Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Employment - Yorkshire: South and West
What the Team is Known For
Schofield Sweeney possesses expertise across all major disciplines within employment law. The team is based across the firm's offices in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield. It handles disciplinary procedures, settlement agreements and TUPE transfers. The firm also regularly provides representation at employment tribunal hearings. The firm's clients are in the retail, education and not-for-profit sectors, among others.
Strengths
The team provide consistent support and clarity around a wide variety of issues and are able to provide advice at all levels.
They are quick to reply, even with a note to acknowledge that they will review and revert - which is very assuring from a client's perspective.
Schofield Sweeney stand out for their strong client-focused approach, commercially driven advice, and expertise.
Their knowledge of our sector is deep, and their commitment to our organisation is outstanding. They feel like an extension of our own organisation - a genuine partner rather than external supplier.
Their help and advice has been exceptional and they are very commercially aware.
Work Highlights
Schofield Sweeney acted for Shan Supermarkets in successfully defending multiple claims of unfair dismissal, breach of contract and unpaid wages.
Notable practitioners
Andrew Gilchrist is a partner in the employment team. He regularly advises clients on matters pertaining to unfair dismissal and the exit of senior employees, as well as the management of employment tribunal claims.
John Robinson is a partner in the employment team. He has a wide-ranging employment law practice that encompasses employment tribunal advocacy and general advisory matters. He assists clients with redundancies and unfair dismissal claims.
John is an exceptional lawyer and always makes himself available.
Simon Shepherd heads the employment team at Schofield Sweeney in Leeds. He has a varied practice which sees him advise corporate and education sector clients on a range of matters. Shepherd is especially well regarded for guiding his clients through sensitive discrimination claims and managing unfair dismissal cases.
Simon is fantastic - especially his availability, his timeliness and the quality of his advice.
Simon is very commercial and understands the risks involved.
Annie Gray is a partner in the employment team. She focuses her practice on advising both employer clients and schools on HR and employment-related matters. She has recently represented clients in issues such as redundancy, discrimination, TUPE and unfair dismissal claims.
Annie always provides excellent service. She is highly responsive, incisive and brings clarity to complex issues. We very much value her support to our organisation.
Annie Gray is very helpful at tribunal and makes you feel prepared for the process.
Annie has a great understanding of both the legal details and the broader business context, which makes her advice not only legally sound but also commercially effective.
Annie maintains contact with us, whether there are cases ongoing or not. She operates as part of our team when dealing with cases and feels embedded within our operation.
Annie provides expert, professional and prompt advice. Most importantly, her interpersonal skills are great and the team trust and value her support.