UK Guide 2026 : Thames Valley
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Crossland Employment Solicitors
We advise businesses in all aspects of the employer/employee relationship from the initial drafting of employment contracts and policies, including advice on key areas such as restrictive covenants and confidentiality, through to advice on grievances, disciplinary issues, unfair dismissal claims and complex discrimination and whistle blowing issues.
We have significant experience as advocates in the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal, as well as High Court experience in dealing with the enforcement of restrictive covenants or breach of contract.
We have clients in a diverse number of industries: Formula 1 racing through to medical research. We have significant experience in dealing with Housing Associations and charities, as well as manufacturing and regulated industries such as insurance broking.
Recent work highlights include obtaining an injunction in the High Court against a client's former employee for taking confidential information when they left.
Provided by Chambers
Crossland Employment Solicitors is a boutique employment firm that works with clients that range from SMEs to large PLCs, on the full span of employment issues. The firm has niche expertise with regard to trade associations and is recommended above all for contentious matters.
Provided by Chambers
Their commercial excellence and understanding makes them a truly high-value partner.
They take a practical and business-minded approach to delivering legal advice, recognising that businesses sometimes need to take calculated risks.
The advice is technically sound and grounded in the real world of running a company.
They are just outstanding, a joy to work with, and I would not consider taking advice from any other firm.
I trust all of them completely.
Provided by Chambers
Beverley Sunderland is well versed in complex employment law disputes, including matters relating to restrictive covenants and company restructuring. She regularly assists her clients with litigation matters before the Employment Tribunal and in the High Court.
Her quick responses, practical solutions and no-nonsense advice have been invaluable.
Not only is she an exceptional legal mind but she is also brave, gutsy and strong when she needs to be.
She is at the top of her field.
Beverley is technically outstanding, commercially aware and pragmatic.
Barry Ross advises clients on exit plans, contract amendments and restructuring matters involving senior executives. He is equally recognised for expertly handling unfair dismissal claims and a range of HR-related issues, with extensive experience in complex employment litigation.
He is the most level-headed person I work with in a legal practice. He has a breadth of foresight that enables him to be looking at not just the next stage but many stages to come.
Barry is an extended part of our team and is trusted by all.
He's terrific - very personable, with a wise head on legal complexity.
Kevin Charles is a consulting barrister to the firm and has hefty advocacy experience, notably in assisting clients with unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. He is also recognised for negotiating settlement agreements involving senior executives and for managing breach of contract claims.
Kevin is a master of the workings in tribunal and takes the most complex situations and makes them understandable. His clarity and conviction are unquestionable.
Kevin gives sound advice and delivers great advocacy at tribunal.
Kevin consistently delivers.
Maria Hoeritzauer handles a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including restructuring, TUPE, disciplinary and grievance issues, discrimination claims and restrictive covenants. She has also dealt with cross-border matters regarding relocation and employment in the UK.
She is a strong legal mind and a joy to work with too.
Her exceptional knowledge, professionalism and dedication have made a profound impact on our organisation. She is truly invested in her clients' success.
She is amazing, we couldn't do without her. Her ability to predict an outcome in a complex case is second to none.
Attention to detail is the key ability that Maria brings to the most complex of legal challenges and contract creation.
Owen Dear works with a range of clients, from national corporations to charities, on a full spectrum of employment law advice, including disciplinary matters, TUPE and restructures. He also represents individuals in tribunal proceedings and assists employees with dismissal claims.
I would recommend Owen to any organisation looking for commercial, sound legal advice.
Owen made everything work really smoothly.
I can always rely on his advice and guidance.
Owen is my rock when everything feels like it is going wrong! He is honest about the situation and guides the process to deliver a positive outcome even through the most complex of legal situations.
Employment
Employment
Employment
Employment
Employment
Provided by Crossland Employment Solicitors
Owen Dear
Maria Hoeritzauer
Barry Ross
Kevin Charles
Beverley Sunderland
View profile of Beverley SunderlandMaria Hoeritzauer
View profile of Maria HoeritzauerKevin Charles
View profile of Kevin CharlesBarry Ross
View profile of Barry RossOwen Dear
View profile of Owen Dear
Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.
