Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - London (Bar)

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Old Square Chambers is an impressive set with wide-ranging strength in employment matters, including worker status, equal pay, discrimination and whistle-blowing cases. Its barristers represent trade unions in relation to strike injunctions. The chambers also attracts and retains clients in the education and healthcare sectors at an impressive rate. One client reports that they "provide really commercial, pragmatic advice," while another feels that "there is strength across the board, with go-to barristers at each level and eminent lawyers who inspire confidence at the top level." The strength of the barristers is particularly evident in their involvement in high-profile cases such as For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Ben Cooper
Ben Cooper
Star Individuals

Ben Cooper KC is an impressive advocate renowned for his expertise in injunctive relief issues and TUPE cases. He also has an increasingly prominent reputation for his work on discrimination matters. He represents a mix of employer and employee clients.

Ben Cooper is incredibly clear-thinking and knows the law inside-out. His written work is exceptional and his oral advocacy is clear and persuasive.

Ben Cooper's preparation is exceptional.

Ben Cooper is stellar leading counsel for complex employment litigation.

Michael Ford
Michael Ford
Star Individuals

Michael Ford KC is a skilled practitioner handling highly complex Employment Tribunal matters, including discrimination claims, equal pay and holiday pay disputes, as well as cases concerning industrial action. He regularly appears in the upper tiers of the judicial system, including the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.

You always know you're going to get innovative but compelling arguments from Michael Ford. He's a real star.

He's a very charming advocate. Everything he says is articulate and persuasive but comes through as very normal.

1
Louise Chudleigh
1
Band 1

Louise Chudleigh is an experienced employment barrister with expertise in discrimination, equal pay, whistle-blowing and breach of contract claims. Her extensive employment law knowledge is bolstered by her experience as an Employment Tribunal judge.

Louise Chudleigh is excellent, very knowledgeable and tenacious. She really throws herself into the case.

Louise's work ethic is extraordinary and she has a remarkable ability to absorb and distil information to present excellent service to clients.

Louise is an exceptional advocate with excellent client care skills. She deals with challenging litigants with great skill and intelligence.

Melanie Tether
1
Melanie Tether
1
Band 1

Melanie Tether regularly assists clients with complex disability discrimination cases and equal pay disputes. She also has considerable experience in TUPE matters and has tackled a number of leading cases in the field.

Melanie Tether's written advice is phenomenal. She is also amazing at finding creative solutions.

Melanie Tether is brilliant and incredibly thorough and knowledgeable.

Melanie Tether is really tough, but really pragmatic and fair. She is really able to see some quite tricky and difficult subtle legal issues and get on top of them.

1
Oliver Segal KC
1
Band 1

Oliver Segal KC is a hugely respected employment barrister who has particular expertise in discrimination and commercial agency laws. He is also highly proficient in handling sophisticated collective disputes, including industrial actions and TUPE complications.

Oliver Segal is faultless on the law and strategy for litigation.

Oliver's advocacy is second to none. He is always calm and persuasive, whatever is thrown at him.

Ben Collins
2
Ben Collins
2
Band 2

Ben Collins KC is recognised for his proficiency in sophisticated whistle-blowing claims and discrimination cases. He regularly acts for public sector employers but is also skilled at handling cases for private sector clients. His employment practice is bolstered by his knowledge of personal injury law.

Ben Collins is a really pragmatic and sensible adviser and advocate.

Ben Collins is a formidable employment lawyer. He strikes a great balance of holding his line and drawing it forward while being subtle and persuasive.

Katharine Newton KC
2
Katharine Newton KC
2
Band 2

Katharine Newton KC maintains a wide employment law practice, representing large employers and individuals from both the public and private sectors. She is most renowned for discrimination work, but has also dealt with whistle-blowing claims and industrial action issues. She regularly represents employers from the banking and financial services sectors, as well as large media organisations.

Katharine Newton is very calm in her delivery.

Katharine Newton is a tenacious and excellent advocate. Her attention to detail and devotion to her clients is second to none.

Robert Moretto
2
Robert Moretto
2
Band 2

Robert Moretto has an extensive employment law practice covering all the major areas, in which he is frequently instructed by central government. He has strong expertise covering worker status cases and claims relating to equal pay and discrimination.

Robert is a tremendous barrister who is very easy to work with. He explains complex issues in a digestible way for clients.

Robert is a brilliant barrister and devastating in his cross-examination.

Robert Moretto is meticulous and extremely bright. He carries the confidence of the courts and tribunal while providing a first-class service for his clients.

2
Simon Cheetham KC
2
Band 2

Simon Cheetham KC handles a raft of employment issues including discrimination law, contractual disputes, restrictive covenant enforcements, bonuses and holiday pay. He has significant experience of High Court and Court of Appeal advocacy.

Simon is excellent, very thorough and very intelligent. He doesn't get lost in detail.

Simon Cheetham is very, very good when he's cross-examining.

Simon Cheetham is always ultra-prepared, knows his papers inside-out and is a thoughtful, clever advocate on his feet.

Betsan Criddle
3
Betsan Criddle
3
Band 3

Betsan Criddle KC has a broad employment law practice with notable experience in discrimination cases and injunction proceedings. She represents a wide range of clients including banks, independent schools, major charities, NHS trusts, trade unions and senior executives.

Betsan has an exceptionally technical mind and a clear and direct approach as an advocate.

Betsan Criddle's knowledge of the area is second to none and she was so responsive.

Betsan Criddle marshals her arguments really well and absorbs information in record time. Her written work and advocacy are out of this world.

Deshpal Panesar
3
Deshpal Panesar
3
Band 3

Deshpal Panesar KC is a skilled advocate who regularly appears before the High Court and employment tribunals. He is known for his appellate practice and has extensive experience handling difficult industrial action, whistle-blowing and discrimination claims.

Deshpal Panesar has an incredibly sharp legal mind. He has good analytical skills and is good with clients.

Ijeoma Omambala
3
Ijeoma Omambala
3
Band 3

Ijeoma Omambala KC is a strong discrimination barrister who has expertise in wider employment law issues, including restrictive covenants, whistle-blowing and trade union matters.

Ijeoma Omambala is an outstanding advocate who has a very good way of putting points that are complex simply for the court.

Ijeoma is a phenomenal silk who is sought out for the most intellectually challenging cases and brings a gravitas and intellectual rigour that is rare even amongst silks.

Ijeoma Omambala is very unflappable and very calm under the barrage of difficult matters.

3
Jack Mitchell
3
Band 3

Jack Mitchell regularly handles sensitive employment cases for his clients, both domestically and internationally, and is renowned for his work in high-profile whistle-blowing and discrimination claims. He has an interest in the commercial aspects of employment law, advising on partnership issues and shareholder disputes.

Jack Mitchell comes up with hugely imaginative solutions.

Jack Mitchell is determined and hard-working for his clients. He is extremely astute.

Jack Mitchell is always pragmatic and considered in his approach. He has outstanding client care skills and communication.

Madeline Stanley
3
Madeline Stanley
3
Band 3

Madeline Stanley is a well-regarded barrister with deep expertise across the employment law field. She regularly acts in major cases involving employment status as well as trade union and strike action matters.

Madeline Stanley is good at strategy and problem solving, as well as having a class legal brain.

Madeline Stanley is very good at cutting through peripheral matters. She is very bright, on top of the law, and creative in how she pushes it forward.

She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of employment law and significant experience in litigating cases as sole counsel, even against silks.

Mark Sutton
3
Mark Sutton
3
Band 3

Mark Sutton KC is widely reputed for his expertise in doctor disciplinaries and employment law issues arising from the healthcare sector. He is particularly skilled in handling whistle-blowing and TUPE matters, and has experience of injunctive relief applications before the Supreme Court.

Mark Sutton is a go-to leading counsel for complex NHS employment matters.

Rad Kohanzad
3
Rad Kohanzad
3
Band 3

Rad Kohanzad is an accomplished employment barrister who earns widespread praise for his appellate practice. He regularly appears on behalf of companies and individuals in the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

Rad Kohanzad is an effective tactician who spots appeal points that others miss.

Rad is an excellent barrister who is personable, easy to deal with, and a first-class advocate.

Rad Kohanzad is sharp, has good advocacy, and is easy to work with.

3
Spencer Keen
3
Band 3

Spencer Keen has developed a strong presence in the London market after practising as a barrister on the Western Circuit for a number of years. He is known for his ability to attack complex questions of discrimination and whistle-blowing law at appellate level, and has particular expertise in employment cases involving EU law.

Spencer Keen has been extremely user-friendly, insightful, analytical and measured in his advice.

Spencer Keen's advocacy is very effective, coming across as being eminently reasonable and persuasive.

Spencer is a trusted advocate who is incredibly detailed.

Eleena Misra
4
Eleena Misra
4
Band 4

Eleena Misra KC practises broadly in public and private employment law and has noted expertise in educational and healthcare-related issues. She demonstrates deep experience acting in disciplinary and regulatory matters and has a strong understanding of discrimination laws.

Eleena Misra is really good at pulling out the complexities and also handling the client brilliantly.

Eleena Misra has great technical knowledge but also understands the client's commercial objectives.

Eleena is always reliable, dependable and hard-working. She provides pragmatic and commercial advice that is objective-focused.

Nadia Motraghi
4
Nadia Motraghi
4
Band 4

Nadia Motraghi KC is an exceptionally skilled barrister who acts for employers, senior executives, trade unions and large groups of claimants. She also has significant experience representing government institutions and NHS organisations.

Nadia Motraghi is client-friendly, responsive and an excellent strategist with innovative and workable approaches to often complex issues.

Nadia Motraghi is a superb advocate who is fantastic in cross-examination but also in wider trial preparation and overall strategy.

Nadia Motraghi is very impressive, a team player, and able to win the confidence of clients.

Nicola Newbegin
4
Nicola Newbegin
4
Band 4

Nicola Newbegin draws on her background as a solicitor to represent claimants and respondents in a raft of employment disputes. She has particular expertise in cases arising out of the healthcare sector and often acts in claims for alleged unfair dismissal and discrimination.

Nicola is incredibly diligent; she leaves no stone unturned.

Nicola Newbegin is a sure and steady advocate, working tirelessly for her clients.

Paras Gorasia
4
Paras Gorasia
4
Band 4

Paras Gorasia operates a well-respected employment law practice encompassing the full suite of tribunal claims. Among other notable instructions he has advised Azeem Rafiq in the course of the investigation into racism at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

Clients have absolute trust and confidence in Paras Gorasia to fight their corner.

Paras Gorasia has very good technical knowledge and is great with clients.

Paras Gorasia is able to tease out a coherent legal case from muddled arguments.

Robin White
4
Robin White
4
Band 4

Robin White is widely praised for her knowledge of discrimination law, with a particular strength in relation to transgender rights. She also has national security clearance, which enables her to work on highly sensitive matters.

Robin White has a forensic eye for detail.

Robin has a really serious appreciation of the complexity of the issues and her advice is pragmatic and commercially sensible.

Robin White is a great and very effective cross-examiner.

Stuart Brittenden
4
Stuart Brittenden
4
Band 4

Stuart Brittenden offers expert advice to employers, individuals and trade unions and has specialist knowledge of injunctions, discrimination cases and industrial action, appearing regularly before the Employment Appeal Tribunal, High Court and beyond.

Stuart Brittenden gives really good, practical advice.

Stuart Brittenden fights really hard on instructions from clients.

Stuart's advocacy is very strong and he is outstanding.

Adam Ross
5
Adam Ross
5
Band 5

Respected junior barrister Adam Ross is capable of handling a broad spectrum of employment matters for which he is frequently instructed as sole counsel. His litigation experience often sees him act for and against public bodies.

Adam Ross is always dependable, has excellent client skills, and a personable, approachable manner. He has strong advocacy skills.

Adam is technically excellent, but with a great ability to see the bigger picture.

Adam Ross is a brilliant barrister with exceptional advocacy skills. His drafting is also of an incredibly high quality.

Christopher Edwards
5
Christopher Edwards
5
Band 5

Christopher Edwards boasts a broad employment practice that regularly sees him representing both employees and employers, including the NHS and blue-chip companies.

He is user-friendly with a pragmatic approach.

Christopher Edwards' advocacy is very good. His written work was very good and helped us achieve a great result.

His court manner is confident and assured. He secured a brilliant outcome for the client on a challenging case, providing excellent on-hand support to me as I navigated the case.

Chris very ably represented our clients in the Employment Tribunal and EAT.

Hilary Winstone
5
Hilary Winstone
5
Band 5

Hilary Winstone receives praise for her cross-examination prowess. She is especially adept at handling employment discrimination cases for corporate and public sector clients, including local authorities, police forces and NHS trusts.

Laith Dilaimi
5
Laith Dilaimi
5
Band 5

Laith Dilaimi has acted in numerous high-profile employment cases concerning whistle-blowing, unfair dismissal and holiday pay. Notable recent instructions include representing the Home Secretary in Sir Philip Rutnam's claims following his resignation.

Laith Dilaimi is extremely knowledgeable, communicated well, and put forward clear legal arguments.

Laith Dilaimi is able to grasp tricky and complex issues and make sense of them.

Laith's care and holistic approach to cases is unique. His legal knowledge is excellent.

Alex Shellum
6
Alex Shellum
6
Band 6

Alex Shellum is a skilful barrister advising on a variety of employment tribunal claims and appeals. He is regularly instructed in discrimination and sexual harassment claims, many of a high-profile nature.

Alex can be relied upon for excellent technical knowledge.

His communication of the law in a straightforward, non-legalistic way and his bedside manner with clients is exceptional.

Alex Shellum is so focused and amenable to clients whilst being super-professional. He is super-slick and very responsive.

6
Anya Palmer
6
Band 6

Anya Palmer has a dedicated employment practice in which she acts for both claimants and employers. She has experience appearing before the High Court, Employment Appeal Tribunal, and the Court of Appeal.

Anya Palmer is an effective litigator who is involved in the gender-critical spectrum in the discrimination field.

Anya is a good advocate.

6
Ben Jones
6
Band 6

Ben Jones is an able employment law barrister with a particular strength in matters involving NHS trusts. His experience also extends to other sectors and encompasses a broad range of claims, from disability discrimination and whistle-blowing to worker status.

Ben Jones has excellent client skills, is a very strong communicator, and is super-bright.

Ben Jones is really robust and really meticulous in his preparation.

Ben is a really excellent junior.

Darshan Patel
6
Darshan Patel
6
Band 6

Darshal Patel is noted for his expertise in both High Court employment matters and tribunal claims. He is adept at handling unfair dismissal and breach of contract instructions.

Laura Gould
6
Laura Gould
6
Band 6

Laura Gould acts on commercial and civil employment disputes, boasting particular expertise in medical and NHS employment work. She has experience in employment-related High Court actions and discrimination claims in civil courts.

Laura Gould's cross-examination is razor-sharp.

Laura Gould is brilliant and clients love her. She's so personable with clients and has the case nailed inside and out before she gets to the court.

Laura Gould is a good team player and very user-friendly.

Rachel Owusu-Agyei
6
Rachel Owusu-Agyei
6
Band 6

Rachel Owusu-Agyei is an impressive junior barrister who earns praise for her ability to litigate complex cases on behalf of respondents as well as individual and group claimants, and trade unions. She has wide-ranging employment experience in matters such as whistle-blowing, discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Rachel Owusu-Agyei has good manners with the client and is commercially aware.

Rachel is fantastic.

Tara O'Halloran
6
Tara O'Halloran
6
Band 6

Tara O'Halloran is a highly sought-after junior employment barrister. Her experience sees her handling complex tribunal matters for claimants and respondents, with particular expertise in discrimination and unfair dismissal.

Tara is great to work with, collaborative and accessible.

There was no flapping from Tara O'Halloran. It was a difficult situation to be in and she handled it really well.

Tom Kirk
6
Tom Kirk
6
Band 6

Tom Kirk is a specialist employment law barrister with strong experience acting in the Employment Appeal Tribunal, in cases concerning topical issues such as equal pay and worker status. He is notable for his work in disputes occurring in the civil service.

In a complicated matter, Tom Kirk was very able.

Conor Kennedy
U
Conor Kennedy
U
Up and Coming

Conor Kennedy represents claimants and respondents in commercial and civil employment disputes. His experience includes harassment, victimisation and disability claims, as well as unfair dismissals.

Conor Kennedy is commercial, great with clients, responsive and pragmatic in his approach.

Conor Kennedy's advocacy is good. He thinks on his feet really quickly.

Daisy van den Berg
U
Daisy van den Berg
U
Up and Coming

Daisy van den Berg is a junior who is instructed on various discrimination claims, including those concerning transgender, sex, maternity and religious discrimination. She has experience in the Employment Tribunal and in the civil courts.

Daisy van den Berg is a great advocate who is able to adapt in difficult situations.

Daisy van den Berg is a patient, thorough and effective advocate who paced herself well.

Emily Skinner
U
Emily Skinner
U
Up and Coming

Emily Skinner is a junior with experience as a former employment solicitor. She is instructed on whistle-blowing, unfair dismissals and TUPE trials, as well as matters concerning discrimination claims.

Emily Skinner has a level of assurance that clients like.

Emily Skinner is articulate. She is a competent, talented junior barrister.

Emily's knowledge, strategic insight and pragmatism are impressive.

Serena Crawshay-Williams
U
Serena Crawshay-Williams
U
Up and Coming

Serena Crawshay-Williams' broad employment practice encompasses whistle-blowing, discrimination, unfair dismissals, holiday pay and breach of contract. She acts in EAT appeals, drafts pleadings and witness statements, and assists in investigations.

Serena Crawshay-Williams is very astute. Her points are fantastic and her knowledge of the law is first-class.

Ranked Barristers at
Old Square Chambers

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Employment

Ben Cooper KC
Ben Cooper KC
Star Individuals
Michael Ford KC
Michael Ford KC
Star Individuals
1
Oliver Segal KC
1
Band 1
Ben Collins KC
2
Ben Collins KC
2
Band 2
Katharine Newton KC
2
Katharine Newton KC
2
Band 2
2
Simon Cheetham KC
2
Band 2
Betsan Criddle KC
3
Betsan Criddle KC
3
Band 3
Deshpal Panesar KC
3
Deshpal Panesar KC
3
Band 3
Ijeoma Omambala KC
3
Ijeoma Omambala KC
3
Band 3
Mark Sutton KC
3
Mark Sutton KC
3
Band 3
Eleena Misra KC
4
Eleena Misra KC
4
Band 4
Nadia Motraghi KC
4
Nadia Motraghi KC
4
Band 4
Stuart Brittenden KC
4
Stuart Brittenden KC
4
Band 4

Juniors

London (Bar)

Employment

1
Louise Chudleigh
1
Band 1
Melanie Tether
1
Melanie Tether
1
Band 1
Robert Moretto
2
Robert Moretto
2
Band 2
3
Jack Mitchell
3
Band 3
Madeline Stanley
3
Madeline Stanley
3
Band 3
Rad Kohanzad
3
Rad Kohanzad
3
Band 3
3
Spencer Keen
3
Band 3
20 of 39 results