Recognised for its ‘willingness to litigate new points of law for clients and take risks’, the team at Brahams Dutt Badrick French LLP specialises in both contentious and non-contentious work. The firm advises prominent individuals in financial companies, various retailers, and media companies on appointments and departures. Gareth Brahams spearheads the practice with a ‘tactical nous that it unmatched anywhere in the City,’ leading on cases concerning whistleblowing, unfair dismissal and sexual misconduct. Specialising in employment law, Claire Dawson handles cross-jurisdictional disability discrimination cases. Other key team members include Paula Chan, who is ‘strategically astute, meticulous and attuned to the client’s needs’, and regularly handles high-value disability discrimination and victimisation cases, and Polly Rodway, who leads on public sector appointments and departures as well as general team moves. Nick Wilcox, whose forte is regulatory work, is noted for his ‘outstanding strategic direction’. Clare Brereton, who made partner in March 2023, specialises in harassment and whistleblowing cases. Managing associate Samantha Prosser is also commended.

Known as an ‘exceptional firm’ CM Murray LLP offers specialist advice on multijurisdictional exit negotiation, as well as counselling on settlement packages and restrictive covenant cases. Founder and managing partner Clare Murray co-heads the team with Merrill April, who is praised for her ‘razor-sharp common sense’ when handling corporate reshuffling and reviewing payout values. The firm also handles a broad range of cases including whistleblowing, gross misconduct and bullying claims. Other key team members include David Fisher and Emma Bartlett, who work on cases regarding constructive dismissal and disability discrimination claims. Sarah Chilton typically handles pregnancy harassment and contentious departure cases.

The employment team at Farrer & Co is noted for its expertise in the financial sector, excelling in contentious employee protection work with specialist investigations proficiency. The practice is led by founder David Smellie, who advises on crisis management and leads on employment related safe-guarding matters. Frequently dealing with high-profile and high-value matters, the firm is a popular choice for senior individuals in highly regulated sectors. Co-heads of the practice Eleanor Rowswell and Anna Birtwistle expand the team’s expertise to complex cross-border mediation and arbitration, with increasing focus on contractual High Court disputes. Also highly regarded is David Hunt, known for his expertise in partner moves and restrictive covenant cases. Kathleen Heycock advises on post-termination restriction issues, while Alice Cave works on high-value whistleblowing cases. Alice Yandle - praised for her 'great tactical sense' - routinely handles exits in the financial services, insurance, and tech sectors.

Known for possessing the ‘all-important superb knowledge and technical skills’, Kingsley Napley LLP is instructed by a breadth of high-profile clients. In a recent highlight, team head Corinne Aldridge supervised the independent investigation into Cressida Dick’s departure from the Metropolitan Police; she also provides expertise in sex discrimination cases. Core specialisms of the firm include a range of regulatory issues, exit negotiations, and whistleblowing cases. Nick Ralph handles issues relating to unfair dismissal and victimisation in financial misconduct matters, while Adrian Crawford advises on age discrimination claims. Andreas White and senior consultant Richard Fox regularly handle high-profile whistleblowing claims. Senior associates Moira Campbell and Natasha Forman handle grievances and discrimination in the financial sector. Senior associate Andy Norris is also commended.

Equally well versed in contentious and non-contentious work relating to senior executives, the ‘universally excellent‘ Lewis Silkin team is particularly active in advising individuals on complex contractual arrangements and reputation management issues. Another strength of the firm is acting in the full range of discrimination ligation and arbitration, including race and sex discrimination cases, with paternity discrimination claims presenting an area of increasing activity. Nicholas Hadaway spearheads the team, leading on whistleblowing and conduct investigation cases. Other key names include Richard Miskella, who assists with exit negotiations, and ‘clever and pragmatic’ Toni Lorenzo, who advises on team moves and restrictive covenants. Tarun Tawakley and managing associates Laetitia Cooke and Sarah McWhinney are likewise noted.

Lauded as ‘fantastic’, the team at Mishcon de Reya LLP advises on a range of high-value corporate team moves and reshuffles, as well as assisting with complex restrictive covenant issues, and a breadth of investigatory work. Team head Daniel Naftalin is noted for his regulatory expertise, while Susannah Kintish and Jennifer Millins handle remuneration agreements and unlawful termination challenges. Joanna Blackburn is ‘a one-woman powerhouse’ who represents senior executives throughout disciplinary and dismissal processes, and also handles sex discrimination claims. Other key team members are Greg Campbell, who works on reputation management cases, Sharon Tan, who handles whistleblowing claims, and managing associate Matthew Wood.

Withers LLP‘s ‘highly capable, skilled and knowledgeable team’ handles highly complex cross-jurisdictional senior executive work, spanning both contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm has particular expertise in corporate reshuffling, assisting with arrivals, departures, and reputation control issues. Team lead Meriel Schindler specialises in high-value, cross-jurisdictional exit negotiation and investigatory work. Other key practitioners include Elaine Aarons, who has ‘unparalleled experience’ across all sectors including financial and pharmaceutical; Claire Christy, who handles sexual harassment and discrimination claims, as well as whistleblowing and post-termination restriction matters; newly-promoted partner James Hockin, who advises on cross-jurisdictional arrivals and departures; ‘detailed but pragmatic’ Melissa Paz, who handles complex Employment Tribunal and High Court claims; Hugh More, who has significant contentious expertise; and consultant Lisa Lewinsohn.

Doyle Clayton fields a ‘top quality team across the board,’ with particular strengths in sex discrimination in the public sector. The firm also acts in harassment, maternity and pregnancy discrimination cases, in combination with claims for unlawful conspiracy. Peter De Maria spearheads the practice and is known for his work on new service and settlement agreements. With expertise in both contentious and non-contentious exits, Dan Begbie-Clench regularly negotiates severances packages and employment terms. Other key names in the team are Peter Daly, who specialises in public sector discrimination and unfair dismissal claims.

Recommended for its ‘breadth of practice’, Fox Williams LLP advises senior executives across a range of industries, with particular focus on the financial sector. The firm's core work ranges from cross-jurisdictional sex and race discrimination cases, to contentious departure work and breach of contract claims. Team head Joanna Chatterton is noted for her expertise in complex and high-value whistleblowing claims, as well as her knowledge in regulatory law. Jane Mann is ‘much respected,’ for her handling of commercial settlements, departures and corporate restructuring, particularly in the banking and professional services sectors. Other key team members include Aron Pope and David Murphy.

Specialising in employment issues in the creative sectors, Harbottle & Lewis LLP advises a range of senior executives on a breadth of issues. Co-headed by Yvonne Gallagher and Howard Hymanson, the team regularly handles shock termination cases, High Court occupational stress claims, and exit packages. Also working in the financial and technology fields, the team handles corporate reshuffling, sensitive and complex investigatory work, and sex discrimination and bullying claims.

Keystone Law is noted for its ‘deep experience‘, with particular strengths in cross-jurisdictional exit negotiation, whistleblowing cases, unlawful dismissal claims, and settlement agreements. Helen Sherborne acts on high-value and high-profile cases spanning the breadth of discrimination litigation, including claims relating to sex, age, and disability. Angharad Harris leads on corporate investigations and negotiates business departures, while Clive Howard advises on unfair dismissals, regularly appearing before the Employment Tribunal. Other key figures are Alistair French, whose broad caseload encompasses contentious and non-contentious work, and Jane Wheeler, who is a key contact for businesses and senior executives from a broad range of industries, including fitness, advertising and charity.

Recommended for its ability to handle ‘the most complex and strategically important issues‘, Winckworth Sherwood LLP advises on a range of corporate restructuring and regulatory matters, as well as providing contentious and non-contentious exit guidance. The firm’s core work ranges from acting in extensive discrimination litigation and whistleblowing claims, to advising on breaches of contract. Team head Jo Keddie advises on high-value renumeration terms and complex unfair dismissal issues. Louise Lawrence assists with post-termination restrictive covenants and handles complex sex discrimination cases with an ‘unerring commercial instinct‘. Andrew Yule typically works on discrimination claims based on perceived disability, while Susan Kelly assists with complex negotiation issues.

The team at Bates Wells is best known for dealing with exit negotiation, whistleblowing and harassment claims. Team head Lucy McLynn handles breaches of restrictive covenants, while Paul Jennings specialises in class actions and is leading an ongoing test case regarding the rights of multi-app workers. The firm also deals with term negotiation for non-contentious retail matters. Senior associate Hannah Wright handles sex discrimination litigation, while recently-promoted partner Rachel Mathieson is active on regulatory compliance matters. Another key team member is William Garnett.

Bellevue Law is a boutique firm handling a range of disputes in the financial and professional services, and the education sectors. Team head Florence Brocklesby 'has vision, courage, and drive'; she specialises in sex discrimination cases, focusing on an ethical approach to employment law and championing women in the legal profession. The firm also handles constructive dismissal claims and contentious exit negotiation. In recent team news, Georgina Calvert-Lee, who focuses on misconduct and whistleblowing claims, joined from McAllister Olivarius in May 2022, while Susie Al-Qassab, who deals with unfair dismissal claims, joined from Hodge Jones & Allen in September 2022. Other key names in the team include Leigh Edgar and Victoria Misselbrook, who advise clients on both sides of recruitment issues, as well as changes to terms and post-termination restrictions.

Bird & Bird LLP handles a range of disputes in the financial services sector, as well as assisting with cross-jurisdictional contract termination and corporate reshuffling. The team is spearheaded by the ‘clever and pragmatic’ Tim Spillane, who leads on exit negotiation cases regarding sex and race discrimination. Jonathan Goldsworthy specialises in negotiation strategy and Employment Tribunal claims, while legal director Penny Hunt has expertise in sensitive litigation and regularly handles contentious departures.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP handles a range of mandates for senior executives, with particular expertise in advisory work. The team also handles contentious exits and unfair dismissals, and acts in Employment Tribunal claims. Team head Nick Hurley is well versed in a breadth of discrimination, victimisation and whistleblowing claims. Michael Powner‘s workload spans the full range of employment-related issues, including disciplinary proceedings and harassment claims. Another key member of the team is Trevor Bettany.

Edwin Coe LLP handles the full range of discrimination claims for senior executives, including those relating to sex, race and disability. Other key areas of work span whistleblowing cases, redundancy processes and severance negotiations. Linky Trott spearheads the team, and regularly deals with misconduct allegations. Another noted team member is the ‘marvellous’ Emma Sangeelee, who specialises in disability discrimination claims. Clare Gilroy-Scott handles a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, mainly exit and settlement negotiations.

The team at Excello Law covers both contentious and non-contentious matters ‘with unwavering dedication to achieving a positive outcome’ and regularly advises senior executives on exit negotiations and corporate restructuring. Co-head David Greenhalgh specialises in discrimination work, while his counterpart Hina Belitz is noted for her expertise in negotiating settlement agreements and handling restrictive covenant issues. Sarah King is ‘very calm under pressure’ and typically acts in gross misconduct and discrimination litigation. In addition, the firm is well known for victimisation and unfair dismissal work. Nelu Abeygunasekera works with high-profile executives and negotiates complicated high-value, post-termination restrictions.

Fox & Partners broad client base spans CEOs and senior managing directors, particularly those operating in the financial industry. Team heads Caroline Field and Ivor Adair advise on arrivals and departures, exit negotiations, and restrictive covenants. The teams also handles discrimination claims under the 2010 Equality Act and related whistleblowing claims. Other key team members include Catriona Watt and Dean Fuller, who work on data protection, and statuary and contractual rights claims.

With ‘strength and depth from top to bottom’, Leigh Day handles a range of employment disputes, ranging from automatic unfair dismissals to post-termination race discrimination claims. The team is co-headed by Nigel Mackay, who regularly represents senior executives in Employment Appeal Tribunal claims, and Emma Satyamurti, who advises on complex pregnancy and maternity discrimination cases. Other key team members include ‘exceptional’ Mike Cain, who works on claims under whistleblowing legislation, and Annie Powell, who handles constructive dismissal claims in academic contexts. Senior associate Nick Webster specialises in various complex discrimination claims.

With a client base predominantly comprising senior executives in the financial sector, Payne Hicks Beach LLP‘s ‘exceptional’ team is known for handling Employment Tribunal proceedings. Co-heads Peter McRoberts and James Townsend specialise in reputation management and cross-jurisdictional contractual employment disputes, respectively. Chris Weaver has a broad practice covering both advisory work and litigation. Domonique McRae is another key team member.

The team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has a ‘strategic and empathetic’ approach to assisting senior executives, with a particular focus on contentious departures in the financial sector. Alongside this, the firm advises on non-contentious reshuffling, exit negotiation, and post-termination restriction cases. Paul Mander is experienced at handling the full range of departures, while Ruby Dinsmore is ‘a force to be reckoned with’, and specialises in discrimination litigation, particularly pertaining to gross misconduct and sexual harassment. Other key team members include Tom Walker, who leads on regulatory work, managing associate Hester Jewitt, and senior associate Sarah Mant.

 

Russell-Cooke LLP handles the gamut of relevant disputes in the financial sector with ‘excellent engagement, insight and knowledge'. Anthony Sakrouge leads the team, focusing on whistleblowing and unfair dismissals, and matters relating to unathorised deduction of wages. Alex Bearman handles age and race discrimination claims, as well as cross-jurisdictional payment omission disputes and gross misconduct charges. Senior associate Jeremy Coy acts for individuals in matters regarding sex discrimination and bullying.

Stephenson Harwood‘s ‘exceptionally strong’ team is instructed by senior executives across a variety of sectors. Paul Reeves leads the team, and handles high-profile cases relating to post-termination restrictions and contentious exits more generally. Anne Pritam and Richard Freedman provide advice on settlement agreements, and departures and arrivals. Other key work includes whistleblowing claims relating to financial impropriety and sexual harassment.

Typically acting as legal advisors to chief executives, practitioners at BDB Pitmans’ have a ‘depth of experience’ across a broad range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Team head Brian Gegg advises on redundancies and employment terminations, while Caroline Yarrow handles salary and bonus payment disputes. The team is also well versed in whistleblowing and victimisation claims. Tim Hayes has a specialised employment and immigration practice, and advises on departures.

Specialising in advising senior executives within the financial services industry, Constantine Law Limited also provides a full range of services within the recruitment, construction, and public services sectors. The team is spearheaded by John Hayes, who atcs in high-value disability and sex-based discrimination claims. Additional core strengths for the team include regulatory work, corporate reshuffles, and wrongful dismissal claims. Will Clayton handles contentious whistleblowing claims and exit negotiation matters.

Cripps handles a range of regulatory work, as well as assisting with the negotiation of exit packages and acting in disability discrimination disputes. 'Exceptional' team head Melanie Stancliffe has a particular focus on whistleblowing and misconduct allegations. The team was bolstered by the arrival of Sarah Glockler from Memery Crystal in February 2023.

Praised for its strong expertise in disability discrimination claims, the employment team at didlaw specialises in complex dismissals on unlawful grounds and has recently begun increasing its profile in women’s rights litigation. The boutique firm is headed up by Karen Jackson and partners Anita Vadgama and Elizabeth McGlone; the latter’s specialisms are expanding to include litigation surrounding neurodiversity, menopause, and maternity. Vadgama is a prominent practitioner with experience in mediation who consistently undertakes whistleblowing, victimisation, and harassment cases.

Boutique firm Farore Law specialises in cross-jurisdictional regulatory advice, serious misconduct allegations, and constructive unfair dismissal cases. Founder and managing director Suzanne McKie KC handles sexual harassment, gender discrimination and victimisation claims. The firm also advises on issues regarding neurodiversity.

Irwin Mitchell handles a range of breach of contract proceedings, whistleblowing and harassment claims, and disciplinary actions. The team is spearheaded by ‘well-respected figure in the market’ Shah Qureshi, who advises on race discrimination under the 2010 Equality Act and also handles restrictive covenant work. Other key team members include Deborah Casale and Danielle Parsons, who provide senior executives with expertise in unfair dismissal claims.

Specialising in the financial services sector, Kervin & Barnes is active in whistleblowing claims and dismissal litigation. Team head Gareth Kervin is an experienced litigator who regularly handles contentious exits, as well as advising on post-termination restrictions. Lucy Truscott often appears before the High Court and Employment Tribunal in a breadth of discrimination claims, including those relating to pregnancy, maternity and sexual orientation.

Level Law fields a team of 'senior heavyweight specialists' who are well versed in representing senior executives, particularly those operating within the TV and film sector. The team is jointly headed up by Elizabeth Johnson and John Reid, who handle contentious departures and arrivals, assist with employment contract negotiations, and advise on reputation management issues. The team also acts in discrimination cases pertaining to neurodiversity.

Specialising in contentious and non-contentious departures across both the public and private sectors, Memery Crystal is well regarded for handling the full range of senior executive matters, such as assisting with remuneration arrangements and resignation navigation, as well as representing clients in discrimination and misconduct allegations. Stephen Ravenscroft moved to Wedlake Bell in October 2023.

Rahman Lowe Solicitors’ well regarded team handles the full breadth of discrimination claims, including those relating to pregnancy, maternity and race. Team head Jahad Rahman handles complex disability matters under the 2010 Equality Act, as well as whistleblowing detriment claims. Zillur Rahman is another key team member.

Specialising in the financial services and banking sectors, Stewarts Law LLP advises a wide range of senior executives. Joseph Lappin handles high-profile and complex whistleblowing cases. The team more broadly acts in a broad range of sex, age, race and disability discrimination claims, often regarding neurodiversity and mental health. Charlie Thompson advises on reshuffling.

Wedlake Bell LLP specialises in advising the full range of relevant clients, from executive and non-executive board officers to chief operational officers. William Granger spearheads the practice and advises across a range of sectors including hospitality, professional services and sport; he regularly acts in cross-jurisdictional shareholder disputes, as well as handling contentious and non-contentious departures and arrivals. Adam Grant is another key team member, and is well versed in global restructuring matters, whistleblowing cases, and discrimination claims. Stephen Ravenscroft joined from Memery Crystal in October 2023.

Boutique firm Worden Richmond is co-headed by 'exceptional lawyers' Alexandra Worden and Catherine Richmond. The team represents a broad range of senior executive clients in unfair dismissals, whistleblowing, sexual harrasment and detriment cases, within both the public and private sectors. The group also covers the full range of advisory work, assisting with contractual post-termination obligations and non-contentious exits.