication. Throughout the process, they provided clear guidance, ensuring I was informed and empowered at every step. Their expertise and relentless advocacy resulted in a successful resolution and I would recommend their services wholeheartedly.’

‘I must highlight the exceptional support and guidance provided by Doreen Reeves throughout my challenging case. Beyond her legal expertise, Doreen went above and beyond to offer invaluable advice and emotional support. She fought tirelessly on my behalf but also became a trusted confidante.’

‘Doreen Reeves’ compassionate approach and unwavering dedication were instrumental in navigating the complexities of my case.’

Kernmandanten

Fire Officers Association


Police Federation


Thompsons Solicitors LLP

Thompsons Solicitors LLP is praised for its ‘superb knowledge of union law’, a key area of focus for the team. Richard Arthur is at the helm of the group and ‘bestrides the law on industrial action like a colossus’. Counting major trade unions and members among its key roster of clients, the team advises on matters ranging from defending industrial actions to representing employees in unfair dismissal cases. Notably, the team is representing USDAW at the Supreme Court in a case against Tesco regarding the rules around retained pay. A ‘force to be reckoned with’, Kate Fox is a name to note, as are Neil Todd and Rachel Halliday.

Praxisleiter:

Richard Arthur


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Brian Wilson; Emma Game; Kate Fox; Rachel Halliday; Neil Todd; Iain Birrell


Referenzen

‘Kate Fox is a force to be reckoned with. She is fearless in representing her clients, takes no nonsense but ultimately cares deeply about those she represents. She does not miss a thing but is completely unpretentious in how she approaches disputes. She is highly organised and is a delight to work with as a barrister.’

‘Thompsons is the premier trade union firm in the UK. Most trade unions instruct them especially in cases concerning collective consultation, strikes and challenges to government.’

‘Richard Arthur is the most knowledgeable lawyer in the UK on collective trade union law. He is tactically expert, pragmatic and good at having his client’s back.’

Kernmandanten

Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen


Fire Brigades Union


National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers


National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers


Prison Officers’ Association


Prospect


Public and Commercial Services Union


UNISON


Unite the Union


University and College Union


Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP

Advising individuals, senior executives and businesses on the remit of employment issues, Aneil Balgobin heads up the practice at Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP. Industrial and trade union cases are a key aspect of team leader Joy Drummond’s practice, as well as frequently handling issues ranging from unlawful deduction of wages to maternity discrimination. Inbar Rabinovitz is another key practitioner in the team with expertise in workplace equality.

Praxisleiter:

Aneil Balgobin


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Joy Drummond; Inbar Rabinovitz; Michael Tyndall; Aryan Gupta


Referenzen

‘Nothing is too much effort and it feels like they have your best interests at heart. I was so pleased with everyone I came into contact with at Anthony Gold.’

‘I cannot thank Anthony Gold lawyers enough for making this experience easy and assuring that I was in good hands.’

‘The experience is best characterised by clear, efficient, accurate and timely advice and execution.’

Kernmandanten

ISU


FDA


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised multiple ISU-supported claimants, negotiating a good financial settlement for all the claimants.
  • Advised and assisted the FDA National Official, representing their member in her Employment Tribunal claim for maternity discrimination resulting in securing a suitable role for her and achieving a very good financial settlement in circumstances where there was no financial loss.
  • Advised and assisted the FDA National Official representing their member, who suffers from long term depression and anxiety, in his Employment Tribunal claims for failure to make reasonable adjustments and disability discrimination and harassment, unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal.

Curzon Green Solicitors

Jennifer Sole oversees Curzon Green Solicitors’ practice and is well-regarded by clients for her ‘laser focus on the legal merits’ of cases. Sector-spanning senior executives and individuals form a large part of the team’s client portfolio and it is well-equipped to assist with matters ranging from unfair dismissals and board-level company exits to disability discrimination claims. Lauren McLaughlin, who ‘leads with empathy and kindness’, is a practitioner to note in the group, as is Adam Jones, who assists on advisory and contentious mandates.

Praxisleiter:

Jennifer Sole


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Lauren McLaughlin; Uzair Zafar; Temujin Erdene-Ochir; Adam Jones; Beatrice Young


Referenzen

‘Curzon Green Solicitors have been exceptional to work with and extremely efficient with delivery. Professional and personable, the team at Curzon Green Solicitors have always provided clear and concise advice alongside detailed explanations and responses.’

‘Lauren McLaughlin is an exceedingly reliable and responsive professional. Lauren leads with empathy and kindness and demonstrates exceptional knowledge of the law, offering clear and thorough advice specific to my personal circumstance.’

Temujin Erdene-Ochir is a dedicated and highly reliable professional who is extremely responsive and attentive to my case. Temujin is highly knowledgeable in employment law and takes the time to provide clear and concise advice.’

Kernmandanten

Skilled Careers Limited


Archer Rusby Solicitors Limited


Wycombe Food Hub CIC


Green Retreats Limited


didlaw

The team at didlaw is well-regarded for its ‘deep knowledge and vast experience in all aspects of disability law’. This is the key area of specialism for team head Karen Jackson, who is also well-placed to advise on such issues as bullying, harassment and women’s rights in the workplace. These are key areas of focus for Anita Vadgama. Elizabeth McGlone, who is praised as ‘a titan of employment law and discrimination law’, advises on matters concerning sexual harassment, mental health and neurodiversity-related discrimination.

Praxisleiter:

Karen Jackson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Elizabeth McGlone; Anita Vadgama


Referenzen

‘Elizabeth McGlone is tenacious and fights hard for her clients. Anita Vadgama is strategically very strong.’

‘Karen Jackson was amazing, incredibly supportive and direct, compassionate and did a brilliant job of negotiating effectively with my employer to achieve an optimal outcome for me.’

‘Anita Vadgama handled my case with compassion, commitment and care. Anita is a true asset to didlaw and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them for best practice, professionalism and getting the best results.’

Rahman Lowe Solicitors

Rahman Lowe Solicitors’ employment boutique is praised for its ‘meticulous approach and dedication’ to the range of matters it is equipped to handle. The team is led by the ‘exemplary’ Jahad Rahman, who harnesses expertise in high-profile whistleblowing and discrimination cases, ranging from disability to race-related incidents. ‘Phenomenal lawyer’ Zillur Rahman is a standout and has experience assisting clients in reputational risk matters, including claims of defamation.

Praxisleiter:

Jahad Rahman


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Zillur Rahman


Referenzen

‘There was always someone to answer questions and never was a question too silly, rather everything was compassionately understood and where necessary I was given clear understanding of the law with the options to choose.’

‘Zillur Rahman is exceptional. My case was complex but the level of understanding and expertise Zillur Rahman showed was a credit to him and how much he takes his work and profession seriously; he is an outstanding human being who will go above and beyond the call of duty for each and every one of his clients and succeed.’

‘Zillur Rahman provided stellar advice and guidance regarding my matter. He is truly an asset to his firm and the profession. His care and attention throughout our interaction was second to none. I would definitely recommend him to others.’

Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented a client who was racially abused by colleague where the employer failed to take appropriate action on the basis of an alleged cultural misunderstanding.
  • Acted for the client successfully in her claim for constructive dismissal and disability discrimination against her employer.
  • Acted successfully for a client who was discriminated against by his employer because of his disability (epilepsy).

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP’s team’s workload includes advising national trade unions on the remit of matters, with additional expertise in mandates concerning sex, race and maternity discrimination, as well as unfair and wrongful dismissals. At the helm of the practice is Michael Michaeloudis, who is well-regarded for his ‘exceptional legal prowess and strategic acumen’. Sophie Georgiou is adept at advising on discrimination claims, while ‘standout associate’ Tariro Nyoka is another key contact in the group.

Praxisleiter:

Michael Michaeloudis


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sophie Georgiou; Tariro Nyoka


Referenzen

‘Michael Michaeloudis was outstanding throughout the process when dealing with an employment issue. When Michael took over the case his dedication, professionalism and determination made the case much more endurable.’

‘Michael Michaeloudis was very approachable, efficient, and knowledgeable. He knew the answers to my questions, was responsive and gave me real confidence that my case was strong, and that I would have a successful outcome.’

‘I was extremely grateful when I contacted Ronald Fletcher Barker as they took the time to understand my situation and gave me valuable information and what I could do to address a very awful situation I was experiencing with my employers.’

Kernmandanten

National Association of Headteachers


United Voices of the World


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented a client in their Employment Tribunal claims for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, and unlawful deduction from wages against at the Liverpool Employment Tribunal.
  • Represented the client in her claim for unfair dismissal brought in the London East Employment Tribunal, after she had failed an alcohol test having consumed mouthwash containing alcohol.
  • Represented the employee in her whistleblowing and health and safety detriment claim brought in the Midlands West Employment Tribunal.