Department profile
Devereux

Employment

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


Devereux

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - London (Bar)

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Devereux is a chambers which is widely praised for being "a really strong and technical set with strength in dealing with complex matters" and one where "there is an exceptional selection of advocates." The set can boast deep experience among its ranks, covering high-profile employment disputes, including matters with crossover tax implications. Members exhibit considerable expertise in cases involving restrictive covenants, industrial relations, TUPE, the National Minimum Wage, discrimination and whistle-blowing. Tenants are regularly called upon to represent claimants and respondents, with recent highlights including Royal Mail v Jhuti, a whistle-blowing case in which the Royal Mail appealed the multimillion-pound award granted to the claimant.

Glenn Billenness is the director of clerking.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Devereux has a great clerking team. You feel completely safe in their hands and they have great client care skills.

    Employment respondentUK Bar
  • I have always found the clerking team to be clear and responsive.

    Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Glenn Billenness is terrific. He is very responsive.

    Employment respondentUK Bar
  • The Devereux clerks are quick to respond, friendly and helpful.

    Employment respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks at Devereux are very responsive and efficient at all times.

    Employment respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Star IndividualsBruce Carr
    Star IndividualsBruce Carr

    Bruce Carr

    Bruce Carr KC is a skilful advocate, widely recognised for his unbeatable expertise in industrial relations and trade union matters. He is also highly proficient in whistle-blowing and discrimination cases.

    • Bruce Carr is a robust cross-examiner and able to dominate a tribunal.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Bruce Carr is brilliant, has a very nice courtroom manner, is very persuasive, and puts things clearly and simply.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Bruce is a hugely experienced and assured advocate who commands judicial and client respect.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Andrew Burns
    Band 1Andrew Burns

    Andrew Burns

    Andrew Burns KC advises clients on a broad range of employment law matters, with a focus on industrial disputes and discrimination issues. He often acts for major public and private sector employers.

    • Andrew Burns has impressive drafting and case strategy skills.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Andrew Burns combines huge intellect with an approachable, down-to-earth manner which lands very well with clients. He is very commercial and sees the big picture, but also masters all of the detail.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Andrew Burns' knowledge of industrial action law is unrivalled and he gets to the point quickly, providing pragmatic and sensible advice.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Akash Nawbatt
    Band 2Akash Nawbatt

    Akash Nawbatt

    Akash Nawbatt KC is an employment-focused silk who handles discrimination, worker status and whistle-blowing cases at all court levels, including the High Court and the Court of Appeal. He is regularly instructed by large banking clients and government institutions.

    • Akash Nawbatt is an excellent KC who is wonderful to work with and a great advocate.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Akash is insightful and clear in his advice and didn't sit on the fence with his views.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Akash Nawbatt is incredibly smooth with a tribunal and has the right kind of style. As a client, he is the kind of person to keep you calm in a tough case.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Talia Barsam
    Band 2Talia Barsam

    Talia Barsam

    Talia Barsam manages an extensive employment law practice. She is a barrister who is especially skilled in handling whistle-blowing and remuneration claims, and matters concerning unfair dismissal, redundancies and TUPE issues. She has vast experience acting for clients in the financial and healthcare sectors.

    • Talia Barsam is a very effective barrister who is great at cross-examination.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Talia is extremely thorough in her approach and excellent at dealing with complex and challenging claims.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Alice Mayhew
    Band 3Alice Mayhew

    Alice Mayhew

    Alice Mayhew KC is an experienced courtroom and employment tribunal advocate who is highly knowledgeable in matters involving restrictive covenants and contractual rights. She also handles an increasing amount of whistle-blowing litigation.

    • Alice is very hard-working and on top of all the details of the points.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Alice Mayhew is very, very bright, a superb advocate and wonderful with clients. She is the true all-rounder.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Alice Mayhew has an excellent grasp of thorny legal issues but with a practical and commercial approach.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Georgina Hirsch
    Band 3Georgina Hirsch

    Georgina Hirsch

    Georgina Hirsch is frequently called upon by both claimants and respondents to handle a broad range of employment disputes. Her past experience as an in-house solicitor at a union contributes significantly to her expertise in industrial relations matters.

    • Georgina Hirsch gives a detailed legal analysis but with a commercial edge, no doubt informed by her time working as a solicitor in private practice and at a union.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Georgina is responsive, very thorough and client-friendly.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Georgina Hirsch is pragmatic and with a real flair in cross-examination. She is incredibly helpful behind the scenes and impressive on her feet.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Kate Balmer
    Band 3Kate Balmer

    Kate Balmer

    Kate Balmer represents high-profile employers, including government departments and large banking institutions, in all manner of employment matters. Her cases concern a variety of issues including alleged discrimination and whistle-blowing.

    • Kate prepares very thoroughly. She wins the client's confidence and is a safe pair of hands.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Kate Balmer is very reliable and doesn't miss a trick.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Kate Balmer is extremely commercial, astute and gives sage advice. She is robust and someone you want to partner with for tricky matters.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Laura Bell
    Band 3Laura Bell

    Laura Bell

    Laura Bell is an experienced barrister with a wide-ranging employment practice, bolstered by her personal injury law knowledge. She is particularly respected for her advocacy in discrimination cases. She often acts for clients from the financial services sector.

    • Laura Bell is fantastic on her feet and in conference with clients.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Laura Bell is quick to pick things up and very responsive.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Laura is always robust and tenacious in her cross-examination.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Peter Edwards
    Band 3Peter Edwards

    Peter Edwards

    Peter Edwards has a broad employment law practice, with extensive experience of High Court litigation and complex Employment Appeal Tribunal cases. He specialises in industrial relations work and is often instructed by high-profile trade unions. He also leverages his experience in personal injury litigation to tackle disability discrimination matters.

    • Peter Edwards has a sharp legal mind, exceptional advocacy skills, and a calm, reassuring presence that makes a real difference during incredibly challenging moments.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Thomas Cordrey
    Band 3Thomas Cordrey

    Thomas Cordrey

    Thomas Cordrey has established a strong employment practice, with notable expertise in complex TUPE issues and discrimination cases. He undertakes a significant amount of appellate advocacy.

    • Thomas Cordrey's drafting is a joy to read and his understated advocacy gets results. His ability to distil and focus on what matters is impressive.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Thomas Cordrey always knows the right approach and is good at dealing with things in person. He is a real pleasure to work with.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Thomas Cordrey is very easy to work with and very user-friendly. He is a good team player who is very well prepared.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Christopher Stone
    Band 4Christopher Stone

    Christopher Stone

    Christopher Stone KC runs a balanced employment law practice, acting for employers and employees. He has experience in a plethora of employment law matters including complex tribunal matters involving unfair dismissal and whistle-blowing detriment claims. He has crossover knowledge of commercial and tax law.

    • Christopher Stone is very responsive and takes a helpful, pragmatic approach.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Christopher Stone is extremely hard-working and has incredible analytical skills. He's very thoughtful about strategy and the manner in which a case is litigated.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Chris's advocacy is well thought out, calm and precise.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Claire Darwin
    Band 4Claire Darwin

    Claire Darwin

    Claire Darwin KC is a highly experienced employment barrister who has an extensive practice encompassing equal pay, worker status, industrial relations and discrimination claims. She frequently appears before the EAT and appeal courts, and offers notable expertise in various employment law issues affecting large public sector organisations and government departments.

    • Claire Darwin never misses a trick. She is incredibly knowledgeable and assured.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Claire Darwin is extremely impressive, particularly at pursuing those cases that are high-profile and break new ground.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Claire is very forensic in her cross-examination and her general approach. She is dogged in her advocacy.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Jesse Crozier
    Band 4Jesse Crozier

    Jesse Crozier

    Jesse Crozier is an erudite and approachable barrister who is trusted by both claimants and respondents for his ability to litigate in tribunal. His deep employment law knowledge sees him handle a variety of cases involving TUPE, discrimination, whistle-blowing and unfair dismissal.

    • Jesse is an insightful tactician who is always a step ahead of the opposition. He combines the gravitas of a trusted adviser with good humour and an approachable manner which clients warm to.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Jesse Crozier is good, pragmatic and across the detail.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Jesse Crozier is a very strong and technical advocate who gets up to speed with technical issues with ease and works well with clients.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Lucinda Harris
    Band 4Lucinda Harris

    Lucinda Harris

    Lucinda Harris acts for high-profile employers from both the public and private sectors, including large hospitality clients and influential banking institutions. She has a wide-ranging employment practice, offering expert advice on unfair dismissal and discrimination issues, among other areas.

    • Lucinda Harris at Devereux is very bright and fully committed; she is always thinking one step ahead.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Lucinda Harris brings not only deep legal knowledge and a compassionate, client-centred approach, but also sharp strategic instincts that consistently deliver excellent results.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Lucinda is incredibly bright and perceptive. She is an excellent advocate and an absolute team player.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Bayo Randle
    Band 5Bayo Randle

    Bayo Randle

    Bayo Randle is an in-demand junior barrister with expertise across the employment law field, demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of discrimination, harassment and whistle-blowing claims. He is also trusted by the government, serving on the Attorney General's B Panel.

    • Bayo Randle is absolutely excellent. He is great with clients and very detail-oriented.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Bayo Randle's drafting, advice and advocacy have been superb.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Bayo is a brilliant advocate who adapts his style very well, particularly when dealing with litigants in person.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Georgia Hicks
    Band 5Georgia Hicks

    Georgia Hicks

    Georgia Hicks possesses a thorough understanding of a broad array of employment law issues. She is an expert in claims of discrimination or unfair dismissal, as well as cases with tax elements.

    • Georgia Hicks possesses tremendous legal insight, a prodigious intellect and an infectious drive.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Georgia Hicks is a great junior who is very composed and easy to get on with.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Georgia Hicks is very good with clients and witnesses, and she is user-friendly.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Marianne Tutin
    Band 5Marianne Tutin

    Marianne Tutin

    Marianne Tutin is a prominent junior barrister in the employment law field who is recognised for her experience in the tribunals and the High Court. She has excellent knowledge of strike injunctions, in addition to the full range of equality and discrimination matters.

    • Marianne Tutin is shrewd and to the point. She made her points elegantly and moved on.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Marianne Tutin is very responsive and hands-on with the client. She has the ability to think on her feet and pivot the position to protect the client's interests.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Marianne is calm under pressure and self-assured.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Sebastian Purnell
    Band 5Sebastian Purnell

    Sebastian Purnell

    Sebastian Purnell represents claimants and respondents in high-profile unfair dismissal, discrimination and whistle-blowing claims. He possesses notable expertise in worker status in the context of income tax treatment.

    • Sebastian Purnell is a go-to junior for complex matters. His preparation is excellent, his advice is sensible and pragmatic, and his cross-examination is forensic.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Sebastian Purnell is extremely bright and reliable.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Sebastian Purnell is an all-rounder and someone you want on your side.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 6Anna Greenley
    Band 6Anna Greenley

    Anna Greenley

    Anna Greenley has an impressively varied employment practice, taking in tribunal work such as equal pay and whistle-blowing claims, together with High Court contract disputes.

    • Anna Greenley does all the groundwork for you. She is a great advocate.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Anna's legal analysis is consistently rigorous, and she brings a level of clarity and structure to even the most intricate cases.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • Anna Greenley is a good advocate. She's excellent at giving pragmatic advice on merits and how to handle a case at the outset.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Band 6John Platts-Mills
    Band 6John Platts-Mills

    John Platts-Mills

    John Platts-Mills is building a strong reputation for his work before the Employment Tribunal, Appeals Tribunal and in court. He is well regarded for his work in industrial relations.

    • John Platts-Mills is excellent. Judges really sit up and listen when he speaks.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
    • John Platts-Mills is very technical, has impressive attention to detail, but is also very pragmatic and sensitive in his approach.

      Employment respondentUK Bar
  • Up and ComingHarry Sheehan
    Up and ComingHarry Sheehan

    Harry Sheehan

    Harry Sheehan's broad employment practice often covers cases in the Employment Tribunal for both employers and employees. He also has experience with instructions in the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

    • Harry Sheehan is very courteous, professional and authoritative in hearings.

      Employment respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Devereux (21)

London (Bar)

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