Department profile
Paris Smith LLP

Employment

UK Guide 2026 : The South


Paris Smith LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Paris Smith LLP

Employment law is constantly changing but our team of expert lawyers based in Southampton and Winchester are here to help your business to proactively manage your employment issues. We provide commercially orientated practical advice and pragmatic solutions which are tailored to the needs and circumstances of your business.

EMPLOYMENT LAW WORK EXAMPLES:

  •  Advising on the furlough scheme and the changing rules relating to this scheme.
  •  Advising on numerous redundancy situations including collective redundancies.
  •  Advising employees in mass-settlement agreement exercises.
  • Representing clients in respect of a number of substantial Employment Tribunal cases, including:
    • TUPE claim for an employer where 15 employees brought an action concerning the application of the TUPE Regulations;
    • Whistleblowing claims in the Employment Tribunal for employers and employees; and
    • Discrimination claims;
  • Obtaining injunctions and undertakings in restrictive covenant and confidentiality cases.
  •  Advising on director exits where the issues involved are often complex and high value, involving both employment and shareholder issues.
  • Representing a client on a national minimum wage case before the Court of Appeal.
  • Advising on insolvency situations for employers.

To assist our clients, we have developed flexible fee arrangements to give our clients access to instant legal advice whilst offering financial peace of mind regarding their legal spend.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - The South

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Paris Smith is a respected employment team, noted for its strong reputation in the local market, which acts for both employees and employers and has significant experience in acting on both sides of senior-level exits. The firm represents clients in employment tribunals and restrictive covenant actions, as well as aiding companies with employment training programmes. The team regularly advises clients from the education and transport sectors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Paris Smith advised a Premier League football club in relation to a discrimination claim based on goods and services, involving proceedings in the civil courts.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Each person we speak with has the experience and knowledge needed.

    Employment respondentUK
  • It's difficult to be anything other than effusive about Paris Smith.

    Employment respondentUK
  • Their legal advice is coupled effectively with practical suggestions which work for our business.

    Employment respondentUK
  • Paris Smith have developed a strong understanding of our business needs.

    Employment respondentUK
  • I never feel unsure or unclear about the advice provided when handling complex issues.

    Employment respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Clive Dobbin
    Band 1Clive Dobbin

    Clive Dobbin

    Clive Dobbin leads the Paris Smith employment practice. He regularly advises on senior-level exits, contractual issues and TUPE matters.

    • He is a top-level solicitor, a heavy hitter and someone you definitely want on your side.

      Employment respondentUK
    • Clive knows our business and is great to work with - no question is too stupid.

      Employment respondentUK
    • Clive is very helpful and knowledgeable.

      Employment respondentUK
    • Clive's understanding of our business and future plans is one of his strengths. I not only trust but also value his advice.

      Employment respondentUK
  • Band 3Claire Merritt
    Band 3Claire Merritt

    Claire Merritt

    Claire Merritt is sought out by clients for her ability to advise on both contentious and non-contentious matters, with particular expertise in the education sector. She regularly works with clients on defence strategies in the Employment Tribunal as well as offering support on whistle-blowing matters.

    • I cannot speak highly enough of Claire. Her approach with care was detailed, informed and carefully executed.

      Employment respondentUK
    • Claire is a highly experienced legal adviser who is able to explain the law in a relatable way.

      Employment respondentUK
    • She is very commercially sensible. has a good eye for detail and is very bright - it's a good combination.

      Employment respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Paris Smith LLP (2)

The South

Members

Provided by Paris Smith LLP

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