Under the leadership of Carl Richards and Julia Wilson, Baker McKenzie LLP fields a team of ‘excellent lawyers’. It is known both domestically and internationally for its strategic employment law advice. In addition to its considerable industrial relations expertise, it is recognised for its skill across a broad range of other areas, such as advising on global workforce restructuring, and cross-border deals. It is sought after too for its advice on business change projects, and workplace redesign schemes. In addition, the group excels in advising on a range of diversity and inclusion matters, data privacy and modern slavery issues, as well as business change projects where there will disruption and transformation. The team is also highly regarded for its experience of handling complex disputes and investigations. Other areas of expertise lie in the financial services sector, and advising on a broad range of regulatory matters. Among the other names to note are Monica Kurnatowska and Annabel Mackay. Former practice head John Evason has retired from the firm.

Khurram Shamsee spearheads the practice at DAC Beachcroft LLP, which is lauded for having practitioners who are ‘passionate about what they do, and care about the advice they give’. Its London-based team has considerable strength and depth to support its blue chip commercial and financial services clients on their most complex and sensitive employment projects. It has niche expertise in financial services, healthcare, and industrial relations, and garners praise for its work on the most difficult litigation. The firm covers an interesting mix of advisory work, including working on board level issues and cross-border projects, as well as high-value litigation work. Udara Ranasinghe heads up its health employment practice. Other members of the ‘commercial, responsive and personable’ team include David Sims. Sims is recognised for his handling of the people and culture issues facing regulated employers. David Speakman leads the team’s investigations practice. Richard Loxley is a skilled litigator who deftly handles the most complex, sensitive and high-value cases.

‘If you want Rolls-Royce work, there is none better’ than Herbert Smith Freehills LLP. The ‘very impressive‘ Andrew Taggart is at the helm of this ‘class act’, which is praised for its ‘fantastic work ethic, and client service which is second to none’. It is best known for its ability to advise a range of high-profile, multinational businesses and financial institutions on the most complex and sensitive issues, such as ‘bet the house’ matters. Recent highlights have included advising on the social elements of ESG issues, as well as handling several sensitive disputes. Its crisis management practice remains busy. The team is also well-equipped to advise on the employments aspects of key corporate deals, and transformational projects. It is increasingly advising on artificial intelligence and the implementation of automated technology by employers. Tim Leaver is highly regarded along with Christine Young. The ‘very experienced’ Peter Frost together with Nick Wright both play a pivotal role in the department. Jennifer Andrews is among the other excellent members of the practice.

Clients of Lewis Silkin remark that ‘no other firm comes close in terms of the number of brilliant and pragmatic partners’. Under the excellent direction of Richard Miskella, the team provides a ‘platinum service’ on issues as diverse as redundancy and restructuring exercises (particularly in the tech sector), and dealing with industrial action. It particularly excels in advising on trade union recognition. The group has been described as the ‘crème de la crème of employment practices‘. It has been busy advising on conflicts of belief in the workplace, and on other matters relating to diversity, equality and inclusion. Michael Anderson is a key member of its High Court employment litigation practice. Karen Baxter is known for her extensive investigations experience. Michael Burd covers an array of high-value disputes, and other issues relating to senior terminations. Shalina Crossley has particular expertise in advising on racial and socio-economic discrimination and cultural change. James Davies is well-regarded. Toni Lorenzo, David Hopper, Carla Watling are among the other highly recommended members of the team.

The ‘proactive’ team at Linklaters LLP provides ‘pragmatic solutions and suggestions that are rooted in reality’. Nicola Rabson heads this practice, which frequently handles big-ticket employment litigation. In addition, it garners praise for its expertise in providing strategic advisory work, and advising on other areas such as workplace activism and culture. The group also excels in helping on the people-related aspects of large transactions, as well as advising on a whole host of diversity and inclusion issues. Sinead Casey has particular experience of working with clients on crisis management mandates, and is highly regarded for her handling of employment cases before the High Court and the Employment Tribunal. Nick Marshall, who is a solicitor advocate, was promoted to the partnership in May 2023. Marshall covers areas as diverse as whistleblowing and conduct investigations, as well as numerous reputationally sensitive cases. Emma Gray has a wealth of experience across advisory, contentious and transactional employment matters.

Daniel Naftalin spearheads a ‘great team’ at Mishcon de Reya LLP. This heavyweight practice acts for clients ranging from some of the most well-known global brands and listed organisations to mid-size UK companies. These clients stem from a variety of sectors including financial services, recruitment services, sport and fashion. It has an excellent High Court disputes practice, and routinely advises on a whole host of complex matters such as whistleblowing claims, restrictive covenants, and discrimination. The group continues to be busy advising on numerous key strategic projects, corporate transactions, and restructurings. These matters often have significant international elements. Joanna Blackburn has a loyal client base of international corporations. Sharon Tan is adept at handling everything from high-stakes, multi-party litigation in the Employment Tribunal and High Court, to collective consultation obligations, and complex partnership issues. Susannah Kintish acts for employers on all types of contentious and non-contentious matters. Katie Mahoney and Emily Knight are both recommended. Matthew Wood was promoted to the partnership in May 2024. Dominic Holmes left the firm in December 2023.

‘A truly brilliant team with quality and flair at all levels’, at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is well-equipped to advise leading employers across the full array of employment matters. The group frequently provides litigation support, and strategic transactional advice to key clients. It is well-regarded for its work on managing senior terminations, internal disputes, and team moves. It acts for a substantial number of banks and financial services institutions, particularly on the contentious side, and continues to be busy supporting on key deals, and insolvency matters. Practice co-head Rebecca Harding-Hill has an excellent practice, and often deals with highly sensitive reputational issues for employers. Fellow co-head Catherine Turner has a particular focus on managing discrimination, whistleblowing claims and injunctions. Adam Lambert has left the practice, while James Anderson joined in May 2024.

Spearheaded by Alistair Woodland, the agile team at Clifford Chance LLP advises a wide range of corporate clients and financial institutions on the full spectrum of complex employment matters. It regularly advises on sensitive boardroom and senior executive matters; mergers and acquisitions; restructurings and redundancies. Other focus areas span diversity and inclusion issues, employment litigation, and employment investigations. Chinwe Odimba-Chapman has a broad practice, which includes advising on the employment and labour law aspects of M&A transactions/outsourcing projects, as well as advising on executive terminations. Odimba-Chapman is also skilled at handling High Court litigation. Alastair Windass advises on a wide range of employment, labour and HR issues in the UK, and on a cross-border basis.

The ‘hugely responsive’ team at CMS is praised for its ‘high level of attention to detail’ under the joint leadership of Aberdeen-based Alison Woods, and London-based Melanie Lane. This standalone international employment practice advises some well-known companies on a variety of complex UK employment matters. It has particularly strong expertise in sectors such as consumer products and retail, as well as technology, media and telecommunications. The agile team receives a regular flow of instructions in complex business reorganisations and restructurings, global outsourcing projects, as well as Employment Tribunal and High Court litigation. It is also experienced at handling major corporate and commercial transactions, as well as an array of ESG issues, and workplace investigations. The ‘very strong‘ Steven Cochrane, Catherine Taylor and Anna Cope are all recommended.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s recent highlights have included the promotion of Emma Humphreys to the partnership in May 2023, and Graham Green joining the team in September 2023 from Reed Smith LLP. Paul Fontes heads the London employment practice, which has a depth of expertise in three core areas. It excels in handling complex mandates for major financial institutions, and PLCs. The group also has considerable strength in industrial relations work, and advising on global employment matters. Diane Gilhooley is the global head of the HR practice group, and is based in Manchester. Sophie White’s clients are in insurance, wealth management, financial services, and the TMT sectors. Hannah Mahon is the AI workstream lead for employment, and the legal technology partner for employment matters. Marc Meryon is a consultant since May 2023.

‘Farrer & Co‘s employment team is consistently impressive at all levels. They combine an astute legal judgment with a really sound basis of common sense’. It is jointly led by David Smellie and Kathleen Heycock. The group continues to undertake substantial projects for a wide variety of high-profile clients, including some third-sector clients. It also excels in advising on industrial relations, and in high-profile employment tribunal litigation. The group is skilled in investigations work too, and at advising clients in regulated industries. Recent highlights have included Alice Yandle’s promotion to the partnership in May 2023. Charmaine Pollock was made partner in May 2024. Rachel Lewis is among the other excellent members of the department. Lewis is sought after for her work on sensitive discrimination claims, senior level dismissals, and large-scale reorganisations.

‘On the client side, it feels like a well-oiled machine’ when dealing with GQ | LITTLER, due to the ‘large team of high-quality partners and associates’. The specialist employment law firm focuses solely on advising large, and often international, corporate clients. It works with businesses which need assistance in dealing with complex and high-value people issues. It also works with some US City law firms which do not have employment departments. Paul Quain garners considerable praise, and has particular experience of managing board level crises. The department is collectively led by Raoul Parekh; Caroline Baker; Sophie Vanhegan and Nicola James. Other names to note include Deborah Margolis and Ben Smith. Natasha Adom was promoted to the partnership in April 2023.

‘Simmons & Simmons has provided outstanding support to us in facing a number of highly complicated issues’. Clients appreciate that ‘they are responsive and commercially minded, but this does not come at the expense of quality or thoroughness’. Led by Andrea Finn, the group excels at managing its clients’ most complex, high-value and reputationally sensitive issues. The majority of its client base are significant investment firms, financial services companies, as well as prominent social media and multimedia groups. It is highly recommended too for its work on a variety of multi-million pound claims on issues such as whistleblowing. In addition, it has an active funds, M&A, and transactional workload. Julian Taylor is highly regarded along with Mandy Perry. Peter Lockwood plays a key role in the department too.

Travers Smith LLP is lauded for its ability to ‘come up with practical, cost-effective solutions to thorny legal problems that stump other firms’. In addition to advising on the people aspects of substantial corporate transactions, it is increasingly sought after by clients to advise on, or to conduct, highly sensitive and complex internal investigations. With Tim Gilbert at the helm, it has acted on significant litigation in both the Employment Tribunal and the High Court. A number of its matters have a cross-border component. Ed Mills has particular expertise in advising on and conducting whistleblowing and other complex investigations. Siân Keall, Adam Wyman and Ailie Murray are highly recommended.

Michael Leftley heads the practice at Addleshaw Goddard, which focuses on strategic HR issues for clients. It continues to be busy advising on a range of issues such as complex litigation, business protection, and boardroom issues. In addition, it is recommended for its work on investigations, global mobility issues, major projects and compliance matters. Its biggest markets are in financial services, retail and consumer, energy and transport. The group also has a significant practice advising on HR issues on inbound investment from the U.S. Richard Yeomans and Sarah Harrop are recommended.

Tim Spillane leads the employment offering at Bird & Bird LLP. Spillane has particular strength in advising on issues such as senior-level terminations, and trade secret cases. The practice covers the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment law. It frequently works on an array of large multi-jurisdictional projects, and complex domestic disputes. Ian Hunter is recognised for his work on the full range of employment and HR issues. Alison Dixon has a strong employer practice. Furat Ashraf and Emily Clark were promoted to the partnership in May 2023.

The ‘extremely personable and collaborative’ team at Clyde & Co, assists many multinational companies on a whole host of employment matters. It is known for its financial services, professional services and insurance expertise, as well as for its litigation experience both in the Employment Tribunals and the High Court. The group regularly supports on other matters such as TUPE, and trade union issues. Names to note include the head of department, Robert Hill. Chris Holme has a focus on high-value and reputationally significant discrimination and whistleblowing claims.

Jason Butwick leads the practice at Dechert LLP, which works for employers in financial services and investment management primarily. It also works with international companies from other sectors such as manufacturing, construction and real estate. It handles the full range of employment law from disputes, mergers and restructurings, to complex workforce reductions. The team regularly defends complex claims involving allegations of whistleblowing, and other sensitive matters such as disability and age discrimination. Many of these cases relate to the legal sector. Charles Wynn-Evans is another name to note.

DLA Piper acts for clients ranging from multinational Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging multinationals. It is regularly instructed in key litigation, both at first instance, and at appeal stages. The group frequently acts in complex cross-border restructures, and other business critical matters. In addition, it has been busy working on various confidential investigations for its clients. Practice head Tim Marshall mainly focuses on boardroom disputes, and on other matters such as partnership cases. Jonathan Exten-Wright specialises in complicated class-actions, and on other sensitive issues.

The team at Fox Williams LLP is praised for its ‘sound commercial advice’ and for how it ‘understands exactly the needs of the client. They work together collaboratively and definitely together as a team’. It is skilled at handling workplace investigations, and has an excellent reputation for its advice to LLPs and partnerships. Its sector specialism in financial services, and it is also well-regarded in the tech and fintech space. Under the excellent leadership of Joanna Chatterton, it frequently supports clients through discrimination and whistleblowing complaints. Jane Mann is also recommended.

Led by Matthew Howse, the team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP has a strong reputation for its work on high-value and complex whistleblowing and discrimination claims, and investigations. The practice is also known for its advice on team moves, and restrictive covenant cases. In addition, the group has been undertaking trade union work for clients in the food and retail sectors. Louise Skinner advises clients across a wide range of contentious, investigative and advisory matters in sectors such as financial services, life sciences, sports, and entertainment.

Patrick Brodie at RPC is well-regarded for his work in the field of diplomatic and state immunity, modern slavery and restrictive covenants, and is also sought out for his expertise in breach of contract litigation. Brodie regularly appears in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Recently, he has also been advising on numerous senior executive investigations (including allegations of harassment and bullying). Kelly Thomson is recognised for her work on workforce diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

The able team at Slaughter and May is well-placed to handle complex and sensitive workplace investigations. The group is skilled at handling matters with a difficult regulatory angle, frequently involving issues of reputation and crisis management. It covers the full range of board-level employment matters from appointments to terminations, remuneration and disputes. The practice also has considerable cross-border capabilities. Philip Linnard advises on all aspects of employment, incentives and remuneration. Philippa O’Malley is another key figure who has a broad practice, with a particular interest in diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Janette Lucas leads the employment practice at Squire Patton Boggs, which routinely advises on strategic, complex and high-value matters in the UK and internationally. It is receiving increased instructions on investigations, DEI/ESG, modern working issues, and on the globalisation of HR. It frequently handles complex litigation and large multi-jurisdictional projects. Caroline Noblet covers a range of significant contentious and non-contentious matters, often with a cross-border focus. David Whincup acts in a variety of internal workplace investigations, and on other matters relating to worker status, and IR35.

The employment team at Stephenson Harwood is ‘strong and delivers a great combination of deep knowledge with a commercial flair’. Under the direction of Paul Reeves, the agile team covers the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious transactional and advisory work. Areas of focus span advising on restrictive covenants, and TUPE issues. It also has considerable specialist expertise in sectors as diverse as financial services, rail and luxury goods. Recently, it has been advising on more cross-border employment matters. Anne Pritam and Natalie Edwards are well-regarded.

The ‘extremely responsive’ team at Taylor Wessing LLP acts for a significant number of tech and life sciences company. It is one of the leading UK law firms for venture capital-backed tech companies setting up in the UK, and has a strong reputation in the financial services sector. Led by US-UK partner Paul Callaghan, the group provides Europe-wide support to major companies which are headquartered in the US and Canada. It has deep expertise in advising on complex investigations, as well as political and reputationally sensitive matters. Other areas of focus include advising on employee data privacy and diversity. Anna Carey is also recommended.

The ‘extremely professional and fast’ team CM Murray LLP provides ‘pragmatic and business orientated responses’. Spearheaded by Clare Murray, it is skilled at handling international and cross-border employment law matters, both contentious and non-contentious. It advises multinational businesses with UK operations. The practice has a particular focus on professional services (including law firms), financial services (including hedge funds and private equity), technology, not-for-profit, and the luxury goods sectors. It frequently acts for employers on the management and investigation of complex and highly sensitive sexual misconduct and bullying allegations. David Fisher is another key contact.

Purvis Ghani and Rhodri Thomas jointly head the department at Dentons, which advises clients with a global footprint. Ghani frequently handles a range of complex cross-border matters, restructurings and multi-jurisdictional employment projects. Thomas’s particular specialisms lie in High Court and other employment litigation, in addition to employee investigations. He is also well-regarded for his work on an array of corporate transactions, in/outsourcings, and restructurings. Esther Langdon continues to advise on a variety of high-profile matters – she has a particular interest in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Clients of Doyle Clayton appreciate the ‘individual attention from senior staff’. The firm is a large independent and specialist workplace law firm, which provides employment advice to employers and LLPs, inhouse lawyers and management teams. Clients include small, medium and large-sized employers. It also counts start-ups and businesses looking to establish themselves in the UK as key clients. With Peter De Maria at the helm, it covers a broad range of areas from discrimination claims and workplace investigations, to redundancies and restructurings. Alison Garrow is another name to note.

The ‘outstanding’ team at Howard Kennedy LLP provides an ‘incredibly supportive service’ say clients. Led by Jane Amphlett, it is experienced in all aspects of employment and discrimination work. Its contentious work often involves team moves, and business protection matters. It frequently advises on sensitive investigations, and has a significant Employment Tribunal and appellate litigation practice. The group has a strong presence in the retail and leisure sectors, as well as other areas spanning sport, and transportation. Sam Murray-Hinde is recommended for her particular experience of helping clients deal with employee issues in a unionised environment.

Kingsley Napley LLP acts predominantly for clients in the financial and professional services sectors. It also has many clients in the engineering/technology, higher education and hospitality sectors. The group receives a steady flow of work from start-ups, professional bodies and embassies. It has been busy advising on a wide array of issues. Recently, the group has advised on various workplace investigations, particularly where there are allegations of sexual misconduct. It has also advised on numerous whistleblowing claims. Head of department Corinne Aldridge is recommended. Emmanuelle Ries joined the team in May 2023 from EBL Miller Rosenfalck.

The versatile team at Norton Rose Fulbright is well-regarded both nationally and internationally for its work across all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law. Its diverse client base includes major financial institutions and large corporates. It is also recommended for its advice to management on trade union disputes and negotiations. It deftly covers many other areas, such as advising on recruitment issues, privacy laws, and corporate reorganisations. Paul Griffin is the head of department. Catrina Smith is another important contact.

The ‘responsive, efficient and effective’ team at Reed Smith LLP covers a wide range of issues. It has been busy advising on global projects, High Court employment disputes, and investigations. The team has particular expertise in sectors such as media and entertainment, financial services, life sciences and technology. Robin Jeffcott is a skilled litigator who advises on disputes over employment contracts, racial discrimination and post-termination restrictions. Carl De Cicco is another key figure. Graham Green left the team in September 2023.

Arnold & Porter provides ‘top quality advice’. Under the superb leadership of Henry Clinton-Davis, the team has particular expertise in the pharma space. It acts for many of the world’s leading pharma and medical device companies. The group has additionally been busy advising on a range of significant pan-European and global projects, and has considerable strength in advising on the employment aspects of cross-border investigations.

Ashurst has considerable experience of advising on complex employment matters, and on LLP issues, for its large number of financial services sector clients. Working closely with its dispute resolution team, it continues to advise on numerous employment relations and litigation matters. A significant part of the practice is providing employment advice on complex multi-jurisdictional transactions. Crowley Woodford and Ruth Buchanan jointly head the department. The group frequently advises on other issues such as board-level hires and departures.

Lucy Mclynn heads a versatile team at Bates Wells, which is particularly known for its support to third-sector employers on a wide range of issues. It continues to be involved in some key litigation relating to issues such as transgender rights, and artificial intelligence. A growing area of focus is advising on investigations. The practice continues to receive a regular stream of work about handling senior staff changes, and managing a changing workforce. Other names to note include Paul Jennings, Paul Seath and Rachel Mathieson.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP acts for major corporates and professional services firms. It also frequently manages high-value employment issues for its private wealth clients. In addition, it is recommended for its work on complex senior executives exits and severance negotiations. It works for a broad range of investment banks, asset and management businesses, as well as other entities including hedge funds and online exchange platforms. Practice head Nick Hurley is highly regarded.

Andrew Howard leads the employment and pensions team at Deloitte Legal. Howard is vastly experienced in advising employers on contentious and non-contentious employment matters across a range of sectors. He has a particular specialism in financial services. In addition, he has significant experience of advising on internal investigations, as well as on the employment aspects of transfers, corporate restructuring and other matters such as outsourcing projects. David Williams is also recommended for his work on a range of people-related issues.

Keystone Law has ‘some very strong practitioners’, among them Nicholas Robertson, Angharad Harris and Paul Daniels. It has the capacity to advise both employers and employees on all advisory, transactional and contentious matters, including large scale investigations. The group has advised on a significant number of topical #MeToo harassment related claims, as well as addressing the issues relating to freelancers in the ‘gig economy’. Other members include Emma Clark, Marie van der Zyl, and Rob Eldridge.

Mayer Brown International LLP has a ‘really effective employment practice’, under the first-rate leadership of Christopher Fisher. It routinely handles a variety of high-value and sensitive disputes, as well as cross-border projects and litigation. It is representing numerous financial services clients in internal workplace investigations, and is skilled at advising on diversity, equity and inclusion matters. Miriam Bruce has substantial litigation experience, and has also recently worked on some significant cross-border projects, and contract change exercises.

The team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises a significant number of international clients on their UK operations. It is regularly called upon to lead multi-jurisdictional HR projects, as well as expansion and redundancy programmes. The group also draws upon its union practice, and its experience in acting for senior executives, to fully advise its employer clients. Recent highlights have included advising on ‘bet the company’ level discrimination claims, complex discrimination and harassment claims, and large-scale collective redundancies for listed companies. Paul Mander heads the department.

Ed Goodwyn heads the offering at Pinsent Masons LLP, which is well-regarded for its specialism in advising on remuneration strategies, equal pay issues, as well as diversity and inclusion. It is also recommended for its work on industrial relations, team moves, and outsourcing projects. Its clients are primarily London Stock Exchange or AIM listed entities. Ed Goodwyn’s practice continues to focus on the infrastructure and technology sectors. Anne Sammon’s practice is predominantly based in the financial services sector, where she regularly handles complex litigation.

PwC LLP frequently assists large UK and international employers on both their day-to-day employment matters, as well as their vital projects. It has considerable experience in diversity related work, and regularly calls on the firm’s multidisciplinary expertise to support clients on issues such as pre-deal planning matters, restructurings, and redundancy exercises. Through its substantial international network, it is well-placed to handle a variety of cross-border work. The team often advises on substantial employment disputes. Chris Perkins heads the practice.

Wedlake Bell LLP works closely with HR directors and C-Suite executives on a variety of high-level and large-scale business changes. These include growth plans, business reorganisations, and the creation of bespoke remuneration structures. It also acts for employers and senior business leaders on complex Tribunal and High Court litigation. Bolstered by the arrival of Stephen Ravenscroft from Memery Crystal, it has extensive experience in conducting sensitive investigations into employee and senior executives’ conduct. Adam Grant is the practice head.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP fields some ‘commercially minded and constructive partners’ who frequently advise large corporates, religious institutions, and other clients from diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, charities and retail. Andrew Yule has recently been appointed as head of department, following the departure of Jo Keddie in March 2024. Yule advises on many board and senior level matters, including reorganisations, hires and departures, as well as contentious employment issues. Andrea London is another name to note, along with Louise Lawrence.

Withers LLP fields an agile team, which acts for many organisations of various sizes and structures. Its client base includes founders, start-ups and entrepreneurs, as well as large household names. It is best known for its expertise in the luxury brand market, and the financial sector. The group is also recognised for its work with national charities. In addition, it has a wealth of experience of working with family-owned businesses and family offices. The practice is collectively led by Meriel Schindler ; Claire Christy and Hugh More.

Caroline Yarrow spearheads the practice at Broadfield Law UK LLP. Yarrow has increasingly been managing high volumes of Employment Tribunal claims. Yarrow is experienced at advising charities on a range of employment law issues, and often advises on serious incident reports when these reports have to be made to the Charity Commission. Nicholas Le Riche specialises in advising on redundancies and restructures, as well as TUPE transfers. Brian Gegg is another key contact, and often advises on-large scale business restructurings.

The ‘practical and solution-focused’ team at Bevan Brittan LLP is ably led by Jodie Sinclair. The group has considerable niche expertise in the NHS and independent health and care sectors. It supports these employers on a wide range of issues, such as workforce redesign projects through to employment litigation and whistleblowing cases. It is also skilled at handling many other issues, including consultant engagement models, and developing organisational approaches to complex gender identities. Alastair Currie is highly regarded for his knowledge of healthcare contractual and regulatory frameworks.

Brahams Dutt Badrick French LLP handles work for both employers and senior executives. It particularly excels in handling major disputes, and has considerable expertise in regulated professions. The team has a strong focus in the financial services and insurance industries. In addition, the practice also advises a number of law firms. Gareth Brahams heads the department, which also includes Nick Wilcox. Recent highlights have included Clare Brereton’s promotion to the partnership in April 2023.

Burges Salmon LLP acts for major blue-chip international and FTSE-100 companies. The practice deftly covers a wide range of complex and high-value employment disputes, as well as advising on restructuring and redundancy exercises. It has been particularly busy advising a number of Government departments on major outsourcing/restructuring projects involving major staff transfers in the UK and across Europe. Adrian Martin heads the department. Katherine Flower joined the firm from Slaughter and May in June 2023.

Constantine Law Limited is praised for its ‘high touch, ‘can do’ service’. Founding partner John Hayes has particular strength in employment status matters. Lucy Bloom is another key member of the practice at the London office, who is experienced in the financial services wealth management market. Bloom also acts for law firms. Caroline Glacken is skilled at handling complex discrimination and whistleblowing cases.

Excello Law acts for employers on a wide range of issues. It is routinely called upon to draft key employment documentation, and defend tribunal claims. It is also skilled at bringing High Court injunction proceedings, and advising on restructuring and redundancies. In addition, it concentrates on advising on senior exits, and on investigations. It is well-placed to also advise on the employment aspects of corporate transactions. David Greenhalgh and Hina Belitz are the practice heads. Nelu Abeygunasekera is a seasoned practitioner.

Spearheaded by Taj Rehal, Fladgate LLP covers all aspects of employment law, both contentious and non-contentious. It specialises in advising clients on complex and strategic workplace employment and partnership matters. The practice is experienced in resolving workplace issues, board level disagreements, as well as advising on exits and post-termination issues. The group also frequently advises on TUPE regulations, and on employment-related issues on corporate and real estate transactions. There is often a strong cross-border element to its work. Michael McCartney is another key member of the department.

Led by James Cox, the London employment practice at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acts for a range of domestic and international clients on a variety of complex disputes, investigations, and transactions. The team often advises on issues as diverse as governance issues, boardroom appointments, and team moves. It also covers workplace restructurings, the employment aspects of corporate/outsourcing arrangements, and restrictive covenant disputes. The group is regularly engaged to provide advice on data privacy matters. Heather Gibbons is another important contact.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP excels at managing employment issues that arise in the creative and media sectors. It has recently been advising on video gaming and E-sports, and working with influencers and social media stars. A significant amount of its work relates to advising on internal investigations into serious allegations of bullying misconduct, discrimination and harassment. It has significant experience of working across a range of other industries such as financial services, and technology based companies. The department is jointly led by Yvonne Gallagher and Howard Hymanson.

The nimble team at Kennedys is best known for its employer-focused employment and industrial relations work in the insurance, transport, and commercial sectors. It has been busy defending a substantial number of employment tribunal claims. Its transport clients frequently seek advice in niche areas such as collective bargaining, industrial action, and trade union rights. Matthew Leake is the practice head. Erica Aldridge and Julian Cox both play a pivotal role in the practice.

Through the practice head Dan Peyton, McGuireWoods London LLP has particular strength in complex, contentious employment matters. The group has been particularly active recently in advising on the protection of business assets, discrimination/ harassment matters, and assisting with the termination of employment of senior staff. Much of its work is for the firm’s US clients. Adam Penman also plays a pivotal role in the practice.

Suzanne Horne spearheads the practice at Paul Hastings LLP, which frequently advises employers on a variety of complex employment litigation in employment tribunals and in the High Court. It is skilled at handling multi-jurisdictional projects. These projects include advising on business reorganisations, integrations, and redundancies, in addition to hiring and firing. The group often supports its PE, M&A and real estate finance departments on transactions.

Kevin McCavish heads the practice at Shoosmiths LLP, which helps a variety of employers on a wide range of issues. It has particular expertise in GDPR/data subject access requests, and other areas such as advising on trade union matters. It is skilled too at supporting the firm’s corporate, commercial and litigation teams when there are disposals, acquisitions, investments and outsourcings affecting its clients. These deals often have an international element. In addition, the team has a substantial tribunal litigation caseload.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP fields a strong team, which has a varied workload. Recently, it has been advising on mental health, and increasingly on disability discrimination claims. Also, it has been advising on relationships with unions, and on union recognition. Another area of focus for the practice is working on restructuring, and on TUPE matters. It has been working on an increased number of investigations, and advising on ESG strategies. Emma Burrows heads the employment and pensions practice.

Jonathan Maude heads the practice at Vedder Price, which is lauded for its ‘client-centric’ approach. It is best known for its international work, acting on complex and often highly sensitive cross-jurisdictional employment matters on behalf of multinational clients. The group supports businesses and senior executives across the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment and HR issues. It is increasingly advising on data protection matters. Daniel Stander is another key member of the practice, and is particularly active in matters relating to the gig economy.

Clients praise the Wallace LLP team for being 'incredibly integrated with each other’. With Daniel Isaac at the helm, it has considerable experience of maritime labour law, and regularly advises on crew disputes, the Maritime Labour Convention, and on seafarer employment agreements. It also supports its corporate department on M&A and employee incentive work. In addition, the group is experienced in financial services employment issues, and another big area for the practice is hospitality work.

At Weightmans LLP, the department acts for employers of all sizes, and has specialist knowledge of the corporate, charities, care homes, and healthcare sectors. The team is well-placed to represent clients at the Employment Tribunal, as well as the High Court. The group is also skilled at advising on employment status and IR 35 issues, as well as equal pay disputes. Team lead Sejal Raja has considerable experience in discrimination and whistleblowing claims.

Bellevue Law is a boutique firm which specialises in employment law. It is particularly active in the tech, professional services and education sectors. The team has particular strength in advising on sex discrimination and sexual harassment/assault claims, particularly in regulated industries. Florence Brocklesby has carved out a niche in acting for technology companies, law firms, and on financial services employer matters. Rachel Clementson and Leigh Edgar are among the other key contacts.

Head of department Gareth Wadley, along with his colleague Lizzie Field, both specialise in international employment and global mobility projects at Bristows LLP. Justin Costley is another key member of the practice, with a solid transactional practice, and considerable experience of handling sensitive contentious issues. The practice deftly covers a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters. It is often called up by companies in the tech and life sciences sectors, and regularly works with academics, universities and investors to address crucial employment matters.

Cooley (UK) LLP fields an experienced team, which handles the full range of employment matters. It is skilled at advising clients from various sectors, such as media and communications, as well as retail and health. A significant proportion of its work has a cross-border dimension. Ann Bevitt covers both contentious and non-contentious employment matters, in addition to playing a pivotal role in the firm’s privacy practice. Chris Stack is highly regarded, and has a varied employment practice.

The London offering of Duane Morris continues to be sought out by employers seeking advice on both contentious and non-contentious matters, including trade union issues. It has specialist knowledge of organised labour and trade disputes. Clients range from multinational companies to SMEs and start-ups. Practice head Nic Hart is a solicitor advocate who has a wealth of experience in Employment Tribunals and Scottish Employment Tribunals. Hart also covers contested appeals in the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

Headed by Linky Trott, the skilled team at Edwin Coe LLP acts for a mixture of UK, international and multinational businesses. Its client base stems from various sectors such as financial services, pharma and tech. It has particular expertise in advising on employment matters for insolvent companies. The team has a proven track record in injunctive relief work. Clare Gilroy-Scott is another name to note, whose experience spans both contentious and non-contentious work.

Alex Fisher spearheads an ‘extremely knowledgeable and responsive’ team at Goodwin. Fisher has a wealth of experience in all areas of contentious and non-contentious employment law, including advising clients on the employment law aspects of corporate transactions. The group is well-placed to advise on a wide variety of matters, such as on restructuring and redundancy processes, running investigations into employee complaints, and whistleblowing allegations. Other areas of expertise include advising on restrictive covenants.

The team at Irwin Mitchell is praised for its ‘pragmatic approach’. It has considerable experience of advising international entities, and has a particular focus on matters involving German, French, Austrian and American companies. The department's specialist further education employment practice continues to thrive. Sybille Steiner advises on the full range of employment issues under English and German law. Steiner is adept at advising diplomatic missions, and on issues in the manufacturing and retail sectors.

The ‘technically sound, commercially-minded and responsive’ team at Jurit is ably led by Adrian Hoggarth. Its experienced lawyers advise a variety of employers, owner-managers and HR directors on the full range of employment matters. It works with various entities, from international companies to many established small and medium-sized businesses. Louise Taft is another seasoned practitioner, who has a particular interest in cases involving pregnancy and maternity discrimination.

A diverse roster of multinational corporations and financial services companies turn to KPMG Law for its capabilities in both domestic and cross-border employment law work, with recent engagements ranging from company-wide pay reviews to restructuring projects. Practice head Donna Sharp  handles both contentious and non-contentious mandates, with noteworthy expertise in pay compliance issues. Other key figures include Dorothée Giret, whose practice encompasses restructurings, redundancies, and TUPE transfers.

Marriott Harrison LLP acts for a range of employers across sectors as diverse as banking, music, technology, retail and legal services. It frequently works with its corporate team to assist its private equity/venture capital clients on a broad range of issues within investee companies. This can sometimes involve helping its clients on strategies to remove executives. It continues to defend its clients in Employment Tribunal litigation, and to advise clients on TUPE transfers. Bob Mecrate-Butcher heads the department.

Paul McGrath heads a compact and nimble team at McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP, which is skilled at handling employment litigation, as well as advising on trade secrets, and other areas such as restrictive covenants. It also advises on large-scale collective consultations, and other issues including industrial relations. Charlotte Moorhouse is another name to note. Katie Clark left the firm in December 2023.

Bob Cordran heads the team at Memery Crystal, having joined the firm from Dorsey & Whitney in October 2023. The department advises companies on various board level employment matters, such as arrivals and departures. In addition, it advises on disciplinary and grievance issues, employment tribunal litigation, and restrictive covenants. It often supports its colleagues on a variety of corporate, commercial and real estate matters.

Andrew Secker heads the practice at Mills & Reeve LLP, which has a particular focus on technology, life sciences, and the mid-market business sector. Remziye Ozcan has considerable experience in supporting employers on a range of issues, particularly in defending Employment Tribunal claims. In addition, the team is well-placed to negotiate senior level exits, and advise on neurodiversity in the workplace. The group has worked with a number of early stage start-ups or VC backed businesses, in conjunction with its VC corporate practice.

Morrison Foerster has a steady flow of work on large cross-border matters. It has a strong employment-related investigations practice. In addition, it frequently advises its major international clients on complex senior employee exits, on issues relating to restraint of trade, and on the protection of business interests. Working with its global corporate, technology and outsourcing teams, it often advises on the human resource aspects of multi-jurisdictional deals and outsourcings. Annabel Gillham leads the team. Oliver Spratt is highly recommended.

The ‘very responsive’ team at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP advises a mix of high growth start-ups and leading global corporations. The group frequently assists on high-value corporate transactions, and benefits from its links with its US offices. Areas of expertise span advising on complex TUPE matters, disciplinary and grievance investigations, as well as trade secret and post-termination restrictions. The ‘professional’ Nicola Whiteley heads the department.

The client base at Oury Clark Solicitors is predominantly international companies. Practice head Ross Meadows frequently advises clients on setting up its operations in the UK. Meadows regularly drafts the service agreements, contracts of employment, and staff handbooks. The group is well-equipped to advise companies on the employment aspects of transactions, and to represent employers in Employment Tribunal proceedings. Jessica Bass is another key contact, who advises on issues such as breach of restrictive covenants.

James Townsend and Peter McRoberts co-head the practice at Payne Hicks Beach LLP, which has a particular focus on the retail, sport, media and construction sectors. It supports FTSE100 companies and VC owned businesses, as well as smaller businesses. The group is known for its work on a variety of matters such as business protection relief, whistleblowing claims, in addition to advising on the transfer of undertakings.

Practice head Charlie Barnes at RSM UK Legal LLP specialises in transactional support. Barnes also advises employers on exits, and employment tribunal litigation, and has a particular focus on areas such as workforce structuring and advising on fair pay compliance. In addition, he excels at covering employment status, IR35 issues, and advising on senior exits.

Simkins LLP has considerable experience of advising clients in the media and entertainment industries. Under the joint leadership of Susan Thompson and Victoria Willson, it advises on many issues such as seeking urgent injunctions, and defending Employment Tribunal claims. These claims range from unfair dismissal through to discrimination claims and whistleblowing. It supports on corporate restructures too. The group often advises on the exits of senior executives, and on breaches of restrictive covenants.

The ‘very effective’ team at Watson Farley & Williams LLP is skilled at handling large-scale work in the employment arena. It is particularly well-known for its work on maritime matters, and is receiving an increased number of instructions on crewing issues. In addition, it is adept at handling matters in other sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology. Under the joint leadership of Devan Khagram and Anna Robinson, it is highly active for multinationals.