Department profile
DAC Beachcroft LLP

Employment

UK Guide 2026 : South West


DAC Beachcroft LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by DAC Beachcroft LLP

What we do

  • We act for top tier clients primarily across four key sectors: FTSE 100/Major Corporates; insurance; health; and public sectors. The breadth and depth of our client base makes us unique in the Bristol market.
  • FTSE 100/Major corporates: we act for Dixons Carphone plc and major technology companies, including British Telecom and EE Ltd (Orange, T-Mobile and EE)
  • Insurers: we act for large global insurers including Zurich
  • Health Sector: we remain the largest provider of employment legal services to NHS health organisations in in the South West and South Central regions and have a growing private health employment offering, supporting these clients with their routine as well as their complex matters
  • We are one of the largest users of the Tribunal system in the region, handling over 1,000 claims a year for our clients
  • Our work for our clients operating globally has also enabled us to expand our core areas of work to advising on significant international transactions.

What we are known for

Employment litigation in Employment Tribunals, and Employment Appeal Tribunal work on behalf of major companies

  • The employment aspects of outsourcing, including TUPE, redundancies and restructuring
  • Work on all aspects of complex reorganisation and restructuring programmes
  • Working closely with clients on the implementation of redundancy exercises, including providing advice on consultation with trade unions, the election of employee representatives and procedural issues

Clients (10)

  • Dixons Carphone plc
  • Zurich Insurance plc
  • BT plc
  • EE Ltd
  • OFWAT
  • University of Oxford
  • Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
  • Dorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
  • Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Industries (13)

  • Commercial & Professional Services
  • Construction & Materials
  • Education
  • Financial Services
  • Food & Drink Producers
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Insurance
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Retail
  • Telecommunications
  • Utilities

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - South West

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

DAC Beachcroft possesses a highly regarded employment practice acting for large public sector organisations and major corporations, particularly global insurers and public and private healthcare providers. The firm demonstrates expertise in tribunal work, as well as complex advisory and transactional work on a national and international scale.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • DAC Beachcroft represented Sainsbury's Supermarkets and Lloyds Pharmacy in a major equal pay matter and one of the largest claims brought in the employment tribunals.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • It was immediately clear we were working with a firm that would help navigate us to the resolution we so wanted.

    Employment respondentUK
  • They have provided excellent advice and guidance in understanding complex and sophisticated issues.

    Employment respondentUK
  • They are exceptional - so responsive and quick to help provide you with the support and reassurance you need.

    Employment respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Alex Lock
    Band 1Alex Lock

    Alex Lock

    Alex Lock is an employment partner based in DAC Beachcroft's Bristol office who advises clients on collective redundancy and TUPE matters as well as senior executive departures. He also represents clients in employment tribunals arising from discrimination claims.

    • He is quick to understand the nature of the issues, and his advice is always measured, articulate and easy to follow.

      Employment respondentUK
    • He is personable, deeply experienced across a broad range of matters and provides clear, commercial advice.

      Employment respondentUK
    • Alex is very knowledgeable and has good judgement. I trust him a lot.

      Employment respondentUK
  • Band 2Katy Horner
    Band 2Katy Horner

    Katy Horner

    Katy Horner is an employment partner based in the firm's Bristol office. She represents clients in high-value claims regarding disability, race, sex and age discrimination. She also advises clients on all aspects of complex reorganisation and restructuring programmes.

Ranked Individuals at DAC Beachcroft LLP (2)

South West

Members

Provided by DAC Beachcroft LLP

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