Employment in Northern Ireland

A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP

The employment team at A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP covers the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment law mandates. The firm’s expertise extends to tribunal cases covering unfair dismissals, discrimination and whistleblowing. Drawing on the firm’s strengths in the Republic of Ireland and London, the team represents multinational clients on commercial and procurement employment law matters. Team lead Gareth Walls is a go-to for major financial services clients, handling employment monitoring and litigation issues. Aisling Byrne specialises in employment-related data protection matters, while Shirley Blair has extensive expertise in the education sector. Other key practitioners include Rob Tubman, who is highlighted for his experience with corporate immigration work, while Johanna Cunningham has a demonstrable strength in data breach issues related to employees.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gareth Walls


Autres avocats clés:

Aisling Byrne; Shirley Blair; Rob Tubman; Johanna Cunningham; Lauren Hudson


Les références

‘The team’s attention to detail for the client is outstanding. Every client is an individual, and the competencies are brilliant in terms of approach, drafting of documents, checking in, and execution. The best team I have ever worked with, and that comes from both as a business and in a single client capacity.’

‘Aisling Byrne goes above and beyond. That may sound simple, but every email is answered in a timely fashion and the care is palpable every time you meet in person. Lauren Hudson shares these same values as well and exemplifies the key values that Aisling is leading on.’ 

‘Aisling Byrne and Lauren Hudson talked me through the whole process and I felt very supported. The negotiation with the Barrister and claimant was handled so professionally and quickly. The outcome for both parties was positive and I do believe this was because of how well Aisling & Lauren approached the whole case.’ 

Principaux clients

Citi


Danske Bank


Kingsbridge Private Hospital


BDO (LLP) NI


Anglo Beef Processors Ltd (ABP Ltd)


Northern Ireland Water


Sabanci Holdings


CPL


Spence & Partners


Allstate


Principaux dossiers


  • Handled multiple Tribunal claims and dealt with complex queries on Citi’s behalf.
  • Continued to provide support on a range of complex employment law mandates for Danske Bank.

Carson McDowell

The employment team at Carson McDowell provides blue-chip companies with advice on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including trade union disputes and the employment aspects of major sales. Team lead Orlagh O’Neill is a specialist in contentious employment advice and handles complex discrimination claims. Rachel Penny leads on advisory, project-based and contentious employment tribunal mandates. Sarah Cochrane is a go-to for TUPE-related issues, while Hannah McGrath advises on day-to-day HR matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Orlagh O’Neill


Autres avocats clés:

Rachel Penny; Sarah Cochrane; Hannah McGrath


Les références

‘Great client profile and range of experience.’

‘Detailed sector knowledge and wonderful client handling skills.’

‘They are all very knowledgeable but approachable and have the ability to explain complex pieces of law well and clearly.’

Principaux clients

Translink


Royal Mail Group Limited


Queen’s University Belfast


Ulster University


Flybe


AXA


The Irish League of Credit Unions (via Axa)


Lynas Foodservice Limited


Omexom (Vinci Energies)


Westland Horticulture Limited


ESB / Electric Ireland


Diageo PLC


Currys PLC


Santander PLC


Davy Private Client


British Medical Association


SHS Group


Eakin Healthcare Group


Currys Group


Firmus Energy (Distribution) Limited


Connected Health Limited


Seagate Technology Ireland


Harvey Norman (Trading Ireland) Limited


Slice


Camden Group Limited


TJX UK Limited


Eakin Healthcare Group Limited


Prestige Insurance / AbbeyAutoline


Finnebrogue Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the sellers on the employment aspects of the sale of Firmus Energy (Supply) Limited by its shareholders, Firmus Energy (Distribution) Limited and Equitix, to Yuno Energy pursuant to a competitive auction process.
  • Advised the shareholders of Connected Health Group on the equity investment by BGF, creating 1,000 jobs in the domiciliary care sector in Northern Ireland.
  • Advised Harvey Norman (Trading Ireland) Limited on the employment aspects of the opening of its first store in Great Britain.

Lewis Silkin

The growing employment, immigration and reward team at Lewis Silkin excels at TUPE-related matters, collective bargaining issues and whistleblowing complaints. Ciara Fulton heads the team and has extensive experience in complex discrimination, disciplinary and collective redundancy matters. Paul Gillen, tri-qualified in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and England and Wales, is an expert in DEI claims and policy, while Adam Brett is skilled at advising public and private sector clients on unions and strike action. Emma Grossmith, who joined in March 2024 from Shoosmiths LLP, is well versed in employment issues arising from corporate restructures, outsourcing and M&A. Kevin Gallagher routinely acts for employers in the defence of claims in the High Court.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ciara Fulton


Autres avocats clés:

Paul Gillen; Adam Brett; Emma Grossmith; Kevin Gallagher


Principaux clients

Kainos PLC


9Fin Limited


Tata Steel UK Limited


Mount Charles Group Limited


Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited


Infosys Limited


Uniqlo Europe Limited


Circet Group


Cummins Limited


MCS Talent Group International Limited


Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Circet in NI, ROI, and the UK, handling internal disputes, employment litigation, TUPE applications, and complex investigations.
  • Advising Queen’s University Belfast on complex discrimination and victimisation claims from a serial litigant, involving multiple cases and appeals.
  • Advising Persistent Systems Limited, a global tech and outsourcing company, on all employment law matters across the UK and Ireland, including managing employment litigations cases and employment matters arising on acquisitions and managed services agreements, including application of TUPE across UK and Ireland.

Arthur Cox Belfast

Arthur Cox Belfast’s employment and pensions offering covers pensions, equality and immigration mandates. The department’s immigration unit specialises in visa applications, while the broader team has developed a specialism in the defence of holiday pay claims. The reputed Rosemary Lundy spearheads the team and has an impressive track record of assisting clients with large-scale restructuring and redundancy programmes and with industrial disputes. Chris Fullerton routinely appears before the employment and industrial tribunals on matters concerning discrimination, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing. Madison Bowyer is another notable individual.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rosemary Lundy


Autres avocats clés:

Chris Fullerton; Madison Bowyer


Les références

‘Chris Fullerton is very approachable and very easy to deal with. Always on the other end of the phone if you have any issues.’

‘Very personable and knowledgeable’

‘The team is efficient and has strong expertise.’

Principaux clients

Exponent Private Equity LLP


Moy Park Limited & Thompson Aeroseating Limited


Mc Lean Events Conferences & Media Limited


South West College


Cloud21 Limited


Musgrave Group


Diageo


Americold


NatWest Pension Trustee Limited


EPAM Systems


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Exponent Private Equity LLP, a European private equity firm, on all aspects of the employment due diligence process in the £300m acquisition of the Kingsbridge Private Healthcare Group.
  • Acted for Moy Park Limited in the defence of holiday pay claims.
  • Acted for the Musgrave Group on day-to-day employment issues such as disciplinaries and grievances.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Cleaver Fulton Rankin is well equipped to advise on both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. On the non-contentious front, the team handles day-to-day HR issues, disciplinary and grievance processes, employee handbook policies and the drafting and reviewing of employment contracts. Michael Black is a go-to for the full gamut of employment-related mandates, from unfair dismissal and holiday pay claims to recruitment processes and GDPR-related issues. Florence Smith is active in unlawful discrimination and equal pay claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Black


Autres avocats clés:

Florence Smith


Les références

‘Michael Black is eminently approachable, regardless of the complexity or gravity of the matter. Michael offers practical, commercial advice based on real-world experience and a comprehensive understanding of the employee perspective. Michael’s approach makes him feel like a partner to our business in such matters, rather than an arm’s-length advisor.’

‘The team is very joined up and keeps each other updated on developments, such that as you speak with different team members, they are all up to speed with the case management. They are all subject matter experts in terms of the various employment law matters I have accessed their advice upon.’

‘Michael Black is the employment law partner, and I have found his advice to be particularly insightful and strategic in nature. We have always gotten a successful outcome.’

Principaux clients

First Derivatives PLC


DailyPay Inc / DailyPay (NI) Ltd


Invest NI


Bamford Bus Company Holdings Limited t/a Wrightbus


Artemis Technologies Limited


Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council


National Museums Northern Ireland


Principaux dossiers


  • Providing employment law advice as well as business immigration assistance to Bamford Bus Company Holdings Limited t/a Wrightbus.

Elliott Duffy Garrett

The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ employment team at Elliott Duffy Garrett advises a diverse clientele, including family businesses, charities and social enterprises, and clients in the education sector. Practice head Adrienne Brock is an expert in contentious matters surrounding unfair dismissals, disability and employee grievances. Julie Anne Clarke is the key port of call for representing clients before the Tribunal in matters including holiday pay claims and discrimination claims related to pensions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adrienne Brock


Autres avocats clés:

Julie Anne Clarke


Les références

‘The employment team at Elliot Duffy Garrett ensures that they fully understand the needs of the client and offer pragmatic advice to ensure that client needs are met in the most effective way.’

‘The individuals are extremely knowledgeable, professional and personable and always prepared to go the extra mile to ensure that client needs are met even when this is at very short notice. The team are also very approachable and prepared to take time to explain their advice and recommendations.’

Principaux clients

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Association Ltd


Assumption Grammar School


DHL Services Ltd


Ulster Bank


United Dairy Farmers Ltd


Apex Housing Association Ltd


Special EU Programmes Body


The Cooneen Group


Energia Group NI Holdings Ltd


Hughes Precast Products Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Hughes Precast Products Limited in the successful defence of a contentious claim of unfair dismissal.

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

Millar McCall Wylie LLP‘s employment team provides both contentious and non-contentious employment advice, supporting the firm’s growing corporate transactions offering. Jan Cunningham heads up the team and has a niche in employment issues in the sports sector. Rounding out the team’s key practitioners is David Mitchell, who specialises in unfair dismissal and discrimination law, and Sian McConnell, who joined in February 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jan Cunningham


Autres avocats clés:

David Mitchell; Sian McConnell


Les références

‘The straightforwardness, clear explanations, and the efficiencies of the correspondence stand out. Responses and guidance are always in a very timely manner.’

‘Always professional, explains the cases in very simple terms, and is always available.’

‘Sian was my main point of contact and from our initial introduction, she was extremely attentive, providing advice and information quickly and often.’

Principaux clients

Zen Orthodontics


Aurion Learning Limited


Tobermore Concrete Products Limited


Fraser Partners Limited


Conway Group Healthcare


Tesla


Bachus Inn Limited


Anchor Bar Complex Limited


247 Aviation Limited


Elmford Limited


Northern Ireland Screen


Irish Rugby Football Union


UNISON


FP McCann Limited


Qarik Group Limited


United Performance Metals Limited


Mannok Build Limited


RMS Cash Solutions Limited t/a Pivotal


Keystone Lintels Limited


Ulster Hockey


Calor Gas


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Ulster Rugby on the early exit of head coach Dan McFarland.
  • Advised Qarik Group on the TUPE implications of its purchase by Egen AI.
  • Advised Tesla in respect of people management and restructure.

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP‘s employment and reward team is active in advising an enviable clientele of both local and multinational clients on a broad range of issues, from day-to-day HR support to defending clients in both the Industrial Tribunal and Employment Tribunal. Equipped with a ‘wealth of knowledge in employment law’, tri-qualified Craig Patterson heads up the practice and distinguishes himself for representing clients on sensitive discrimination cases. Laura McManus, who joined from Eversheds Sutherland in November 2024, supports Patterson in handling major Tribunal claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Craig Patterson


Autres avocats clés:

Laura McManus


Les références

‘The team has a wealth of knowledge in employment law and is led by Craig Patterson.’

‘Craig Patterson is approachable, knowledgeable and modern. He has commercial awareness that he has developed through years of work with large organisations.’

‘What sets Pinsent Masons apart is their deep expertise, commercial awareness, and commitment to client service. The team understands the complexities of employment law but delivers advice in a way that is clear, actionable, and aligned with our business objectives. They have supported us with a wide range of matters, including complex employee relations issues, TUPE, restructuring, discrimination claims, and policy development and their ability to handle both routine and high-risk cases with confidence is a key strength.’

Principaux clients

Primark Limited


Breedon Group PLC


Enva Northern Ireland Limited


Tata Steel Group


Survitec Group Limited


Royal London


London School of Economics


Fujitsu Services Limited


Serco Limited


SSE


Strategic Power Projects


Synova


Totalmobile Limited


Portman Healthcare Limited


BA Kitchen Components Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for the respondent, Bouygues E&S Contracting UK Limited, in a race discrimination case which has reached the Court of Appeal on a new point of law.
  • Acted for Shackleton Advisers Limited, backed by longstanding private equity client Sovereign Capital Partners, on four further acquisitions as it continues its national expansion.

Rosemary Connolly Solicitors Limited

Located in Warrenpoint, ‘gold standard’ boutique firm Rosemary Connolly Solicitors Limited stands out for its strong track record in representing claimants in employment-related litigation. Eponymous practice head Rosemary Connolly is renowned for representing clients in the full gamut of claims, including significant sex discrimination, equal pay and victimisation cases. Co-head Leanne Murphy is also highly praised and focuses on claimant-based disputes alongside defending employers in commercial employment mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rosemary Connolly; Leanne Murphy


Les références

‘The firm is the gold standard in NI for equality and employment law, and the firm’s Principal, Rosemary Connolly, is a force in the local market and beyond when it comes to disputes on employment law and discrimination. The firm benefits from a people-centred approach; each client feels valued and heard. The firm excels in case preparation.’

‘Rosemary Connolly’s extensive knowledge of employment law and discrimination law really ‘moves the needle’ for clients; choosing Rosemary has a huge impact on a client’s prospects of success. Rosemary will ‘stress test’ cases to ensure there is a strong case to dispute and outline risks in advance; if there is a way to resolve disputes amicably and in line with client expectations, Rosemary will find it. Rosemary has a genuine interest in helping her clients; she is invested in their problems and how to resolve them, and is mindful of how the dispute process can impact people. ’

‘The team at Rosemary Connolly Solicitors Limited brings warmth and empathy to the service they provide, which really sets them apart from other firms.  They genuinely care about their clients and are committed to achieving the best outcomes for them. When this is added to their expertise in the law, they are unbeatable.’

Tughans

The employment team at Tughans is well-versed in contentious and non-contentious employment matters, covering complex outsourcing, pensions and privacy matters. Team lead Patricia Rooney is ‘the go-to’ and is adept at advising clients on unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. Jack Balmer is ‘a rising star’ and has extensive experience supporting clients in business restructuring and redundancies. Another name to note is Emma Doherty, who routinely advises on the employment aspects of corporate transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Patricia Rooney


Autres avocats clés:

Jack Balmer; Emma Doherty


Les références

‘Tughans LLP has provided my organisation with expert advice on employment matters. This has always been received promptly, on time, and in plain English. Follow-up calls are offered as part of the service and to clarify any questions I may have.’

‘Patricia Rooney provides consistently exceptional advice and service. She is prompt at replying to emails or making herself available to speak to me about employment matters.’

‘They are able to provide both Northern Irish and Irish legal advice, which is particularly important and difficult to find in Northern Ireland.’

Principaux clients

Northern Ireland Water Limited


Agri Food and Biosciences Institute


Monaghan Mushrooms Group


Business Grown Fund


MML Growth Capital


Foresight Group


Fourds Limited t/a Bloc Blinds


UForm Holdings


Metacompliance Limited


Eversheds Sutherland

The employment team at Eversheds Sutherland is well equipped to advise on complex contentious and non-contentious matters, including employee grievances, group pay claims and disputes. The Belfast employment department provides an all-Ireland offering and advises clients both locally and internationally. The ‘highly regarded’ Ian McFarland leads the team and stands out for his expertise in the full gamut of employment matters, including internal investigations, restructuring processes and discrimination claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ian McFarland


Les références

‘They are extremely easy to work with and always available for advice. Advice given is always precise and covers exactly what you need from them.’

‘You know the information you are being given is correct and you have no reason to doubt what they are telling you.’

‘The advice given is always clear, concise, on time and pragmatic, and provides a very reassuring legal basis. Communication is excellent with emails acknowledged and timescales given for expected responses. These timescales have always been met.’

Principaux clients

Ann’s Home Care


Budget Energy Limited


CDE Global Limited


DFDS Seaways Plc


DFS


Edgewater Contracts & Specialist Joinery


Fortus Group Holdings Limited


Grange Farm (NI) Limited


Greentown Environmental Limited


GXO Logistics


Hypixel Studios Limited


Kingfisher plc – B&Q


Kingspan Water & Energy Limited


Lloyds Banking Group


Lookers plc


Marks & Spencer plc


Mediahuis


Northern Ireland Hospice


Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland


Saica Pack UK Limited


Sysco


Thompson Aero Seating Limited


TSYS Global Pay


Walsin Limited


Westrock


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided employment support to Solina Group UK on the acquisition of Rich Sauces.
  • Providing day-to-day employment advice and support to Ann’s Care Homes.
  • Assisted with the employment aspects of the acquisition of Pure Fit Out from its administrator.

Napier Solicitors

Napier Solicitors is dedicated to supporting public sector clients, with a particular emphasis on advising educational institutions, religious organisations and charities. Paul Upson heads up the team and handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, focusing on educational authorities and grammar schools.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Upson


Les références

‘We have always received an excellent standard of service from Napiers, and consistently find that they act in our best interests in the sound advice we receive when we are dealing with some very complex cases. We feel they are fair in their billing and have an excellent breadth of experience across all areas of the Practice. I have recommended this Practice to many other clients and will have no hesitation in continuing to do so.

‘Paul has always impressed me with his work ethic, and I rely on and value his patience, knowledge and excellent advice. His breadth of knowledge and experience as a Practitioner of Employment Law has given me confidence in dealing with and taking many difficult actions and decisions. Paul is an excellent communicator and is always readily available to me as a client;I have found the quality of his written communications to be exemplary and second to none.’

‘As a school, we appreciate the level of knowledge and understanding of this small school sector. Napiers’ understanding of our particular governance structure is invaluable.’

Principaux clients

Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS)


Education Authority


Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry


CCL Label Ireland Ltd


Down and Connor Diocesan Trust


Diocese of Derry


Dromore Diocesan Trust


Archdiocese of Armagh


Aquinas Grammar School


St Malachy’s College, Belfast


Friends’ School Lisburn


Enniskillen Royal Grammar School


Campbell College, Belfast


Thornhill College, Derry


Our Lady & St Patrick’s College, Knock, Belfast


Dominican College, Fortwilliam


Malone Integrated College, Belfast


St Ronan’s College, Lurgan


Lecale Trinity Grammar, Downpatrick


St Michael’s College, Enniskillen


Erne Integrated College


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for an education sector client at a tribunal hearing in defence of a claim for unfair dismissal brought by a teacher who was dismissed due to her sickness absence record.
  • Defended a claim against an education sector client in relation to alleged sex discrimination relating to the workplace dress code.
  • Defended a claim against an education sector client in relation to alleged disability discrimination and harassment.

Worthingtons

Worthingtons' employment department has extensive experience representing local councils in the defence of high court and tribunal claims. In addition to local councils, the firm regularly acts for insurance companies on employment law matters. The ‘exceptional’ Louise McAloon is well-versed in internal issues, including disciplinary and grievance matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Louise McAloon


Les références

‘The team provides high-quality advice and is very responsive to the changing demands of the council as employers. We have had significant workforce challenges that have been supported by Worthingtons and they are always open to considering options as well as risk, talking us through our assessment of levels of risk that the council is prepared to take. They are responsive, helpful on all matters, solution-focused focused and always seek the latest case law to inform our decisions.’

‘Louise McAloon is exceptional; she is very professional and engaging. Despite a hectic workload, she always responds to assist us in meeting deadlines. She is very personable and always explains options with a level of technical detail that meets the understanding of managers.’

Principaux clients

Derry City & Strabane District Council


Mid & East Antrim Borough Council


Newry Mourne & Down District Council


Fermanagh & Omagh District Council


Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council


North West Regional College


South West College


Advice North West


MacNaughton Blair Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully advised a local employer in relation to the defence of a dispute in relation the end of WFH arrangements and the return to office-based working.
  • Advising a local public authority in relation to the defence of Industrial Tribunal and High Court proceedings being brought by a former employee, who is alleging discrimination, whistleblowing detriment and constructive dismissal relating to a series of disputed allegations over a 5-year period.