Emma Thompson

Emma is a joint Managing Partner and Head of the firms’ Employment team. She also leads the firms’ Commercial offering.

Emma's practice serves a broad range of clients, from commercial businesses to senior executives and high-net-worth individuals. Her extensive experience and reputation for giving responsive, pragmatic, and commercial advice make her highly respected in the field.

The Education Sector is a key specialism for Emma. She advises both public and independent schools and nurseries, and has been a representative and integral part of one of the largest Multi Academy Trusts (MATs), in South of London, since 2011.

Areas of Expertise include:

Strategic Contractual Guidance: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex employment contracts, directors' service agreements, and consultancy agreements, alongside the development of robust policies and procedures.

Protection of Business Interests: Providing expert counsel on post-termination restrictions, garden leave clauses, confidentiality, and intellectual property.

Corporate Transaction Expertise: Advising on TUPE regulations and employment implications within corporate transactions.

Operational Employment Management: Navigating day-to-day employment challenges, including disciplinary, ill-health, capability, and grievance procedures.

Strategic Restructuring and Dismissal: Guiding clients through redundancy, business reorganizations, and dismissals, including representation in employment tribunals.

Contractual Dispute Resolution: Advising on changes to terms of employment, contractual disputes, and pay discrepancies.

Discrimination and Harassment Litigation: Representing clients in all forms of discrimination and harassment claims.

Family Rights and Flexible Working: Advising on maternity, paternity, flexible working, and parental rights.

Negotiated Resolutions: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating compromise, settlement, and severance agreements.

Following her graduation from Reading University and completion of the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, London, Emma gained valuable experience at a London law firm. She then commenced her training contract with Thackray Williams. In 2012 she was appointed as Partner within the Employment Law Team, culminating in her leadership of the department from January 2015.

Kent Women in Business Awards

Business Legacy

2025