UK Guide 2026 : Thames Valley
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Field Seymour Parkes
Our team specialises in practical commercial employment advice with the options, risks, costs and benefits explained at the outset. The team has built a diverse client base and acts for employers in a wide range of sectors, from blue chip companies to small local charities, and for senior employees.
We advise on the full range of employment issues and our balanced team of solicitors, across all experience levels, provides us with a significant advantage. We have developed particular expertise in complex reorganisations, enforcing restrictive covenants, handling difficult senior employee departures and we have an excellent success rate in litigation.
Recent work highlights include the successful defence of age discrimination claims following an eight day tribunal hearing, advising on the closure of part of a business with in excess of 1,500 employees and acting on a class action concerning underpayment of holiday pay.
Our advice is carefully tailored to each client, as we know that the same approach does not work for all. We maintain a proactive approach to ensure we gain a detailed understanding of our clients and how they work so we can tailor our advice to their way of thinking and establish long-standing relationships.
Provided by Chambers
Field Seymour Parkes advises clients on a full range of employment matters, with regular work on both contentious and non-contentious mandates. The group advises on everything from contracts to acquisitions and redundancies. It represents a broad client base, including large employers in the logistics, manufacturing and automotive sectors. Field Seymour Parkes offers additional services such as HR updates and briefings.
Provided by Chambers
Field Seymour Parkes advised Static Control on the employment implications of the closure of its UK warehouse premises and relocation overseas.
Provided by Chambers
They provide excellent options to account for the different ways in which a situation could develop and robust advice even where the level of legal risk is relatively high.
The team demonstrates exceptional intellectual horsepower, consistently navigating intricate legal challenges with confidence and expertise.
Their ability to quickly grasp the nuances of a situation and offer tailored solutions sets them apart.
What truly sets them apart is their commitment to achieving the outcome I wanted. Their approach felt genuinely tailored and results-driven.
They are always proactive in considering the broader business implications of legal matters and ensure that their solutions align with our commercial goals.
Provided by Chambers
Ian Machray is an experienced practitioner and regularly advises clients on the employment law implications of international mergers and acquisitions. He also acts for clients on contentious employment issues including sex and race discrimination and harassment allegations, unfair dismissal and breach of contract matters.
Ian showcases deep expertise and sharp problem-solving skills, and his commercial awareness and vision are top-tier, as he aligns his advice seamlessly with our business goals.
Ian has been an exceptional partner for our legal needs. His deep knowledge and practical approach to complex matters have been incredibly valuable.
His ability to communicate complex legal matters, to explain options and risks and, importantly, to see things from a commercial perspective is outstanding.
I’m a great admirer of his approach - his guidance has been invaluable and has made a significant positive impact on my business over many years.
Katie Burley leads the employment team at Field Seymour Parkes. She works on a full range of employment matters with particular expertise in defending discrimination claims in the employment tribunals.
Katie is a true strategic partner and fierce advocate.
Katie has assiduous attention to detail and support. He is calm and analytical, with impressive depth of empathy and imaginative solutions.
She provides comprehensive advice promptly, distils complex issues in a straightforward way and is agile in adapting advice as needed.
Employment
Employment
Provided by Field Seymour Parkes
Katie Burley
Head of Department
Katie Burley
View profile of Katie BurleyIan Machray
View profile of Ian Machray
Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.
