A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP‘s large team covers the full scope of employment law, including tribunal litigation, TUPE, immigration issues and industrial relations. The group is highly experienced in cross-jurisdictional work, and is regularly active for clients across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Team lead Gareth Walls has significant expertise advising on employment law in the financial services industry, and is a thought leader on matters such as hybrid working, modern slavery, and ESG. Aisling Byrne, who joined from Cleaver Fulton Rankin in 2021, handles contentious and non-contentious employment matters, and is a key name for data protection. Of counsel Shirley Blair specialises in complex discrimination matters. Rob Tubman and Johanna Cunningham are prominent names at the associate level.

Carson McDowell's team caters to prominent domestic and multinational clients, with experience in the full spectrum of employment law. The group has notable strength in contentious matters, particularly complex workplace investigations. Team lead Orlagh O’Neill has more than 20 years' experience in the practice area, and works for a diverse range of public and private sector clients. Rachel Penny, described by clients as being 'in a league of her own', is noted for her expertise in TUPE, restructuring, and senior executive recruitment, incentive, and severance arrangements. Sarah Cochrane, who is dual qualified in Northern Ireland and England and Wales, made partner in September 2022.

Lewis Silkin‘s Belfast offering, which was formed from a merger with indigenous firm Jones Cassidy Brett in 2021, handles the full range of employment, immigration, and equality law matters across the island of Ireland. The group is jointly led by Ciara Fulton, Adam Brett, and Paul Gillen. Fulton is dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and is highly experienced in advising on cross-jurisdictional matters, while Brett specialises in discriminators and regulatory matters. Gillen, who joined the group in 2022 from Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP, has a broad practice which includes restructuring, executive management, TUPE, and employment litigation. Associate Jack Balmer has experience in contentious and non-contentious matters.

Tughans provides ‘professional and knowledgeable service’ across the full range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Areas of expertise for the team include recruitment, outsourcing, redundancy, and TUPE obligations. Team lead Anna Beggan is highly experienced in defending complex class actions, and advises on all aspects of equality and discrimination legislation. Patricia Rooney specialises in TUPE and outsourcing matters, and is dual qualified in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, regularly acting for employers across both jurisdictions. Associate Emma Doherty joined the team from Napier Solicitors in July 2022.

Arthur Cox Belfast‘s full service offering provides clients with expertise in immigration, TUPE, and corporate transactional support, as well as contentious matters such as industrial relations disputes and tribunal representation. Rosemary Lundy has significant experience advising local and international clients on all areas of employment law, with a specialism in termination of employment. The ‘highly professional’ Chris Fullerton, who made partner in 2022, covers both contentious and non-contentious employment matters.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin's 'truly exceptional' team provides contentious and non-contentious guidance to leading public and private sector employers. Team lead Michael Black's broad practice includes discrimination law, equality, breach of contract, and disciplinary and grievance issues. Suzanne Keenan is a key individual within the team, and advises employers on all aspects of employment law. Keenan also has a history of acting for claimants, an advantage in contentious matters. Associate Nathan Campbell is a name to note.

Elliott Duffy Garrett‘s team provides comprehensive employment law service to clients across the private, public, and voluntary sectors. Team lead and managing partner Adrienne Brock has more than 30 years’ experience in the practice area, and covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. ‘Fearsome litigator‘ Julie Anne Clarke is a key contact for disputes.

Eversheds Sutherland caters to a high profile roster of major clients, including PayPal, Sky UK, and Sportsdirect. Team lead Ian McFarland specialises in redundancy processes, with additional expertise in TUPE, and employment aspects of commercial transactions. McFarland joined the group from Elliott Duffy Garrett in January 2023. Associate Laura McManus has particular strength in contentious issues, and acts as the group’s primary point of contact for tribunal matters in the jurisdiction.

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP acts for local and international clients, with expertise in the retail, energy, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. The group provides businesses with comprehensive support, including both business-as-usual guidance, specialist advice on business-critical projects. Legal director Craig Patterson leads the team, and acts for public and private sector clients across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Senior associate Andrea Hewitt-Sims is noted.

Boutique firm Rosemary Connolly Solicitors Limited provides corporate and private clients with ‘professional and effective‘ guidance in the full spectrum of employment and equality matters. Team lead and name partner Rosemary Connolly has more than 30 years’ experience in the practice area, with a significant history of advising and representing employees and employers. Director Leanne Murphy is dual qualified in Northern Ireland and England and Wales.

Worthingtons acts for a diverse range of domestic SMEs, and is particularly strong in the insurance sector. Team lead Louise McAloon has expertise in complex areas such as public interest disclosure, equal pay, discrimination, and unfair dismissal. Toni Fitzgerald Gunn is a key name for TUPE, equal pay claims, and negotiations with trade unions.

Millar McCall Wylie LLP acts for local and international clients, with experience across numerous sectors. Department head Jan Cunningham handles TUPE matters, and is noted for his expertise in sporting law. Associate director David Mitchell covers unfair dismissal and discrimination law, and advises on employment aspects of mergers, acquisitions and takeovers.

Mills Selig‘s team covers all areas related to employment, and specialises in advising large companies and SMEs on complex TUPE arrangements. Team lead Kiera Lee, described by clients as ‘friendly, professional and knowledgeable’, is experienced in restructuring and redundancies, and assists with strategic decisions. Solicitor Andrew Edwards covers both contentious and non-contentious matters.

TLT‘s Belfast group is known for its multi-jurisdictional capabilities, which are supplemented by the firm’s other offices across the country. Legal director Leeanne Armstrong leads the department. Armstrong is dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and England and Wales, and is experienced advising both public and private sector clients. Senior associate Amy Collins, who joined from MKB Law in March 2021, handles employment litigation.