Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Employment - North East
What the Team is Known For
Ward Hadaway houses a highly regarded team of employment specialists with an enviable client list that includes some of the largest employers in Newcastle and the North East. The firm attracts a high number of SMEs thanks to its HR Protect fixed-fee offering. The team works with clients on the full range of employment-related matters including the defence of employment litigation claims, advice on transactions, large restructurings and day-to-day matters. The team is notable for its ability to advise clients with unionised workforces on collective consultation as well as disputes with unions. The firm merged with The Endeavour Partnership in July 2025.
Strengths
Ward Hadaway always has people available at the right level to support any needs we have.
The team has a strong wealth of knowledge and has always been able to offer us the right solution. All areas of employment law are covered by the team.
The firm demonstrates its technical knowledge and translates it in a way we can use.
Ward Hadaway always give the best and most up-to-date advice. It is extremely knowledgeable and always find a way to fit us in when we have a complex situation ongoing.
Ward Hadaway has exceptional proficiency in navigating legal landscapes, addressing complex matters with insight and precision. It provides exemplary service delivering prompt insightful support.
Work Highlights
Ward Hadaway successfully defended North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust in a long-running equal pay claim.
Notable practitioners
Paul Scope is an experienced partner who handles a range of employment work. He has particular strength in employment tribunal claims and is known for his advice on contractual changes. He is also experienced in advising on trade union issues, including de-recognition and revised recognition, as well as senior executive terminations.
Paul Scope is sensible, good to deal with, knowledgeable and pleasant.
Jamie Gamble is head of the Newcastle employment team at Ward Hadaway. He advises employers, including those in the third sector, on a range of matters including TUPE, tribunal claims, restructurings and transactional employment matters.
Jamie consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to providing exemplary service. Jamie's expertise, integrity and strategic insight have been invaluable.
I totally trust his knowledge, support and guidance for our business. Not only for employment law, but also for his training offerings and mental health and well-being seminars.
Graham Vials is the head of education at Ward Hadaway and specialises in advising employers in that sector. He is able to turn his hand to both contentious and non-contentious matters. He has experience advising on strike action, and discrimination and unfair dismissal claims.
Graham Vials is very proactive, and whilst experienced and knowledgeable he takes a practical approach in understanding the challenges we are facing.
Stephen Elliott has gained recognition for his broad-ranging employment work, covering matters such as employment tribunal claim and senior executive exits.
Stephen Elliott provides outstanding levels of advice, support and guidance.
Stephen is a valued counsel to our team.
Theresa Carling is experienced in handling senior-level departures, as well as Employment Tribunal discrimination claims.
Theresa always provides fantastic support and gives us comfort with her approach and guidance.
Theresa Carling is very good. She's commercial and personable.
Tom Shears is an associate in the employment practice at Ward Hadaway. He represents clients across a range of sectors on matters including employment tribunal litigation, investigations, TUPE transfers, and restructuring and redundancy processes.
Tom is practical; he's been very good.
Tom's support was invaluable.
Alan Kennedy advises clients on a range of employment matters including discrimination and unfair dismissal claims, as well as redundancy proceedings. His clients come from both the public and private sectors, including education and charity.
Alan has steered us through highly complex and sensitive cases very skilfully.
Alan is a pleasure to work with in difficult circumstances. His calm, reassuring approach as well as his expertise and experience are vital.