UK Guide 2026 : Yorkshire: South and West
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland has one of the largest and most experienced UK employment teams in the market, with over 140 lawyers delivering high-quality, commercially focused advice across all areas of employment law. The firm supports clients on everything from day-to-day HR matters to complex, multijurisdictional projects involving employment, compensation, immigration and pensions. Their advice is pragmatic, user-friendly and grounded in a deep understanding of both legal frameworks and commercial realities. The team is known for its technical excellence and thought leadership, regularly publishing legal briefings, industry insights and horizon scanning updates. Whether advising on HR strategy, policy development, international expansion or contentious matters such as litigation and industrial action, Eversheds Sutherland provides seamless cross-border support. As part of a top ten global law firm, the team combines local expertise with global reach.
Provided by Chambers
Eversheds Sutherland has a well-respected practice noted for its expertise in complex employment tribunal litigation and TUPE matters as well as further education. The firm is recognised for its work relating to European Works Councils and global trade unions. It also handles cross-border restructuring matters. The team represents domestic and international clients across multiple sectors including leisure and finance.
Provided by Chambers
Eversheds Sutherland advised multiple universities on complex free speech and academic freedom issues, balancing sensitive equalities legislation and internal complaints procedures.
Provided by Chambers
They listen, understand the issues and provide a resolution.
What I really like about Eversheds is that they understand the business and its complexities, and are accessible and very responsive. They also have a commercial mindset when supporting and advising.
Eversheds Sutherland make it their business to deepen their understanding of our culture and values, and also the markets in which we operate, recognising particular risks and challenges.
Their legal advice on complex matters is underpinned by pragmatism and realism, with the advice provided in clear terms, understandable to non-lawyers.
Provided by Chambers
Christopher Mordue is a widely respected employment lawyer known for expertly guiding clients in the higher education sector through a range of matters, including redundancy and whistle-blowing as well as diversity and inclusion.
The service and support from Chris is ten out of ten. An invaluable partner.
Chris is exceptionally technically gifted - if you have any query about anything he will come back to you quickly with a very sensible and coherent response.
On complicated, knotty matters, I would always pick up the phone to Chris. His technical knowledge is second to none. He is very responsive and also very pragmatic.
Christopher is both very cerebral and down to earth.
Leeds-based Paul Cotton is an established practitioner who expertly handles both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. He regularly assists clients with TUPE transfers, negotiations and restructuring, among other areas.
Paul is personable and understands our business.
Simon Rice-Birchall maintains a strong reputation in the employment market for his handling of issues such as payroll and National Minimum Wage matters, as well as discrimination law.
Louise Lightfoot is a partner in the firm's employment practice in Leeds. She provides employment advice to employers on a range of transactional and strategic matters, including TUPE transfers and business reorganisations, with particular expertise in the industrial sector.
A highly experienced and sophisticated operator, Louise commands respect from our teams at all levels.
Louise is great to work with. She grasps the issues quickly, asks helpful questions and provides pragmatic, straightforward advice.
Louise always provides the advice required to ensure the risk to the business is reduced to the lowest level, and she is very clear in how any actions required are to be implemented.
Louise has an approach that makes you feel at ease and that you can talk openly about the situation. She gives sound, practical advice which fits with the organisational culture.
Employment
Employment
Employment
Employment
Provided by Eversheds Sutherland
Diane Gilhooley
Head of Department
Louise Lightfoot
View profile of Louise LightfootPaul Cotton
View profile of Paul CottonChristopher Mordue
View profile of Christopher MordueSimon Rice-Birchall
View profile of Simon Rice-Birchall
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