Department profile
Charles Russell Speechlys

Employment: Senior Executive

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

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Charles Russell Speechlys

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About

Provided by Charles Russell Speechlys

The team is known for advising premium major corporates and professional service firms as well as managing complex senior executive exits and severance negotiations, with a sector focused approach. This allows for the team to be commercial as well as legal advisers. The department was recently commended for its work in The Times survey of Best Legal Firms 2020.

The group have a number of high profile clients including Leon, Ivy Collection, Brasserie Blanc, Nike, Pearson, Wagamama, Hotel Chocolat, Leicester City, Parkson Mobile and Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe.

Key areas of focus in proactively supporting these clients include:
• Gender Pay Reporting: The team continues to provide broad-ranging help to clients; from an assessment of current pay structures to decide whether there are any potential equal pay issues; to the provision of a job evaluation scheme report.
• Gig Economy: The Government is taking steps to address employment and self-employment status, but it is not simple or quick. The team keeps clients abreast of updates/changes and were approached by high profile media trades, such as the BBC, to discuss the issue.
• Diversity and Inclusion: the team continues to offer training and advice in relation to diversity and inclusion and this year welcomed leading neurodiversity expert Daniel Aherne for a client seminar on recognising and maximising the talents of a neuro-diverse workforce.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment: Senior Executive - London (Firms)

Band 4

What the Team is Known For
Charles Russell Speechlys provides expert employment advice to corporate groups and has particular experience handling severance negotiations, complicated exits and the employment aspects of large corporate transactions. The firm serves a broad range of clients including notable work for retail and sports organisations. It also has experience working with employers and senior individuals from the financial services sector.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Charles Russell Speechlys advised Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe (SIEE) in their defence of a claim by Mowe Saha, an accountant at SIEE for

    equal pay, sex and race discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • At Charles Russell Speechlys, expertise was available at all levels.

    Employment: Senior Executive respondentUK

  • The firm's lawyers are good at getting into the detail and keeping on top of complex matters.

    Employment: Senior Executive respondentUK

  • The team are calm, considered and always pushing actively for the best support and outcome for me.

    Employment: Senior Executive respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Nick Hurley
    Nick Hurley

    Nick Hurley

    Head of the employment group at Charles Russell Speechlys, Nick Hurley handles a full range of employment matters including disputes in the Employment Tribunal and the High Court. He also regularly leads on non-contentious work including restructurings and TUPE transfers.

    • Nick Hurley is extremely proficient whilst remaining compassionate. He is a great lawyer to have in your corner.

      Employment: Senior Executive respondentUK

    • Nick Hurley is knowledgeable and takes the time for his clients.

      Employment: Senior Executive respondentUK

    • Not only is Nick very commercial and a great flexible thinker, he is also well attuned to the emotional side of such mandates. He is trustworthy, shows excellent judgement, and has a calm demeanor.

      Employment: Senior Executive respondentUK
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  • Michael Powner
    Michael Powner

    Michael Powner

    Michael Powner is a partner at Charles Russell Speechlys who regularly provides transactional employment support to clients from a range of industries, often handling matters involving cross-border elements. He is experienced in advising on dismissals and the employment aspects of M&A.

    • Michael Powner is a trusted adviser and very responsive.

      Employment: Senior Executive respondentUK

    • He is a vital partner to our business, with a fantastic legal mind, and is always up to date. Mike Powner is a brilliant lawyer.

      Employment: Senior Executive respondentUK

    • Michael is a great lawyer.

      Employment: Senior Executive respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Charles Russell Speechlys (3)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Charles Russell Speechlys

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