
Employment
UK Guide 2026 : Scotland
Rankings

Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Shoosmiths LLP
Our national team of specialist lawyers provide excellent client service and legal advice across all employment matters, whether for corporate clients, where our focus is on improving their business in innovative and forward thinking ways, or supporting high net worth individuals on their personal requirements.
There is not much that our national team of experienced specialists has not seen before, meaning they are well placed to deliver cost-effective, strategic and commercial advice aimed at improving your business or meeting your personal requirements. We pride ourselves on investing time to fully understand your objectives meaning we can deliver the support you need, when you need it most, so you can achieve your goals.
We provide a painless way for our clients to keep up to speed on all employment developments. Empowering managers is essential for operational effectiveness and our bespoke training courses are the ideal way to develop your management population’s skills and capability, whilst our unique range of innovative products provide cost-effective solutions to your HR issues. Whatever your requirements, we can provide tailored, innovative and practical advice, strategies and solutions. As well as guiding you or your HR department through the everyday employment issues that arise, we also regularly deliver products and services across a number of specialist areas.
Clients (5)
- Amey Services Limited
- Chivas Brothers Limited
- Beam Suntory
- Boots
- Scottish Water
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
Shoosmiths defended Amey Services in employment tribunal proceedings concerning claims of age, sex and disability discrimination.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
The team consistently excels in client satisfaction.
Employment respondentUKWe are very confident in turning to Shoosmiths for our most complex issues.
Employment respondentUKThe lawyers at Shoosmiths are very approachable, explain things in layman's terms and take time to understand both you and the organisation.
Employment respondentUKShoosmiths in Scotland have a fantastic team that have taken time to understand us and provide exemplary, fast advice on all employment matters.
Employment respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 3 
Band 3 
Michael McLaughlin
Michael McLaughlin is the head of the employment division at Shoosmiths in Scotland. He assists claimants and employers with employment tribunal cases involving unfair dismissal, breach of contract, and sex and disability discrimination claims. McLaughlin also advises on TUPE issues.
Michael provides expert advice on the most complex employment law issues. In addition to his subject expertise, he has a particular awareness of the public sector environment.
Employment respondentUKMichael is a personable and highly approachable leader who effectively guides the employment team in delivering exceptional client service.
Employment respondentUKMichael is very knowledgeable and provides pragmatic advice that supports the needs of the business.
Employment respondentUKMichael takes the most complex of cases and advises on them in a way that makes them feel manageable.
Employment respondentUK
Associates to watch 
Associates to watch 
Grace Watson
Grace Watson is a senior associate at Shoosmiths and advises employers on a wide range of employment matters, including employment tribunal claims and TUPE transfers.
Grace's deep knowledge and expertise are evident in every interaction, providing confidence in her capabilities.
Employment respondentUKGrace provides strong advice, is easily available and has the ability to break down complex problems into manageable pieces.
Employment respondentUK
Associates to watch 
Associates to watch 
Jennifer Wright
Jennifer Wright is a principal associate at Shoosmiths and handles various matters including whistle-blowing claims and industrial disputes. Jennifer is a very customer-focused and approachable lawyer who has the ability to break a complex problem into simple elements and provide pragmatic advice and guidance.
Employment respondentUKJennifer is an excellent lawyer.
Employment respondentUK
Associates to watch 
Associates to watch 
Samantha Mackie
Samantha Mackie is a senior associate at Shoosmiths. She is frequently called upon to represent employers in employment tribunal claims.
Her knowledge in the field is evident, as she provides expert guidance and support.
Employment respondentUKSamantha always has a sense of how to get to the right result and is good under pressure.
Employment respondentUKSam is incredibly knowledgeable and extraordinarily tactical.
Employment respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at Shoosmiths LLP (4)
Members
Provided by Shoosmiths LLP

Paul Stokey
Head of Department

Jennifer Wright
View profile of Jennifer Wright
Michael McLaughlin
View profile of Michael McLaughlin
Samantha Mackie
View profile of Samantha Mackie
Grace Watson
View profile of Grace Watson
Shoosmiths LLP has rankings in the following guides
Band 3 UK 2026
Practice area: Employment
Location: Yorkshire: South and West
View department profile for UK 2026
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