Employment

Established practice offering high-quality employment advice to both employers and senior employees. Widely recognised for its expertise in the technology sector, as well as for its work for retail and life sciences clients. Advises on both employment disputes and non-contentious matters. The team is able to draw upon the firm's global network of offices to advise on cross-border work.

Sources recommend the lawyers because they "always deliver exceptional quality, they are always a step ahead of what the client might need and they customise their advice."

"They understand what an in-house lawyer is looking for," according to one impressed interviewee, who particularly appreciates that the team "can provide a commercial response and not just the strictly legal answer."

Assisted Mothercare with the employment aspects of the appointment of Boots as its UK and Republic of Ireland franchise partner, including drafting and renegotiating employment provisions relating to the transfer of staff.

Alison Dixon has a broad and impressive client base of corporates which seek her advice on commercial employment matters. She regularly works with those same clients on employment litigation, including discrimination claims.
"Her advice is always pragmatic and commercial, and it is something I can immediately implement." "She is very knowledgeable, she's able to communicate with non-experts in an effective manner and she works with us to find a protective position which will meet our objectives."

Elizabeth Lang offers support to clients on a wide variety of employment matters, with notable experience in dismissals and restructurings. She has particular expertise handling trade union disputes.
"She is very pragmatic, easy to deal with and particularly good on commercial transactions, especially the TUPE aspects of transactions." "She really gets to know her client's business and is on top of every sort of problem that they may have."

Ian Hunter is head of Bird & Bird's employment team in London. He advises clients on a full range of work and is noted for his ability to advise on multi-jurisdictional matters.
"He is exceptional. He is available, he offers good value and he always tries to understand the problem we are trying to solve."

Jonathan Goldsworthy is an associate within the employment team who assists employers and employees with both contentious and non-contentious issues.
"His strengths are his experience and his knowledge of the retail sector." "He has the ability to assess a difficult situation and articulate the best course of action which not only takes account of the legal position but also the commercial position."

Penny Hunt is commended for her astute advice to employers and senior executives on redundancy consultations, senior exits and whistle-blowing claims.
"She is very easy to work with, providing balanced and expert advice which addresses both the commercial business need and the legal requirements. She is always quick to respond and happy to discuss and explain things in detail."

Tim Spillane continues to serve as a go-to adviser for senior executives from the financial services sector. He regularly handles complex contentious cases involving unfair dismissal, whistle-blowing, discrimination and breach of contract claims.
"He is thoughtful, prompt, considerate and efficient, and he gives me sound, rounded and thoughtful advice." "His strengths are that he is thorough, concise and precise."