Brabners LLP is active on the full range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, fielding a client list which features leading national sports clubs and associations, luxury cosmetic brands, and retail and hospitality players. The firm has expertise counselling on complex issues such as whistleblowing and mental health employee management, as well as possessing the capability to conduct internal investigations and consequently present findings to the Global Compliance Committee. Team head and Manchester-based Lydia Edgar is a trusted advisor to national governing bodies of sport and has extensive experience advising on executive arrivals and departures, internal grievances and diversity initiatives. Co-head Nick Campbell operates from both the Liverpool and Lancashires office and is highly active in the manufacturing, construction and professional services sectors. Liverpool-based Joseph Shelston demonstrates notable expertise in TUPE, collective bargaining, and advising clients on post-Covid working environments, and regularly works alongside Kate Venables who is an expert in employment tribunal litigation, legal compliance audits and policy realignment.

Fielding an impressive list of logistics and leisure sector-based clients, DAC Beachcroft LLP is regularly sought out for its expertise in handling substantial reorganisations and restructurings of workforces. Beyond this, the firm has vast litigation experience, representing employers in unfair dismissal cases, bullying and harassment claims, as well as issues related to Covid-19. HMRC audits and internal team support are also significant aspects of the group’s caseload. Manchester head Philip Harman is a trusted advisor to Trade Unions, possessing experience in matters pertaining recognition, TUPE transfers and member dismissals. Co-head Deborah Hely has a broad practice that includes National Minimum Wage audits, data protection advice, and executive terminations, and is also highly competent in mandates that have international aspects. Paul Corris is active in litigation, while Jenny Walker‘s caseload is concentrated on bullying, harassment, discrimination and whistleblowing claims. Jane Marshall joined from Weightmans LLP in 2023.

Owing to its considerable global footprint, DLA Piper has a near unrivalled reputation for complex international employment work in the North West, and is a go-to for a plethora of household names in the hospitality, tech, food and drink and professional services industries. The group is highly active in Employment Tribunal work, mainly whistleblowing, discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal claims, and has also been instructed to liaise with foreign bodies on behalf of employers over product regulatory investigations. Spearheading the practice is Alan Chalmers, whose expertise in executive terminations and departures ensures he is a regular port of call for companies undergoing senior restructurings. Furthermore, he also possesses an overarching understanding of collective redundancies. George Nicholson is principally noted for his acumen regarding compliance and regulatory issues in the financial services sector and provides wider counsel to employers interested in altering employee arrangements, such as contracts and pensions. Recently promoted partner Emma Mills is a TUPE expert, with a practice largely concentrated on litigation and employment issues arising out of corporate transactions, while Helen Hall advises on the full range of group matters, with recent activity in data protection and employee relations mandates.

Boasting a deep bench of advisers with close connections to the consumer, insurance and transport sectors, DWF work for a litany of clients on the full range of employment matters. Noted for its strong contentious offering, the team has an impressive track record in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal on matters concerning workers status and rights and dismissal claims. Group head Joanne Frew has been highly active advising clients in-house on a variety of employment issues, including IR35 implementation, Equality Act breaches, and UK legal compliance for international companies. One of the most eminent names in the market, Kirsty Rogers is a trusted adviser to large, global companies engaged in restructurings and reorganisations, in both the general workforce and senior management team. Jon Keeble has considerable experience in the recruitment industry, and primarily handles mandates relating to workers rights and entitlements, such as remote working, severance agreement negotiations, and navigating IR35, while Sinead Donnelly leverages her proficiency in litigation to act in breach of contract, unfair dismissal and discrimination cases. Nick Dent joined the practice in May 2022 from Locke Lord .

An ‘exceptional‘ employment boutique firm offering top rate advice, e3 employment law LLP has had an impressive twelve months of client growth and increasing involvement in complex, international employment issues. The group is well geared to act on a variety of allegations and grievances in the Employment Tribunal cases, as well as advising global conglomerates on workplace compliance issues, mass employee and senior employee terminations, and cross-border contract negotiations. One of three practice heads, the ‘incredible’ Simon Ost has far-reaching expertise that is largely concentrated on sensitive litigation cases regarding whistleblowing, discrimination and unfair dismissal allegations. Dan Bickerstaffe is ‘outstanding‘, focusing on large-scale restructurings and TUPE transfer matters, working with a litany of clients across the retail, manufacturing and professional services industry, while the ‘pragmatic and commercial‘ Nick Jones handles a steady stream of senior employee termination and replacement mandates.

Possessing a deep bench of practitioners which was further bolstered over 2022, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is trusted by clients in the manufacturing, education, financial and professional services industries for the full range of employment matters. Beyond industrial action and trade union work, the firm has seen a marked increase in unfair dismissal and discrimination cases, worker status and rights issues, and significant global restructuring projects. Helming high-profile mandates for a number of sector giants, Paul Cotton‘s practice centres on corporate transaction-related employment issues, including, but not limited to, TUPE, redundancies, and executive terminations. Naeema Choudry leverages her established strength in litigation to act in Employment Tribunals, with recent cases including unfair dismissal, holiday pay and disability discrimination, while Robert Gray is the go-to advisor for the education sector. Jenny Mann works closely with financial services, TMT and utility clients to advise on executive departures, restrictive covenant and employee incentive and bonus schemes, whilst also being viewed as a cross-border specialist. Stephen Chegwin continues to be active in employment and labour litigation, alongside complex reoganisation and redundancy mandates.

Working with some of the largest public bodies across the nation, Hill Dickinson LLP‘s highly experienced team are active on high-profile, large scale employment matters. The sub-specialisms of the five senior department heads make the firm a strong choice for clients seeking sector specific expertise, with key work highlights over the past twelve months demonstrating notable activity in education, commercial and health related mandates. Jeff Middleton has a practice largely concentrated on senior executive issues, including departures, appointments and management disputes, whilst also fronting the firm’s most complex Employment Tribunal cases involving a range of unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. David Parry is ‘brilliant to work with’ and advises on employment matters arising out of mergers, acquisitions and employee movement activity, with particular expertise in breach of covenant claims, while the ‘exceptional’ Kerstie Skeaping, who heads and operates out of the firm’s Liverpool offering, focuses on business restructuring and reorganisation proceedings. Michael Wright and Luke Green provide trusted and expert counsel to health and education bodies respectively, with both individuals possessing established strength in the full range of employment issues. Caroline Prosser continues to be active on the standout matters.

Complex company restructures and reorganisations form the cornerstone of the employment practice at Pinsent Masons LLP. Beyond conventional legal work including Employment Tribunal cases and TUPE transfers, the firm show a strong understanding regarding diversity and inclusivity matters, including advising on the legal terms and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in a workplace environment. Whilst intimately familiar with a number of sectors, team head Neil Black works particularly closely with manufacturing and infrastructure clients, counselling on executive departures, whistleblowing and discrimination claims, and also industrial relations. Kate Dodd continues to handle a steady stream of Covid-19 related mandates which include highly contentious Employment Tribunal cases, as well as complex and highly sensitive employee grievance disputes. Rob Childe‘s work with educational bodies bolsters the department’s wider sector expertise, with his strong understanding of transgender and non-binary rights ensuring he is increasingly sought out by clients. Elsewhere, Jessica Davies regularly supports businesses in the financial services on the full range of employment matters, while Laura Starrett provides astute knowledge to a wealth of companies.

A global law firm with roots in the North West dating back to 1886, Squire Patton Boggs advises on big-ticket employment mandates for both regional corporate leaders and international conglomerates. The department is increasingly involved in high-profile investigatory work, most recently collaborating with the firm’s Government Investigations & White Collar team to probe allegations pertaining to whistleblowing, discrimination and data breaches within companies operating in the financial and professional services sectors. Beyond this work, the team is routinely sought out by clients for its expertise in executive departures and incentive schemes, corporate-related employment issues, and cross-border proficiency. Global head and Manchester-based Alison Treliving regularly advises on complex restructuring and TUPE transfer mandates, while also being well-regarded for her ability to handle employee grievance cases. Bryn Doyle leads the firm’s most complicated and vast employment investigation work, and is also a trusted counsellor to both UK and international clients in the retail industry. Jane Saunders is highly active on equal pay disputes as well as possessing established expertise in industrial relations issues, whereas James Pike‘s broad practice is largely focused on large scale restructuring processes and National Minimum Wage concerns, for which he heads the firm’s specialist team.

Addleshaw Goddard has recently handled a significant volume of big-ticket project work and litigation, including workforce transfers between retail giants and overseeing the full range of employment issues for a multinational distribution company. The team also excel at cross-border compliance work, regularly advising global businesses on UK employment law and compliance, visa and sponsorship proceedings, and ad hoc immigration advice. A department head with extensive experience, Michael Burns has a broad contentious and non contentious practice, and is highly capable handling complex TUPE transfers, defending tribunal claims, and supporting HR and legal teams. Sajida Hussain‘s expertise bolsters the group’s business immigration offering and has a strong understanding of EU and UK regulations, sponsorship protocols, and the implications of Brexit. Kate McGough specialises in the transfer of employees and other employment-based issues relating to mergers and acquisitions.

Praised by a plethora of businesses for its client focused and pragmatic advice, Analysis Legal LLP boasts a roster of blue-chip national and international clients for which it conducts a broad range of contentious and non-contentious employment work. Of late, the team has been particularly active in complex, multifaceted Employment Tribunal claims, with the ‘commercial, risk-based and practical’ team head Anna Lees taking the lead on a large proportion of these matters. Co-head Andrea Paxton is a go-to for senior executive departures and hires, as well as redundancy, TUPE and IR35 advice. Sheila Shaw ensures she is regularly sought by clients for her expertise in conducting internal investigations on behalf of businesses pertaining to grievances and disciplinary issues, while Catherine Parkinson is a talented litigator, regularly conducting her own advocacy. Kate Oberg provides pragmatic advice to companies in a variety of sectors, with established strength in matters regarding dismissal and discrimination claims, holiday pay, and employee contracts. Jessica Jones joined the practice as a senior consultant from DWF in September 2022.

Boutique employment firm Bramhalls Solicitors fields a deep bench of seasoned practitioners, acting almost exclusively for employers on the full range of matters. In addition to possessing notable expertise in litigation, the group is also regularly sought by clients for in-house counsel, including employment law training, advice regarding employee data rights and data breaches, and aiding the negotiation of both junior and senior contracts. Furthermore, the team has noted an uptick in work regarding industrial relations and pay discussions within private companies. Spearheading the practice is Phil Bramhall, who is a go-to by clients for sensitive and complicated matters including senior executive departures, equal pay and discrimination claims, and reputational issues. Complex Employment Tribunal cases form the cornerstone of Rehan Pasha‘s practice, who also possesses established strength in large scale redundancy and restructuring mandates. John Hassells is chiefly noted for his niche proficiency understanding data protection issues, routinely counselling HR departments in-house, as well as wielding a wealth of experience in whistleblowing and restrictive covenant disputes. Helen Owen has a broad contentious and non-contentious practice that includes ad hoc advice to clients regarding redundancies, equal pay and reputation damage mitigation.

Forbes Solicitors has seen an uptick in investigation and litigation work, especially from clients in the education and housing sector. Multi-layered discrimination claims continue to be the backbone of the workload, alongside whistleblowing, Covid-19 issues, health and safety concerns, and equal pay and holiday pay disputes. National head Jonathan Holden is highly trusted by education and public sector clients, undertaking a near unparalleled range of work with local authorities pertaining to ad hoc employment advice and complex tribunal claims. Emma Swan is the head of commercial employment and has vast expertise in redundancy processes, TUPE transfers, and contracts and pay negotiations, routinely advising trusted clients on all these issues as part of ongoing ad-hoc support. Public Sector lead Ruth Rule-Mullen handles a steady stream of investigatory and tribunal claim mandates, with recent work highlights including probing historic allegations of bullying and harassment, whistleblowing and disciplinary allegations. Jennifer Smith has been active on matters relating to company mergers and acquisitions, while Amy Stokes has been involved in mandates regarding the movement of skilled workers, senior employee dismissals, and the progressing clients’ equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Andrew Halpin continues to be integral to practice operations. Laura McHugh joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in April 2022.

Possessing an impressive roster of clients operating in the sport, transport and logistics, food and drink, retail and financial services sectors, Gateley Legal engages in substantial employment projects alongside in-house training and support with large corporates. Often collaborating with its experienced colleagues in the commercial department, the team also regularly advise on employee contractual matters arising from mergers and acquisitions, TUPE transfers, and IR35 issues. Chris Thompson has an extensive contentious and non-contentious practice and has been particularly active in Covid-19 and pay entitlement Employment Tribunal claims and senior executive dismissals, while also wielding a wealth of knowledge regarding compliance and risk management. Avril England is highly experienced in the health sector, regularly undertaking investigatory work on behalf of employers and complex cross-border mandates. Emma Butterworth specialises in both contract drafting and negotiations and UK regulatory compliance, while Lorna Harris is principally noted for her acumen defending whistleblowing, discrimination and unfair dismissal claims.

Boasting an impressive twelve months of both senior and junior hires, JMW Solicitors LLP has a strong bench of practitioners to advise on a wide range of employment matters, with particular specialism in the recruitment and hospitality sectors. Alongside a growing volume of litigation work, particularly whistleblowing claims, the group has an impressive track record in matters pertaining to regulatory compliance, business restructurings and reorganisations, and pensions. Team head Paul Chamberlain has an astute understanding of worker’s rights and regulations, guiding companies through pay and holiday requirements and labour abuses, while Simon Bloch‘s knowledge of the recruitment sector is nationally recognised, and he regularly advising on Agency Worker’s Regulations and restrictive covenant disputes. Marcus Difelice is chiefly noted for his impressive Employment Tribunal work. In 2022, partners Julian Richards and Ikram Malik joined the practice from Shoosmiths LLP and Aaron & Partners LLP respectively.

A trusted advisor to a litany of clients in the leisure, sports, hospitality and education sector, Kuit Steinart Levy LLP excels at employment litigation, acting in both sensitive and complex discrimination and whistleblowing matters, and civil litigation pertaining breach of contract and pay discrepancy allegations. In addition, the firm handles a steady stream of mandates from companies on retainer, including advising on TUPE transfers, redundancy proceedings, senior executive exits, and data protection matters. The team is steered by the highly experienced Kevin McKenna, who is chiefly noted for his expertise in technical matters such as national minimum wage and unequal pay issues, as well as his ability to competently advise on employment contracts, employee grievances, and disciplinary issues. Boardroom-centred matters form the cornerstone of Sally Bird‘s practice, and she is routinely involved in stakeholder, contractual, and restrictive covenant disputes, in addition to senior executive departures and arrivals. The ‘helpful and knowledgeable’ Mark McKeating is highly active in diverse and multilayered Employment Tribunal claims alongside large scale TUPE and restructuring projects. Elsewhere, Claire Hollins has been particularly involved in the leisure industry, with key work highlights including advising on gender and disability discrimination, while Claire Treacy has engaged with ad-hoc HR guidance alongside TUPE and restrictive covenant issues.

Myerson Solicitors LLP‘s strong commercial offering is complimented by its experienced employment team which deals with a variety of corporate support work, including transactions, asset share agreements, and TUPE transfers. The firm is regularly singled out for its wealth of expertise in senior executive departures, including drafting complex settlement and exit packages, as well as post-termination restriction guidance, whilst litigation continues to be a high proportion of the work generated for the team. Department head Joanne Evans provides exceptional advice to clients on a whole breadth of employment issues, regularly provide all-encompassing counsel to trusted and longstanding clients pertaining to redundancies, restructurings, and boardroom disputes. Joanne Henderson has considerable Employment Tribunal experience and has also been a main driver behind the practice’s growing activity in compliance work, including GDPR, modern slavery and gender pay gap reporting and audits. Charlotte Gilbert draws superlative praise from a range of clients highlighting her technical expertise and outstanding attention to detail, which is continually sought out by corporates engaging in large-scale restructurings and reorganisations.

A key point of differentiation for Pannone Corporate LLP is its expertise in bespoke employment management training, including upskilling training programmes and conducting mock Employment Tribunals, alongside its investigation offering which has probed allegations of abuse, harassment and discrimination. The firm also leverages an extensive list of clients in the care sector, advising on employee transfers, settlement agreements and claims of unfair dismissal over the past twelve months. A recently qualified mediator, Jack Harrington leads the team and has been extremely active in TUPE matters, as well as defending a variety of large, multifaceted tribunal claims. Fiona Hamor has a broad contentious and non contentious practice, with notable expertise in discrimination and equal pay matters, while newly promoted associate partner Michael McNally has been a key figure in the department’s investigatory and upskilling mandates. Radhika Das engages with the full range of team matters, from investigations and tribunal claims, to drafting ancillary documents and conducting due diligence.

TLT fields an impressive roster of clients active in the retail, leisure, financial services, engineering, manufacturing and logistics industries, advising on a broad range of employment-related issues. The team is a frequent port of call for strategic HR and employment advice, with a large proportion of the firm’s employment work generated as offshoots from clients’ mergers and acquisitions. In addition to this ongoing counsel, the team possess established strength in whistleblowing and discrimination claims, unfair dismissal cases, large scale restructuring mandates, and equal pay disputes. Ed Cotton leverages over twenty years of legal experience to competently address commercial-related employment issues and is also highly regarded for his proficiency in non-contentious matters, such as employee contracts, benefits and incentives. Liz Cotton is well-reputed for her ability to confidently handle restructuring and reorganisation mandates, while possessing strong expertise in TUPE transfers and executive departures. Both lawyers are also highly experienced in employee grievance claims.

Fielding a highly regarded and deep bench of experienced practitioners, Weightmans LLP is chiefly noted for its impressive work in the public sector, working for a plethora of healthcare, policing, distribution and local governmental bodies on a wide range of employment matters. The team is fronted by national head Ben Daniel and the Manchester-centred Nick Newman, who is seasoned at negotiating claim settlements that pertain to equal pay, holiday pay and employee rights. Stephen Peacock has been a key figure in the firm’s strong stream of tribunal cases, defending particularly complex claims in the education and law enforcement sectors, while Emlyn Williams is a trusted contact to the NHS, representing them in significant unfair dismissal, whistleblowing and discrimination claims. Beyond his work as a strategic adviser to a variety of companies, Ian Pace‘s broad practice includes leading disciplinary investigations on behalf of employers, as well as having strong expertise in TUPE transfers and high-profile litigation. Saira Ali joined from Law by Design Limited in 2022 and has led large scale restructuring and redundancy matters.

A ‘superb’ employment team which is widely praised by clients for its in-house management training offering that includes mock tribunals, Aaron & Partners LLP is active in a number of sectors advising on the full range of employment issues. The department is led by Helen Watson, an experienced individual with a broad contentious and non-contentious practice that includes, but is not limited to, representing clients in complex unfair dismissal, discrimination and breach of contract claims, addressing GDPR queries. and guiding clients through collective redundancy processes. Claire Brook handles senior executive departure mandates alongside being regularly sought out by retainer clients for compliance advice, contract reviews and regulatory updates, while Adam Haines has been involved in large-scale workforce restructuring matters for global companies, in addition to other mandates. Paul Hennity has been particularly active in Employment Tribunal proceedings.

Browne Jacobson LLP advises a range of public and private clients on contentious and non-contentious, including comprehensive in-house training and informative webinars. Recent work highlights has seen the team represent businesses in unfair dismissal, disability and unequal pay Employment Tribunal claims, as well as conducting detailed IR35 audits and large TUPE transfer mandates. Team head Ian Deakin has a practice that spans beyond the North West and is principally noted for his litigation expertise alongside his specialism in collective redundancy matters and IR35 issues. Miriam Onwochei-Garcia has worked closely with the firm’s Education department to support its bespoke HR service offering, alongside counselling clients on the drafting and negotiation of contracts and reviewing employee terms and conditions. Lee Ashwood joined the firm in May 2023 from Freeths LLP, while Nicola Hollick left the practice to join Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in 2022.

Boasting an impressive presence in the hospitality, retail and manufacturing sectors, Fieldfisher has an established strength in employment litigation as well as non-contentious matters such as TUPE transfers, restructurings, and in-house management training. The team is able to call upon its colleagues in the tax department to provide clients with national minimum wage and IR35 advice, as well as conduct audits. Group head Alex Watson‘s nationwide practice centres on complex senior executive disputes, including exit negotiations for founders and directors and guiding outsourcing arrangements. Jeremy Harris heads pension issues, while David Carmichael leverages his considerable commercial litigation experience to act on executive exits, restrictive covenant allegations and whistleblowing matters. Richard Branson is active on issues regarding whistleblowing, discrimination and employment law compliance across a range of sectors, while Rachel Rigg regularly supports Alex on sensitive settlement and tribunal matters.

A ‘very approachable and highly experienced’ practice, Kennedys specialises in complex tribunal claims, EDI and data protection advice, and collective grievance and discrimination guidance. Businesses continually rely on the department for on-going legal support pertaining to employee management, including altering terms and conditions of employment, severance policies, and service provision changes. The team is helmed by Amanda Beaumont who provides clients with ‘sound legal and commercial advice’, most notably regarding whistleblowing claims, senior executive departures, and employee restructuring issues. Sarah FitzGerald is a trusted counsellor to a range of insurers and insurer-backed businesses, with work ranging from ad-hoc assistance to disciplinary and grievance guidance. Rebecca Boothman has also been active on a number of mandates.

Law by Design Limited is a popular choice for medical and care associations and educational institutions, boasting strong client growth over the past twelve months. The group is particularly noted for its impressive investigation work which has involved probing allegations of systemic abuse and discrimination within the workplace, alongside mandates that include advising on contracts and senior exit agreements, cross-border TUPE transfers, and Employment Tribunal claims. Team head Sue Morrison is widely recognised for her distinctive expertise in evaluating the conduct and capabilities of doctors and is regularly sought out by NHS Trusts, as well as teaching academies. Ian Radford is a fully accredited mediator and has been notably active in disability discrimination claims, while Justin Quinton, who joined from Slater and Gordon in September 2022, has bolstered the firm’s litigation capabilities, as well as its ability to handle employment and data protection matters.

Mills & Reeve LLP continues its impressive run of winning new clients, especially in the health sector, and has seen an uptick in grievance-related mandates, requiring the team to engage in a variety of internal investigations and exit strategy negotiations. In addition, the department has assisted employee issues arising out of corporate mergers and acquisitions within Europe as well as due diligence, TUPE transfers, and a variety of Employment Tribunal claims. Leading the practice is the ‘authentic and personable’ Sara Barrett, who is principally noted for her expertise in boardroom and management disputes as well as knowledge of employment compliance and regulations in multiple jurisdictions. Pili Fernandez-Mahoney has an active contentious practice, particularly excelling in discrimination and whistleblowing claims, while Linda Glover regularly supports HR directors in disciplinary processes and grievance investigations.

Fielding an ‘integrated team of approachable professionals’, SAS Daniels LLP has engaged with a strong body of contentious employment work over the past 12 months, working with clients to defend claims pertaining to unfair dismissal, age, race and pregnancy discrimination, as well as various wage violation allegations. In addition to this, the group is routinely involved with TUPE, redundancy, and restructuring mandates. Department head Katie Hodson is chiefly noted for her expertise handling discrimination cases and has been crucial to clients by possessing a strong track record of negotiating settlements with claimants and preventing lengthy tribunal proceedings. The ‘extremely intelligent’ Warren Moores is geared to act on a range of restructuring, dismissal and contractual matters, while Charlie Wood has acted as an extension to the corporate team on a number of mandates, advising on service agreements and the transfer of company shares.

Drawing superb praise from a litany of clients, the ‘simply excellent’ employment team at Shoosmiths LLP possesses technical expertise in work pertaining to National Minimum Wage, IR35 investigations and restrictive covenant issues, in addition to a deep wealth of litigation experience. The firm has also expanded its activity in the tech, media and communications sectors, acquiring new high-profile clients and acting on collective redundancies and senior executive disputes. The team is led by the ‘excellent litigator’ Emma Morgan who has been active in whistleblowing, wrongful dismissal and discrimination claims alongside an impressive non-contentious body of work which includes reviewing the employment status of contractors and guiding clients through the regulations and compliance regarding overseas workers entering the UK. Amy Anderson handles a portfolio of large-scale restructuring and reorganisation matters, including addressing employment issues arising from Next’s acquisition of Joules, while Lauren Bholé is principally noted for her ability to defend complex tribunal litigation.

Bexley Beaumont's  ascendant employment team is consolidating its strong position in the North West market through the hire of Nicky Young from Brabners LLP and Alice Kinder from Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, a move which bolsters its impressive bench of practitioners geared to act for an ever-expanding portfolio of regional and national clients in the retail, manufacturing, healthcare and financial services sectors. In recent times, the group has been active in a range of tribunal claims, senior executive departures, independent investigations, and collective redundancy matters. Alex Clements specialises in boardroom disputes and negotiations, handling executive exit packages and restructuring proceedings. Beyond her strategic advisory work regarding restrictive covenant breaches, Rebecca Peck demonstrates notable expertise in worker status and holiday pay disagreements, as well as extensive litigation experience, while Louise Carr is a trusted counsellor to a litany of public sector bodies who rely on her broad contentious and non-contentious practice.

Chambers O'Neill acts for a litany of regional and national clients across a wide range of sectors, including the UK branches of large international corporations. Team head Andrew O’Neill is intimately familiar with Employment Tribunal work, often conducting his own advocacy. He also possesses a practice that is particularly concentrated on issues generated by large corporate work, including supporting collective bargaining processes and addressing contractual disputes. Naomi Dinnes is a go-to lawyer for employment issues grounded with religious issues and is heavily active in litigation and senior executive termination mandates. Michelle Gray-Nicholls joined as a senior consultant from a previous in-house position in February 2022.

Following its merger with BLM in 2022, Clyde & Co has handled a series of big-ticket employment mandates including complex Employment Tribunal claims, internal investigation assignments, and both domestic and cross border workforce restructuring projects. Lynsey Barrow leads the Manchester-focused team and is chiefly recognised for experience in multifaceted litigation cases including unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing, and is regularly joined in tribunals by Tom Saville, who is also active in investigatory work and regulatory breaches. The ‘incredible’ Jennifer Bevan focuses on transactional and project based work for a range of clients in the professional services, healthcare and manufacturing sectors, while Jennifer Bevan acts on redundancy, disciplinary, and restructuring matters. Jessica Mullen continues to be an ‘invaluable asset’ to in-house legal and HR teams, providing ad-hoc employment advice on the full range of issues, whereas Alyce McNaughton possesses notable expertise in drafting and negotiating employee documentation and handling senior executive exits.

Roundly praised by clients in the retail, hospitality and leisure, warehousing and logistics sectors, the ‘incredibly approachable’ employment team at Freeths LLP is noted for its broad contentious and non-contentious expertise. Recently appointed team head Laura Tracey is the primary driver in the firm’s steady stream of corporate-related mandates, routinely advising on mass consultations and the transfer of employees as part of commercial mergers and acquisitions, as well as drafting and negotiating supporting documents such as Asset Purchase Agreements. Lynne Ingram has been active in a variety of claims that have been both settled through mediation and progressed through to hearings, while also being a key figure in the practice’s audit and assessment work, most recently evaluating a clients’ diversity and inclusive initiatives, while Matt Fraser focuses on restructuring and redundancy matters.

gunnercooke LLP has handled a significant volume of big-ticket litigation mandates over the past twelve months, including representing Claimants in sex discrimination and harassment claims against Network Rail. Beyond this body of work, the practice has also been involved in cross-border employee dismissal proceedings and accompanying share valuation issues, TUPE transfers and regulation advice, aswell as drafting contracts and temporary employment frameworks. The ‘legally and commercially minded’ Paul Ryman and the ‘knowledgeable, approachable and empathetic’ Rachel Spink focus on the firm’s contentious mandates, acting in disability, age, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing claims, while Sarah Armstrong is chiefly recognised for her acumen in regulatory and compliance matters, in addition to restrictive covenant disputes and senior executive exits.

Offering a ‘pragmatic approach to problem-solving’, HM3 Legal advises on a number of employment mandates, including the settlement and exit terms of senior executives, TUPE service provision changes, investigations into discrimination and bullying claims, as well contentious matters. Justine Watkinson leads the practice and is best known for her litigation experience and ability to handle complex boardroom disputes, while Lindsey Kidd has a strong depth of knowledge regarding business restructurings, the movement of employees, pensions, and post-termination restrictions. Angharad Williams has been active supporting on the full range of practice matters, including working alongside her corporate colleagues to provide employment insight to M&A deals.

Tribunal cases and investigation work form the cornerstone of Lewis Silkin LLP‘s employment practice. Bolstered by the far-reaching expertise of 2022 arrival and new team head Sally Hulston from Knights plc, the group is chiefly recognised for its ability to handle a range of discrimination, harassment and unfair dismissal claims, as well as employment issues arising from corporate endeavours and boardroom disputes. The ‘razor sharp and strategically astute’ Carly Mather has been an integral part of the firm’s series of #metoo allegation investigations, alongside acting on a strong body of work pertaining to senior executive exits. Edmund Gregory is active on a wide range of practice matters, possessing a ‘vast knowledge of employment law and employment litigation strategy’.

A firm with a Manchester, Altrincham and Lymm offering, MLP Law LLP handles a steady stream of impressive employment mandates, that routinely requires the team to navigate multiple jurisdictions, with notable activity in the hospitality, manufacturing and construction sectors. Recent key work highlights include guiding clients through National Minimum Wage compliance, assisting businesses with disciplinary code and employee welfare provision updates, and providing bespoke in-house training to management teams, including conducting mock-tribunals. The team is steered by Gareth Matthews, who has particular expertise in corporate-related employment matters such as TUPE transfers, overseas worker obligations, and redundancy issues, as well as possessing a wealth of litigation experience. Julie Sabba is also active on wide scope of practice matters and regularly conducts her own tribunal advocacy in cases pertaining to unfair dismissal, whistleblowing and discrimination.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's ascendant North West team continues to consolidate its strong position in the market, working with a portfolio of national and international companies on a high-volume of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Danielle Ingham is widely active in the technology, leisure, manufacturing and retail sectors, handling complex tribunal cases involving unfair dismissal and race and disability discrimination claims, as well as advising on large restructuring projects requiring bulk settlement agreements and legislation and compliance guidance, often involving multiple jurisdictions. Laura Welchew provides trusted counsel to a wealth of charities, with notable expertise in senior executive dismissals, TUPE issues, and litigation. Vikki Cunliffe is a ‘stand-out individual’ in the practice, regularly supporting her regional and London colleagues on big-ticket mandates involving management changes, safeguarding issues, due diligence, and tribunal proceedings.

A boutique team that are truly ‘specialists in the transport sector’, Backhouse Jones fields a strong client base that spans beyond the North West, advising on a range of issues including complex, multifaceted tribunal claims and large-scale restructuring projects. The department also possesses the technical proficiency to handle employment status and contractual mandates, including IR35 alterations, TUPE transfers, and National Minimum Wage investigations. Team head Steven Meyerhoff‘s far-reaching expertise is particularly concentrated in contentious matters, and he regularly conducts his own advocacy in Employment Tribunal proceedings pertaining breach of regulations, discrimination, harassment, and pay infringements. Co-head James Lomax‘s comprehensive sector focus is consistently sought by clients seeking advice regarding document and policy drafting, regulation compliance, grievance issues and the enforcement of restrictive covenants. Heather Lunney is highly recommended for her HR support capabilities, including conducting investigations and audits  as well as being well-regarded for her litigation prowess.

DTM Legal LLP‘s employment team is noted for its proficiency in senior executive disputes, litigation and TUPE mandates, working with a wide roster of clients in the manufacturing, tech, communications, leisure and engineering sectors. Frequently praised for his far-reaching expertise and reliable assistance, team head Tom Evans has been highly active in tribunal proceedings, defending clients in cases pertaining discrimination, unfair dismissal, and breach of contract claims, as well as advising on large restructuring and collective redundancy matters. Alison Brennan is a go-to for counsel on GDPR and data protection issue, shareholder disputes, and contract drafting and negotiations.

Spearheaded by Russell Brown, Glaisyers Solicitors LLP‘s full-service offering includes advising on large restructuring projects, senior executive arrivals and departures, and tribunal cases. The department is routinely required to support mergers and acquisitions, reviewing a range of contracts, policies and liabilities and preparing detailed due diligence reports. Russell is single out for his proficiency in boardroom disputes, demonstrating notable acumen in negotiating settlement agreements and guiding management through the enforcement of restrictive covenants, and is regularly supported by both Nicola Clarke and Gemma Wilson who possess a wide-reaching contentious and non-contentious practice that is particularly strong regarding complex tribunal claims. Jennifer Johnson has quickly engaged with a litany of firm mandates since joining in 2022 from Co-op Legal Services.

Gorvins Solicitors has seen an uptick in litigation work over the past twelve months, especially regarding Covid-19 and discrimination disputes, as well as collective redundancies and employee exit issues. Team head David Rogers is a go-to advisor for the firm’s extensive list of clients in the manufacturing and distribution industry for TUPE advice, due to his previous in-house counsel experience, and is also well versed in large scale reorganisation mandates and disciplinary disputes. Amanda Isherwood has a broad practice particularly concentrated on senior executive arrivals and exits, as well as contentious matters involving disability, maternity and pregnancy cases.

In the wake of an impressive year of recruitment, Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd has fostered a strong team with the ability to handle the full breadth of contentious and non-contentious employment mandates. The ‘stand out’ team head Susan Mayall is active in TUPE transfers, GDPR and data protection issues, contractual and policy drafting procedures, as well as advising senior management on executive hires and departures. Alan Lewis, who joined from Linder Myers Solicitors in November 2022, joins Mayall as co-head of the department, and has largely focused on restrictive covenant, redundancy, and discrimination and unfair dismissal tribunal proceedings. Ben Williams, who also joined from Linder Myers Solicitors alongside Lewis, is commended for his ability to tailor specific advice to clients, providing ad-hoc HR support amongst a steady volume of grievances investigations and disciplinary processes counsel.

Beyond Corporate Law has bolstered its capacity for a full-service offering through the arrival of employment specialist Adam Pavey from Bevan Brittan LLP in December 2022, a lawyer who brings a wealth of experience in litigation, senior executive disputes and HR consulting. He joins the ‘excellent’ Anthony Dempsey as joint head of the team, who possesses ‘deep expertise in employment law‘ and is regularly sought by his corporate colleagues to advise on issues arising from mergers, acquisitions and workforce movements. Lucy Flynn is also active on a wide range of practice matters, particularly HR support, assisting with the drafting of contracts, service agreements and disciplinary protocols.

Receiving superlative praise from a litany of clients in the hospitality, manufacturing, construction and retail sectors, Bradshaw Trees Law has quickly established trusted connections with businesses and individuals across the North West since its inception in 2021. Spearheaded by Karen Sanderson, the firm is geared to act in employment tribunal work, implementing workplace strategies and initiatives, conducting internal grievance investigations, and advising on TUPE and contractual arrangements. Sanderson herself is an experienced litigator, frequently acting in discrimination and whistleblowing cases, and competently handles corporate-related employment issues as well as senior executive disputes. The firm has also been involved in a number of cross-border mandates in the past twelve months, including liaising with foreign lawyers and advising on overseas working compliance.

The ‘highly professional and responsive’ Martin & Co boasts strong connections with the charity and education sectors, advising on substantial employment mandates, including handling the TUPE issues involved in the takeover of a college by a Spanish foundation. The team has also been active in complex Employment Tribunal claims, the restructuring of workforces, and restrictive covenant issues. The highly experienced department head John Martin has ‘a firm grasp on the law and strong ethical base’ and is particularly well reputed for his boardroom and senior executive work, as well as being a strong litigator. Ciaran Montague is a key contact for education and charity clients and has been involved in the practice’s tribunal proceedings.

The ‘exemplary’ Peninsula Business Services has an employment practice largely concentrated on litigating in tribunal claims. Department head James Potts has been active in complex holiday pay disputes and disability discrimination claims, while the ‘highly professional and personable’ James Gilbert focuses on unfair dismissal, harassment and victimisation cases. Smaira Younis has also been active in the firm, acting in proceedings pertaining to TUPE transfers, constructive dismissal, and breaches of contract. Ed McFarlane joined from Worknest in July 2022.

Acting primarily for small businesses and startups, People Legal has a portfolio of matters across a range of sectors pertaining to TUPE advice, redundancy processes, workplace discrimination and harassment issues, as well as a solid body of litigation work. Leading the department is Chris McAvoy-Newns who is intimately familiar with a breadth of discrimination, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing tribunal claims, while Helen Littlewood provides ad-hoc counsel to clients in a variety of sectors, most notably sports. Jessica Daniel has also been highly active in practice matters, demonstrating a strong competence in litigation cases as well as workplace and boardroom disputes.

Primas handles a steady stream of employment mandates ranging from contract and service agreement negotiations to redundancy and Employment Tribunal proceedings. Leveraging over 25 years of market expertise, David Walton specialises in complex, technical issues, such as TUPE procedures, enforcing restrictive covenants, and defending whistleblowing claims. Danielle Ayres is active on matters pertaining recruitment, policy drafting, and employee termination, whilst also possesses notable expertise in pregnancy and maternity cases. Holly Navarro, who joined from Wake Smith Solicitors Limited in 2022, is already active in a range of practice matters, particularly TUPE issues.