About
Provided by Withers LLP
Withers' respected team of employment lawyers is widely recognised for handling complex and sensitive cases for both employers and senior executives. With leading practitioners at the cutting edge of law, we pride ourselves on achieving outstanding results for our clients, whatever their unique situation.
Renowned for our work with senior executives and high-net-worth individuals across a wide array of sectors, including PR/media, luxury brands and fashion, financial services and charities, we are experts in complex international employment negotiations and disputes. Together with our regulatory specialists, we also have a notable expertise advising on regulatory employment matters for clients across the financial services sector.
We build long-standing relationships as trusted advisors with many well-known employers, private, public and not-for-profit companies. Acting as an extension of their team, clients call on us for everything from day to day advice to employment disputes, restructuring or crisis management.
Representing both employers and senior executives gives us unique insight into the tactics of the 'other side', offering practical advice from both sides of the spectrum to ensure we stay one step ahead.
Chambers Review
Withers LLP is renowned for its employment advice to senior professionals, including those working in media, technology and financial services. The team advises these clients on contract negotiations at the beginning of their employment, right through to exit negotiations. The lawyers at Withers are also highly capable when it comes to disputes resulting from breakdowns of those employment relationships. The team also works with employer clients, with a focus on mid-sized financial services groups and high-end brands. It also has notable expertise advising on regulatory employment matters.
Work Highlights
- Withers acted for the CEO of G4S in respect of the negotiation of a new contract following takeover of G4S by Allied Universal.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Withers' advice and support has been invaluable in navigating complex legal situations with a very pragmatic approach."
"In addition to their impressive legal knowledge, they also understand the commercial and reputational nuances that affect us and take this into consideration when providing their advice."
"Not only do they handle complex and sophisticated matters, they do it efficiently and in a way that is easy to understand. I dealt with different individuals on the team and was delighted with the levels of service and speed of response."
"The HR and employment advice has been superb. Their depth of knowledge, even in quite niche specialist areas, has been outstanding, and their advice has been leavened with sage experience and commercial practicality."
"Withers' service levels are high and they are extremely responsive."
"Withers' advice and support has been invaluable in navigating complex legal situations with a very pragmatic approach."
"In addition to their impressive legal knowledge, they also understand the commercial and reputational nuances that affect us and take this into consideration when providing their advice."
"Not only do they handle complex and sophisticated matters, they do it efficiently and in a way that is easy to understand. I dealt with different individuals on the team and was delighted with the levels of service and speed of response."
"The HR and employment advice has been superb. Their depth of knowledge, even in quite niche specialist areas, has been outstanding, and their advice has been leavened with sage experience and commercial practicality."
"Withers' service levels are high and they are extremely responsive."
Notable Practitioners
Elaine Aarons is distinguished by the depth of her experience advising senior executives. She is noted for her work on terminations and investigations, and is valued for her understanding of the financial services sector. She is an advocate for women in the workplace, having founded One Loud Voice for Women, an organisation which aims to achieve workplace gender equality.
"I found Elaine to be very methodical and knowledgeable. She articulately outlined the scope and clearly explained options as well as critical limitations applied to my case."
"Elaine has a proven track record of excellence in getting the best possible outcomes for her clients."
Meriel Schindler maintains an excellent reputation for her work representing senior employees. Her diverse practice sees her advising clients on exits, team moves and restrictive covenants.
"Meriel is a fantastic operator. She has high levels of technical ability, with a thoughtful, understanding approach to delivering advice."
"A simply brilliant lawyer who guides clients through the human elements and the legal complexities with intelligence and sensitivity."
"Meriel is a savvy and uber-experienced leader in employment. Her advice is focused on the critical elements important to the client and circumstance."
Claire Christy is co-head of the employment practice at Withers. She is distinguished by her wide-ranging practice as well as for her work with Italian-headquartered companies.
"Claire is practical, patient, calm, focused, commercial and intellectually sharp."
"She is very smart, very approachable, deeply compassionate and she writes and negotiates well. She is the lawyer you'd want to have."
James Hockin assists clients with a variety of issues including employment terminations, whistle-blowing and disciplinary investigations.
"James has been an excellent partner. He is technical, commercial and has gained a swift understanding of the nuances around our business."
"He is an astonishingly good lawyer. I could not possibly have got the result I did without his help. He is exceptionally good on technical details; he is enormously knowledgeable and fantastic at dealing with cross-border matters, which is immeasurably helpful."
Alexandra Thompson acts as a key resource to a number of organisations seeking guidance on general HR matters as well as employment grievances.
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Provided by Withers LLP