Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides ‘outstanding’ support to an impressive roster of national and international clients, spanning major retail and sports organisations, charities, landed estates and high-net-worth individuals. The Cheltenham team is led by Ben Smith, who relocated his practice from the Guilford office in early 2024. Smith advises leading international retail companies and domestic non-for-profit clients on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Kelly Evans represents clients in whistleblowing, unfair dismissal and discrimination claims, as well as advising on complex TUPE matters. The ‘excellent’ Izzie Beddard is another key contact. Former practice head Sara Wilson is now in a knowledge development role at the firm.

The employment team at Clarke Willmott LLP leverages cross-sector expertise to advise on a range of employment, data protection and business immigration matters. The team is co-led by national practice head Marc Long in Southampton and Taunton-based Paula Squire, who advises employers, boards and senior executives on the full gamut of employment matters. Squire boasts notable expertise in the education sector, handling trade union negotiations, TUPE transfers and advising on the formation of academies. Kathryn Walters has extensive experience in Employment Tribunal litigation, representing clients in whistleblowing, unfair dismissal and discrimination cases.

The ‘impressive and high-performing team’ at Harrison Clark Rickerbys is sought after by leading private and public sector clients for corporate support and strategic advice on a wide array of employment matters. Notable specialisms include employment issues arising from M&A, insolvencies and redundancies, as well as engaging in employee relations dispute resolution. In Cheltenham, team lead Rachel Roberts offers ‘exemplary’ advice to employers, senior executives and directors, while Catherine Mitchell handles sensitive employment disputes. Legal director Rowena Kay specialises in employment matters within the tech and cyber sectors, while associate Ellis Jessica Walby is noted for her expertise in post-termination restrictive covenant disputes.

The employment practice at Willans LLP has developed a strong reputation for handling discrimination and whistleblowing cases, defending employers in sensitive Employment Tribunal litigation. The Cheltenham team is jointly led by Jenny Hawrot, who advises large-scale organisations and SMEs on TUPE and equal pay matters; data protection expert Matthew Clayton, who also heads up the firm’s governance and risk practice; and Simon Pathé, who harnesses extensive litigation experience to represent clients in discrimination and whistleblowing cases. The team was bolstered by the arrival of senior associate Hifsa O’Kelly in June 2024, who has a robust Employment Tribunal litigation practice.

The ‘highly responsive’ team at BPE Solicitors LLP is well-equipped to handle a mix of contentious and non-contentious employment matters for national SMEs and publicly listed companies. Practice head Sarah Lee defends clients against a wide range of Employment Tribunal claims, including constructive dismissal, pregnancy and maternity discrimination claims. Lee is also noted for a specialism in restrictive covenant litigation, while senior associate Steve Conlay handles mental health and disability claims within the education sector. The team was bolstered by the arrival of Stephen Conlan in February 2024, who leverages expertise in employment litigation and strategic advisory support to act for commercial clients.

The employment team at Porter Dodson LLP offers a ‘sensible, practical and solutions-focused’ approach to clients across a range of industries, with a particularly strong presence in the care and medical sector. In Yeovil, practice co-head Sarah Young is well equipped to handle complex grievance and disciplinary investigations, joined by Taunton-based Laura Roper, a specialist in employment litigation. Kate Shawcross is recommended for the full spectrum of employment law matters, including day-to-day HR support, as well as tribunal litigation.

Stone King LLP is well regarded for its expertise in the education sector, harnessing its ‘deep profile’ to act for state schools and higher education colleges in the full scope of employment matters. In Bath, Peter Woodhouse acts in Employment Tribunal cases involving unfair dismissal and discrimination claims; and Jean Boyle leads the firm’s national education sector team, with notable experience in high-profile trade union and industrial action matters; while the ‘highly efficient’ James Barratt has developed a niche in shared parental leave issues.

The ‘excellent’ employment team at Wilsons continued expanding its offering, with growing expertise in data protection, trade union and gig economy issues. In Salisbury, Anthony Edwards heads up the practice, advising employers and senior executives across the commercial, educational and charitable sectors. Debbie Ashenhurst handles director and shareholder disputes, while Jenifer Martindale harnesses expertise in restrictive covenant issues. The ‘brilliant’ Sophia Zand and Natasha Letchford are other names to note.